Ground chicken burgers can be a delicious and healthy meal option. However, it can be frustrating when the burgers fall apart on the grill or as you try to flip them. There are a few tricks to keeping ground chicken burgers intact so you can grill up perfect patties every time.
Why Do Ground Chicken Burgers Fall Apart?
There are a couple reasons why ground chicken burgers may not hold their shape:
- Not enough binder – Ground chicken lacks the natural binders that ground beef contains. Without enough egg, breadcrumbs, or other binder, the burgers won’t stick together well.
- Overmixing – Overworking the chicken can break down proteins that help with binding. Gently mix just until combined.
- Too lean – Using extremely lean ground chicken can result in dry, crumbly burgers. Choose chicken with some fat content or add oil.
- Incorrect shaping – Formed too thinly or unevenly, patties are prone to falling apart. Shape into even patties about 3/4-inch thick.
Following a few steps when making and cooking ground chicken burgers will help yield tender, juicy burgers that hold their shape.
Tips for Keeping Chicken Burgers Intact
Use a Binders
Binders are essential for holding ground chicken together. Some good options include:
- Eggs – 1 egg per pound of chicken is ideal. The proteins coagulate during cooking to “glue” the patties together.
- Breadcrumbs or panko – About 1/4 cup per pound of chicken helps absorb moisture and adds structure.
- Oats or crushed crackers – Similarly adds binding and absorbs moisture.
- Shredded cheese – Melty cheese acts as a binder. Sharp cheddar or mozzarella work well.
You can experiment with different binders and combinations to achieve your ideal texture. The key is to not overdo it – too much binder can lead to dry or dense burgers.
handle the Meat Gently
Unlike beef, chicken needs to be handled delicately to avoid breaking down proteins. When mixing:
- Use a fork or spatula to gently fold ingredients rather than kneading.
- Do not overmix once the ingredients are incorporated.
Shaping the patties requires a light touch as well:
- Gently form patties without compressing too much.
- Make them thicker, around 3/4-inch, so they hold together better.
- Use wet hands to prevent sticking while shaping.
- Do not flatten or press down once shaped.
Keep Some Fat
Lean ground chicken can lead to dry, crumbly burgers. Choose chicken labeled 85/15 or 80/20 fat to lean ratio. Or add a bit of oil:
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil per pound of ground chicken
The fat provides moistness and binding power. If using very lean chicken, be sure to compensate with more egg and binder.
Chill Thoroughly
Allowing the chicken to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, allows the binders and moisture to evenly distribute. This helps the proteins set up and bind together.
Use a Non-Stick Pan or Grill
Chicken burgers are quite delicate, especially as they start cooking. Using a non-stick skillet prevents them from sticking and falling apart when placing them in the pan or flipping halfway through cooking. A well-oiled grill plate also prevents sticking.
Don’t Press Burgers While Cooking
It’s important not to press down on chicken burgers as they cook. Doing so squeezes out moisture and causes them to break. Allow them to cook undisturbed for the best texture.
Cook Properly
Chicken burgers should be cooked to 165°F internal temperature to ensure food safety. However, overcooking makes them dry and prone to crumbling. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness for perfectly done but moist burgers.
Let Rest Before Serving
As with any burger, letting them rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute so they don’t fall apart on the bun. The proteins will relax and strengthen the burger.
Best Recipes for Chicken Burgers That Hold Together
Now that you know the secrets to keeping ground chicken burgers intact, here are some stellar recipes to try:
Basic Chicken Burgers
This easy recipe yields juicy, flavorful chicken burgers with an egg and panko breadcrumb binder.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken thigh meat | 1 lb |
| Egg | 1 |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Form into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook on oiled grill or pan over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F internal temperature.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving on buns with favorite toppings.
Feta Spinach Burgers
These Greek-inspired chicken burgers get a moisture and binding boost from feta cheese. Spinach adds nutrition.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken breast | 1 lb |
| Crumbled feta | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped spinach | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients gently but thoroughly.
- Form into four patties and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Cook on lightly oiled grill or pan for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Top with tzatziki sauce and serve.
BBQ Chicken Burgers
These tasty BBQ chicken burgers get binding power from shredded cheddar and a touch of oil. The BBQ flavor makes them extra delicious.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken (80/20) | 1 lb |
| Shredded cheddar | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 Tbsp |
| BBQ seasoning | 2 tsp |
| Oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Onion powder | 1/2 tsp |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, gently mix all ingredients until combined.
- Shape into four 3/4-inch thick patties and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan fry for 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F internal temperature.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and serve on buns.
Conclusion
Making juicy, flavorful chicken burgers with a tender bite is easy when you use the right techniques and recipes. Binding with eggs, breadcrumbs, or cheese gives ground chicken the structure it needs to hold together on the grill or in the pan. Gently mixing and shaping, keeping some fat, and properly cooking helps ensure chicken burgers that never crumble apart. With the handy tips and tasty recipes in this article, you can master the art of keeping chicken burgers intact from start to finish.