Ground Chicken Burger

This Ground Chicken Burger recipe mixes ground chicken, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese for juicy, flavor-packed patties.

this Recipe

So, here’s the real story: I didn’t plan this burger. It wasn’t some Pinterest-worthy kitchen moment with jazz playing in the background. Nope. I was standing in front of the fridge in sweatpants, trying to convince myself not to order takeout again. I had one lonely pound of ground chicken, a crumpled packet of ranch seasoning from a taco night that never happened, and just enough cheddar to make me feel hopeful.

I swear, I stared at that ground chicken like it owed me rent.

Out of pure desperation (and with no small amount of skepticism), I threw in the ranch packet, some bacon I miraculously had leftover, and cheese. I didn’t even know if it would hold together, let alone taste good. But I grilled it anyway—because hope springs eternal, right?

And you guys… I took one bite of that Ground Chicken Burger, and suddenly everything felt a little better. The chicken was juicy. The ranch gave it zing. The cheese melted into every bite, and the bacon? Crunchy little pockets of joy. My husband walked in, grabbed one, took a bite, and said, “Is this from that chicken I was going to throw out?” I said yes. He shrugged and went back for seconds.

I’m not saying this burger fixes all life problems. But it might save dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Burger Recipe?

Let’s be real—most ground chicken burgers are bland. They’re the kind of thing people make when they’re “watching what they eat,” which is code for “this will taste like nothing, but I’ll pretend it’s fine.”

But this burger? It doesn’t apologize for being made with chicken. It leans in. We’re giving it a serious flavor upgrade with ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar. It’s juicy, a little salty, a little creamy, and fully satisfying. Like, you eat it and don’t go rummaging for snacks 20 minutes later.

Also? It takes, like, 15 minutes. Which matters when you’re exhausted and everyone keeps asking “what’s for dinner?” like you didn’t already feed them yesterday.

Ingredient Notes:

• 1 lb ground chicken – The pale stuff from the store works, but if you can find one that’s a mix of breast and thigh, grab it. It’s less likely to dry out. But really, use what you’ve got. I’ve even used the frozen kind I forgot to thaw all the way. Still worked.

• 1 ranch dressing seasoning packet – Yup, the dry mix. You could DIY this with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a touch of dill, but honestly, the packet is faster. No shame.

• ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon – This is where I admit I’ve used bacon bits from a jar in a pinch. Were they as good? Nah. Did I regret it? Also nah.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp is best. Mild feels a little… pointless here. And if you’re the person who shreds your own cheese instead of using the bag? Respect. I am not that person on a Tuesday.

• Burger buns – Whatever kind you like. I’ve used brioche, classic sesame, and even two pieces of toast when the buns ran out. It’s still a burger if you eat it with your hands, right?

How To Make Ground Chicken Burger?

Step 1: Mix it up.
Throw everything—chicken, ranch mix, bacon, cheese—into a bowl. Use your hands. Don’t overthink it. If it feels too wet, let it sit in the fridge for 10 minutes. Or don’t. I rarely do, and it’s always fine.

Step 2: Shape the patties.
Divide the mixture into 3 or 4 patties, depending on how big you want them. I usually aim for 4, and one of them always ends up smaller than the others. That’s the one I snack on in the kitchen before dinner. Don’t judge.

Step 3: Grill (or pan-fry, or even bake if you must).
Preheat your grill or skillet. Medium-high works. Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side. You want them browned on the outside and cooked through (165°F if you’re using a thermometer, which I sometimes remember to do).

Step 4: Build your burger.
Pop the cooked patties on buns and go wild with toppings. Tomato, lettuce, onion, avocado, more cheese, spicy mayo… I once added barbecue sauce and a fried egg and it changed my life for a minute.

Storage Options:

Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave if you’re civilized. If you’re me? I eat the leftover patty cold while packing lunchboxes and pretending I’m not still hungry.

You can also freeze uncooked patties. Stack them between parchment paper and freeze flat. Cook them straight from frozen with a few extra minutes. Future you will be grateful.

Variations and Substitutions:

• No ranch packet? Make a quick mix with onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, and salt. Will it taste exactly the same? Nope. Will anyone notice? Probably not.

• No bacon? Add sautéed onions, crispy prosciutto, or honestly just skip it. The cheese does a lot of heavy lifting.

• Don’t do cheese? Try a spoonful of Dijon mustard in the mix instead. Different vibe, still good.

• Need gluten-free? Use GF buns. Double-check your ranch mix too—it sometimes hides gluten.

• Want heat? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. I did this once and it became the “grown-up burger” for me and my husband. The kids got the mild version. Win-win.

What to Serve with Ground Chicken Burger?

• Sweet potato fries – Always.

• Crispy coleslaw – Especially if you add it right on the burger.

• Grilled veggies – For the illusion of balance.

• Potato chips straight from the bag – Because we’re being honest here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake them instead of grilling?
Yes. 400°F for 20 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan, flip halfway. No grill smoke, no problem.

They look kind of loose—will they fall apart?
If the mix feels super wet, pop it in the fridge for a bit. Or just handle them gently on the grill. Mine have held up every time (even the sloppy batches).

Can I prep them in the morning?
Totally. Shape them and refrigerate until dinner. The flavors even get better as they sit.

So… you still thinking about dinner?

Because this Ground Chicken Burger is that scrappy, satisfying, low-effort hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s not perfect. It’s not trying to be. But it is juicy, fast, and full of flavor—and sometimes, that’s exactly what the day calls for.

Give it a shot, and tell me what you added. More bacon? A fried egg? Ate two back-to-back like a legend? I wanna know.

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Amish Onion Patties Recipe

Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Banana Pudding Recipe

Ground Chicken Burger

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Picture sinking your teeth into a delicious Ground Chicken Burger. Where each burger patty is a mix of tender chicken, tangy ranch dressing, crunchy bacon pieces and smooth cheddar cheese. All hugged by soft and warm buns. An extravaganza of the satisfaction that straightforward elements can carry when fused to construct something outstanding. Whether it's a craving or a weekend indulgence. This recipe guarantees pleasure with every morsel. Demonstrating that sometimes the simplest dishes hold delightful surprises. Let's transform dinner into more, than a meal. Let's spin it into a point of savoring.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 1-ounce package ranch dressing mix
• ⅓ c cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
• Hamburger buns

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Instructions

 

1. In a bowl mix together the ground chicken, ranch dressing mix, bacon and cheddar cheese. Stir gently until just combined.
2. Using your hands form the mixture into 3 or 4 patties.
3. Preheat your grill. Grill the patties, for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they have a sear on the outside and are cooked through.
4. Place each cooked patty on a hamburger bun. Add toppings such, as lettuce, tomato or extra cheese to suit your taste.
5. That’s all there is to it! Enjoy your homemade Ground Chicken Burgers.

Notes

To pivot this delectable Ground Chicken Burger into a gluten-free delight. You just ought to construct a few straightforward shifts. Firstly make sure the ranch dressing mix you utilize is ticketed gluten-free. Many brands offer an option that is just as tasty, as the original. Next, swap out the hamburger buns for your gluten-free option. There are a bunch of flavorful gluten-free bun options available in stores. That works well for preserving your juicy burger together without falling apart. Lastly double-check that your bacon and cheese are free from any gluten-containing ingredients that may be present, in processed foods. By making these modifications you can savor a Ground Chicken Burger that is both safe to eat and completely gluten-free.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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