These Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are juicy and full of flavor! Made with ground chicken, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, they make a tasty dinner.
I love how quick they are to whip up—perfect for busy nights. Serve them on a bun with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of your burgers. You can swap it for ground turkey for a leaner option or even use ground beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that beef will change the flavor profile slightly!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice flavor and creaminess. I like sharp cheddar for a strong taste, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick!
Ranch Dressing: Ranch not only adds flavor but also moisture. If you want a healthier choice, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs or a homemade ranch seasoning with buttermilk.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the burger. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed oats as an alternative. I sometimes use crushed crackers for a fun twist!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken Burgers Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken burgers can be tricky because you want them to be juicy but fully cooked. The key is using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Preheat your skillet or grill to medium heat. This ensures even cooking.
- Cook the patties for about 6-7 minutes on each side, but check them at around the 6-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
- Placing the bacon on in the last minute helps it heat without getting soggy.
Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cooked bacon
- Extra ranch dressing for serving
- Optional: lettuce, tomato, and pickles for toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have tasty chicken burgers ready in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined. It should feel sticky but not wet.
2. Shaping the Patties:
Once mixed, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a burger patty, making them slightly thicker in the middle so they cook evenly. Place them on a plate as you go.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Preheat your skillet or grill over medium heat. If your cooking surface tends to stick, you can lightly oil it. Carefully place the burger patties onto the skillet or grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Adding Bacon and Toasting Buns:
When the patties are almost done cooking, place a slice of cooked bacon on each patty to warm it up in the last minute. Meanwhile, toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster so they’re crispy and delicious.
5. Assembling the Burgers:
It’s time to build your burgers! Start by spreading some ranch dressing on the bottom half of each bun. Place a chicken patty with bacon on top and add any optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each burger.
6. Serving:
Serve your delicious Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers immediately. Don’t forget to have some extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give you a similar taste and texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How Can I Make These burgers Gluten-Free?
No problem! You can easily use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Just check the label on your ranch dressing as some contain gluten, and opt for a gluten-free brand to keep everything safe!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the chicken mixture and shape the patties a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or refrigerate them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just take them out and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to keep the buns crispy, you can toast them lightly again!
