These Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a tasty twist on the classic burger! Juicy chicken meets creamy ranch dressing and melty cheddar cheese for a fun flavor combo.
Prep is a breeze—just mix the ingredients, form patties, and grill! I love adding pickles on top for a crunchy surprise. 🍔 Who can resist such yummy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the burger! If you don’t have ground chicken, you can use ground turkey or even lean ground beef. Both will hold up well and offer a slightly different flavor.
Ranch Dressing: Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade ranch if you have it. For a healthier option, look for low-fat ranch or Greek yogurt-based alternatives. They still pack a punch of flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a great melt. However, you can swap it for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different taste. If you’re lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free cheese option.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the burgers. You can use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you’re in a pinch, crushed crackers work too!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Patties Stay Juicy?
Keeping your chicken patties juicy is all about not overmixing and cooking at the right temperature. Here are some handy tips:
- Mix the ingredients gently until just combined to avoid tough patties.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the outsides. Check with a meat thermometer to get to 165°F for safety.
- Cover the patties while cooking to help retain moisture.
- Adding cheese at the end locks in the juiciness and adds a delicious cheesy layer.
With these tricks, your burgers will be both tasty and juicy every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reserve some slices for topping)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Optional: pickles or other burger toppings
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal any time of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, throw together the ground chicken, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough!
2. Shaping the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Make sure they are somewhat even in thickness to cook evenly. Set these aside while you get the grill or skillet ready.
3. Preheating the Grill or Skillet:
Move over to your grill or skillet and preheat it to medium heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
4. Cooking the Patties:
Once preheated, carefully add each chicken patty. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are nice and golden brown, and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
5. Adding the Cheddar:
In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty so it can melt beautifully. This adds a delicious creamy layer to the burger!
6. Toasting the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, toast your hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in the skillet until they are golden brown. This gives the burgers a nice crunch and helps hold up the toppings!
7. Assembling the Burgers:
Now it’s time to assemble! Place the melted cheddar chicken patty on the bottom half of the bun. Add some fresh lettuce leaves, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and any other toppings you love, like pickles or sliced tomatoes.
8. Final Touch:
Top with the other half of the bun, and voila! Your Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are ready to serve! Enjoy them hot and fresh!
Dig in and savor every juicy, cheesy bite of your Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers!
FAQ for Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey can be a bit leaner than chicken, so you may want to add a little more ranch dressing for moisture if desired.
How Do I Prevent My Patties from Falling Apart?
To keep your chicken patties intact, be sure to mix the ingredients gently, just until combined, and avoid overhandling the meat. The breadcrumbs and ranch dressing help bind everything together, so ensure you include both!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance! Form the patties and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen patties in the fridge before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm them on the skillet until heated through. Add fresh toppings before serving for the best taste!
