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Whenever I need a tasty, filling meal that doesn't take long to whip up, this cheesy ranch chicken burger is my go-to. Mixing ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese into ground chicken makes these patties super juicy. They're way better than anything you'd get from a drive-thru.
I came up with this meal when I needed to shake up our dinners last summer. My family instantly fell in love. Now it's what they beg for anytime friends come over or we want an easy crowd-pleaser.
Tasty Ingredients
- Burger buns go with a soft brioche if you want more flavor, or a whole grain one for some extra nutrition
- Bacon brings a rich, smoky crunch that matches the juicy chicken
- Fresh veggies like crispy lettuce or ripe tomato make it fresh and add some crunch
- Shredded cheddar cheese melts into pockets for extra gooey bites in every patty
- Diced onion brings a bit of sweetness so nothing is dry
- Fresh garlic cloves add a punch you just can't get from the dried kind
- Ranch seasoning mix brings in a bunch of flavor without a shelf full of spices
- Plain bread crumbs help keep everything together and add the right texture
- Egg helps hold the patties together so they're easy to flip
- Ground chicken is a healthy base that still turns out juicy with the right mix-ins
Easy Steps to Make It
- Put everything together
- Toss your ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, ranch mix, onion, garlic, and cheddar into a big bowl. Gently squish everything with your hands until it just comes together. Don’t go nuts or your burgers get tough. Stop when it’s all mixed.
- Form the burgers
- Split the mix into 6 and shape each chunk into a patty. Make them a bit bigger than your buns—they shrink a little as they cook. Press a tiny dip in the middle of each one with your thumb so they don’t puff up.
- Crank up the heat
- Pour a bit of oil in a skillet and warm it on medium. Cook the patties for about 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through—aim for 165°F inside. If you want even more melted cheese, top them right before you’re done.
- Put it all together
- Lightly toast your buns so they don’t get soggy. Smear ranch on each side, stack on your chicken burger, then pile on crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, or whatever else you like. Pop the top bun on and dig in.
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The ranch blend really makes these shine. I tried out tons of flavors and ranch was the hands-down winner. Now, even my picky kid eats these happily and asks for seconds.
Storing Leftovers
These stay great after cooking if you pack them right. Pop cooked burgers in a sealed container in the fridge, where they'll be good for about three days. To bring them back to life, use a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or warm them in the microwave with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out. Want to freeze ahead? Form patties, separate with parchment paper, and freeze raw. They cook up straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes per side.
Switch It Up
These burgers are perfect if you want to get creative. Heat things up with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Doing the low carb thing? Skip the bun, use lettuce as a wrap, and add avocado for something creamy. If you’re in a Mediterranean mood, try feta cheese and a dollop of tzatziki on top. Ground chicken works with pretty much any flavors you throw at it.
Awesome Sides to Try
Round out your meal with some tasty sides. Sweet potato fries bring a little sweetness to balance out the ranch. A zingy vinegar slaw makes everything taste lighter and brighter. You can also go simple with a leafy green salad and a splash of lemony vinaigrette. To wash it all down, a chilled lager or fizzy water with lime is just right and won’t hide those burger flavors.
Common Queries
- → How should I cook chicken patties for the best result?
You can grill, pan-fry, or bake these patties. Grilling adds smokiness, stovetop cooking keeps them juicy, and baking gives you a hands-off option.
- → What keeps chicken patties moist and flavorful?
Avoid handling the meat too much to keep the patties from drying out. Mix in moisture-boosters like cheddar cheese or finely chopped onions and don't overcook them.
- → Can I prepare these patties in advance?
Sure! Make them up to a day early and store them in the fridge. Pop them in the fridge for about 20 minutes before cooking so they're firm and easy to handle.
- → What are some topping ideas for these chicken burgers?
Go for bacon, lettuce, tomato, and ranch drizzle for a classic vibe. Or switch it up with avocado, pickles, onions, or spicy jalapeños!
- → Are these patties freezer-friendly?
Yep! You can freeze them raw by layering with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Thaw them when you're ready to cook for the best texture.
- → What can I serve on the side with these chicken burgers?
Try pairing with fries, coleslaw, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.