This ultimate crispy cheesy chicken burger is everything a perfect burger should be: crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and layered with rich melted cheese and creamy sauce. Built on a soft toasted brioche bun, this burger delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home while staying simple, clean, and perfectly optimized for food lovers and home cooks. Ideal for dinner, weekend treats, or casual gatherings, this recipe is designed to be timeless, indulgent, and highly satisfying.
Ingredients for the Chicken Burger
For the chicken patties
- 500 g ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For coating
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
For the burger
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce or chopped fresh herbs
For the creamy sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Chicken Patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and olive oil. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the patties dense, so stop as soon as everything comes together.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into thick burger patties. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This helps the patties firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
Breading for Maximum Crispiness
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chilled patty first in flour, then dip into egg, and finally coat generously with panko. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
This triple-layer coating is the secret to achieving that irresistible golden crunch seen in high-quality chicken burgers.
Cooking the Chicken Patties
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Once hot, carefully place the breaded patties into the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt smoothly over the chicken.
Remove the patties and place them on a wire rack or paper towel to rest for a minute, preserving crispness.
Making the Creamy Herb Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. This sauce adds freshness and balance to the richness of the burger and pairs perfectly with crispy chicken and melted cheese.
Assembling the Burger
Slice the brioche buns and toast them lightly until golden. Spread a generous layer of creamy sauce on the bottom bun. Add lettuce or chopped herbs for freshness, then place the crispy cheesy chicken patty on top.
Spoon extra sauce over the patty and finish with the top bun. Press gently and serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Chicken Burger
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a lighter texture.
- Brioche buns provide sweetness that balances savory flavors perfectly.
- Chill patties before breading to prevent breaking during cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Always rest the patties briefly after cooking to retain juiciness.
Serving Ideas
Serve this crispy cheesy chicken burger with oven-baked fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with homemade pickles or sweet potato wedges for a complete meal.
Why This Burger Works
This recipe focuses on texture contrast and balanced flavor. Juicy seasoned chicken, crunchy coating, melted cheddar, and creamy sauce come together in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
If you’re looking for a clean, reliable, and indulgent chicken burger recipe that delivers every time, this one belongs in your kitchen rotation.