Smash Chicken Burger Recipe

Introduction

Craving a burger that’s lighter but just as satisfying as the meaty classic? This Smash Chicken Burger recipe is your ticket to juicy, flavor-packed patties with irresistibly crispy edges and a golden sear. Thin-pressed chicken mince transforms into a crave-worthy burger with all the trimmings—without weighing you down.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual cookouts, or whenever you want to impress with a unique twist on the traditional hamburger, this smash chicken burger will quickly become a household favorite.

Why This Smash Chicken Burger is a Game Changer

Smash burgers are beloved for their crunchy, caramelized crust created by pressing meat thin against a hot pan. This recipe brings that trademark texture to chicken, infusing each patty with bold flavor and juicy tenderness. Add your favorite toppings and a toasted bun, and you’ve got a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

How to Make the Best Smash Chicken Burger Patties

To achieve that characteristic smash burger crust, it’s essential to use a hot, sturdy skillet. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures even heat distribution, so each patty gets gorgeously golden brown and crispy.

Mix ground chicken with simple seasonings—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika. Form loose, golf ball-sized rounds. Then, as soon as they hit the hot skillet, smash them flat using a spatula or a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black. This maximizes direct contact for a crusty exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Toppings and Prep for Smash Chicken Burgers

While the patties cook, chop your veggies for toppings. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes slicing onions, tomatoes, and lettuce a breeze—perfect for prepping a handful of burgers in minutes.

Toast your buns in the same skillet or on a separate pan for extra flavor. Add a slice of cheese to the patties during the last minute of cooking so it melts perfectly.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

Serve your Smash Chicken Burgers immediately after cooking—crisp patties are best hot off the skillet. For quick lunches or meal-prep, store extra patties in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers and reheat for a flavorful, homemade burger on demand.

Pair with homemade fries, a vibrant salad, or pickled cucumbers (try prepping salad components in a Bentgo Salad Container) for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy every craving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generously sized smash chicken burgers. Each burger, including the bun and basic toppings, typically contains around 350–400 calories, 22g protein, and 11g fat (depending on your cheese and condiments). Packed with lean protein, it’s a lighter but hearty meal you’ll return to again and again.

– 1 pound ground chicken (preferably thigh for added juiciness)
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra tenderness)
– 4 burger buns
– 4 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
– Lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, sliced onion, and pickles for topping
– Olive oil spray or butter (for toasting buns and greasing skillet)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mayonnaise. Mix gently; don’t overwork the meat.
2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal balls (about 4 ounces each).
3. Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high until very hot. Lightly grease with olive oil spray or a small pat of butter.
4. Place chicken balls in the pan, leaving ample space. Use a large spatula or Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Black to flatten each ball into a thin patty, about ½ inch thick. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
5. Flip the patties, add cheese (if using), and cook another 2 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F; verify easily with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
6. Remove cooked patties to a plate. Lightly toast buns in the same pan or on a separate skillet for 1–2 minutes, cut side down, until golden.
7. Assemble burgers: layer lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles onto the bun bases. Top with hot chicken patties and finish with condiments of your choice.
8. Serve immediately for optimal juiciness and crunch.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Smash Chicken Burger Recipe Recap

This Smash Chicken Burger delivers everything you love about a smash burger—crunchy edges, juicy center, and customizable toppings—with the lighter profile of ground chicken. Easy, speedy, and full of flavor, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for lunch or dinner. Give it a try and see why this chicken twist deserves a spot in your burger rotation!