These Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! Mixing ground chicken with tangy ranch seasoning and melted cheddar creates a tasty twist on a classic burger.
What I love most is how simple they are to make! Just mix, shape, and grill. Plus, the cheese gets all gooey—perfect for cheesy lovers like me! 🧀🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the show! Ground chicken keeps these burgers lean and tender. If you can’t find it or want something different, turkey or ground beef would also work well.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: It adds flavor without extra work! If you want a healthier option, you can make your own mix using dried herbs, garlic powder, and buttermilk powder. This also allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang. If you prefer a milder flavor, you could use mild cheddar or even another cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
Mayonnaise: This adds moisture and richness. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a good substitute. It’s creamy and adds extra protein!
How Do You Ensure Juicy Chicken Burgers?
Keeping your chicken burgers juicy is all about not overmixing and monitoring the cooking time. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Handle the mixture gently. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Form thicker patties (around 3/4 inch) to cook evenly without drying out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if they are done; 165°F (74°C) is safe and keeps them juicy.
- Let the cooked patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices!
Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (plus extra for serving)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- Optional: sliced tomato, pickles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking, making the total time about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the ground chicken, ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender burgers, not tough ones!
2. Shape Your Patties:
Once mixed, divide the mixture into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, then flatten it gently to create a round patty about 3/4 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Next, heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. It’s a good idea to lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent the patties from sticking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Carefully place the patties on the grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’ll know they are ready to flip when they release easily from the grill and have a nice golden color. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
5. Melt the Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt perfectly into that gooey goodness.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese melts, take your hamburger buns and toast them lightly on the grill until they’re golden. This adds a nice crunch and prevents them from getting soggy!
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Spread a little extra mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cheesy chicken patty on top, add a leaf of fresh lettuce, and finish with the top half of the bun. If you’re using tomatoes or pickles, layer them in now too!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are ready to be devoured! Serve them hot with your favorite sides like fries, salad, or coleslaw.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground chicken, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even ground pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I Make These Burgers in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the burger ingredients and form the patties a day ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, tightly covered, and cook them when you’re ready to eat. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can create a simple substitute using equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of buttermilk powder, if available. This will give you a similar flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through. You can also freeze them for longer storage up to 3 months.
