If you’re craving a burger that pops with flavor and texture, the Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This delightful twist on a classic burger brings together juicy ground chicken seasoned with a vibrant blend of smoked paprika and Cajun spices, melted sharp cheddar, and crispy turkey bacon. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, balanced by a little heat from sriracha and the freshness of crunchy red onions. It’s everything you want from a burger—comforting, inspiring, and absolutely satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color, creating a harmonious and crave-worthy burger experience.
- Ground chicken: The lean, tender base that keeps the burger juicy yet light.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold those delicious patties together perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds subtle texture and helps absorb moisture for ideal consistency.
- Red bell pepper (finely diced): Offers a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Green onion (diced): Brightens the flavor with a mild, fresh onion note.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky depth that elevates the taste.
- Cajun seasoning: Infuses the burger with a lively kick of spice and herbs.
- Avocado oil: A healthy fat that helps sear the patties to golden perfection.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melts beautifully over the patty, adding sharp creaminess.
- Turkey bacon (cooked strips): Crispy, smoky, and lower in fat than traditional bacon.
- Toasted buns: The perfect soft and slightly crunchy vessel for all the delicious fillings.
- Mayo: Adds creamy richness to balance the spices.
- Sriracha: Delivers a spicy, tangy punch to awaken your taste buds.
- Red onion (sliced): Provides crunch and a punch of sharp, fresh flavor.
How to Make Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell pepper, green onion, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning in a large mixing bowl. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for that extra layer of flavor. Mix everything until just combined—you want it thoroughly blended without overworking the meat. This step sets the flavorful foundation for the burgers to come alive on the skillet.
Step 2: Shape Your Burger Portions
Divide your mixture into four equal portions. Take each portion and roll it gently into a ball. This might feel straightforward, but shaping your patties into balls first makes the smashing step later much easier and ensures your patties maintain a nice even shape during cooking.
Step 3: Smash and Sear Your Patties
Heat up a heavy skillet with avocado oil over medium heat until shimmering. Place each meatball onto the surface, then gently press down with a spatula to smash them into thin patties. This creates a beautiful crust and locks in juiciness. Cook undisturbed for about four to five minutes so a golden brown crust forms before flipping.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
After flipping the patties, immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt beautifully onto the hot burgers, which will take around three to four minutes. This step makes every bite gooey and irresistible while ensuring your patties are cooked through but still juicy.
Step 5: Assemble Your Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe
Spread a generous layer of mayo mixed with a splash of sriracha onto the toasted buns. Layer on the cheesy chicken patties, then add crispy turkey bacon strips and crunchy red onion slices. Crown with the top bun and prepare yourself for that perfect first bite filled with smoky, spicy, and savory goodness.
How to Serve Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can transform your burger from delicious to unforgettable. Try adding crisp lettuce or a handful of arugula for a peppery bite, sliced pickles for tang, or even a dollop of avocado for creaminess. These little touches bring brightness and balance to the meal.
Side Dishes
Classic fries or sweet potato wedges are fantastic companions for this burger. For a healthier twist, roasted veggies or a crisp side salad with a zesty vinaigrette complement the rich flavors perfectly. Don’t overlook crunchy coleslaw either—it’s a wonderful counterpoint to the bold spices in the burger.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe to the next level by serving it on a wooden board with rustic parchment paper for that gourmet burger joint vibe. You can also slice the burger in half to show off the melted cheese and layers, perfect for sharing or photographing your foodie masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the buns separate to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy again, layering fresh bread and condiments is key for that freshly made experience.
Freezing
This Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooked, cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to two months, making them a great quick meal option.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture and crust. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery. Toast your buns fresh, and add cheese or bacon right before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and offers a similar lean profile. The key is to not overcook the patties since turkey can dry out quickly.
How spicy is the Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning and sriracha. You can adjust the spice amount to suit your taste by using less Cajun seasoning or omitting sriracha for a milder version.
What’s the best way to cook turkey bacon for this recipe?
The crispiness of turkey bacon adds a fantastic texture contrast. Cook it in a dry skillet over medium heat until crisp but not burnt, then drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check your seasoning blends to ensure they’re gluten-free. This modification won’t sacrifice any flavor.
Is it possible to make vegetarian patties with this recipe?
While this particular recipe focuses on ground chicken, you could experiment with plant-based meat substitutes. Just keep in mind texture and cooking times may vary, so adjustments will be needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into a Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe. It’s all about bold seasonings, melty cheese, and that unbeatable crunch of turkey bacon assembled into a burger that feels both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that might just become your go-to burger whenever you want something delicious and a little different.
Print
Smash Chicken Burger with Blended Spices, Cheddar, and Turkey Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Smash Chicken Burger recipe features flavorful ground chicken patties seasoned with smoked paprika and Cajun spices, smashed and cooked on the stovetop until perfectly crispy. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, turkey bacon, and a spicy mayo-sriracha spread on toasted buns, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make burger that serves 4.
Ingredients
Chicken Patty
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 strips turkey bacon, cooked
Assembly
- 2 toasted buns
- Mayo, as needed
- Sriracha, as needed
- Red onion, sliced, as garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell pepper, diced green onion, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a ball to prepare for smashing.
- Heat the Skillet and Cook Patties: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each meatball in the skillet, then gently smash down with a spatula to form thin patties, allowing for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Cook and Add Cheese: Cook the smashed patties for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side until browned and cooked through enough to flip. Flip them over, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty, then cover the skillet and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread a mixture of mayo and sriracha on the toasted buns. Place the cheeseburger patties onto the buns, add cooked turkey bacon strips and sliced red onions to finish the burger. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning and sriracha used.
- Ensure the patties are smashed thin enough for a crispy texture but thick enough to remain juicy.
- Use turkey bacon or substitute with regular bacon depending on preference.
- To keep patties moist, avoid overcooking on the skillet.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though best fresh.
