FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• The Juiciest Chicken Burger Recipe I’ve Ever Had
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Cook Chicken Burgers
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• Chicken Burgers (Juicy Recipe) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

The Juiciest Chicken Burger Recipe I’ve Ever Had

After I made chicken fritters last year and then turned those into chicken patties , I knew the next step had to be these chicken burgers . Their flavor reminds me of the Mediterranean, but what I love most is how incredibly juicy they turned out. Here’s why they’re awesome:

• Golden, juicy, and full of flavor – Chicken burger recipes get a reputation of being kind of bland and dry. Mine are anything but that! A few simple ingredients make them flavorful and lock in all the moisture.
• So easy to make – Using real food staples you probably already have. I cooked these on the stove initially, but have since made them as a grilled chicken burger as well.
• Lighter take on a classic – If you love my beef burgers but want something a little leaner, my chicken burger recipe is for you. It still feels like comfort food and has lots of protein, with a bonus of hidden veggies — and no breadcrumbs.

Make these chicken burgers with me for something different on your next burger night!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my chicken burgers recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Almost everything I put in this recipe was specifically to keep it as juicy as possible. Here’s the short list I came up with:

• Ground Chicken – I use and recommend 93% lean. 96-99% will work, but tastes more dry. You can also use ground turkey with this recipe, or make my turkey burgers instead.
• Minced Veggies – My secret ingredients for flavor and moisture! I found that red onion, bell peppers, and garlic made a world of difference. Feel free to swap in others, such as grated zucchini or carrots.
• Worcestershire Sauce – I add this for a savory, umami boost. If you need a sub, coconut aminos works well.
• Greek Yogurt – Just a spoonful keeps the ground chicken burgers juicy. You can also use mayo or sour cream instead.
• Olive Oil – For cooking the veggies and frying the burgers. Avocado oil works too!
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• Mozzarella Cheese – Optional, for topping your chicken burger. Feel free to use cheddar or provolone, or leave off the cheese.

How To Cook Chicken Burgers

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the veggies. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the bell peppers, onions, and garlic until they’re soft and starting to brown. Transfer to a bowl, wipe out the skillet, and set it aside for later.
2. Mix it up. Add the Worcestershire, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper to the veggies and give it a stir. Mix in the ground chicken, just until uniform.

1. Form the patties. Divide the chicken mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a thumbprint in the center of each patty.
2. Cook the chicken burgers. Heat more oil in the skillet, or alternatively preheat your outdoor grill. Add the burgers (thumbprint side up), and cook until browned on the bottom. Flip and cook on the other side.
3. Add the cheese and rest. Add cheese toward the end of cooking on the 2nd side (see my tips about this), and cover to melt. Rest for a few minutes before serving.

My Recipe Tips

• Chop the bell peppers and red onions extremely small. You’re going for a minced consistency, similar to minced garlic, which makes your chicken burgers more juicy and infuses them with flavor throughout. I’ve tried larger pieces (more similar to regular diced onions) and the result is totally different – just pieces throughout but not much impact on the flavor of the meat or juiciness.
• Do you have to saute the vegetables first? No, but I recommend it for flavor and texture. If you just add the veggies without sauteing, you’ll have a little crunch.
• Don’t overwork the meat. Adding the ground chicken last and mixing minimally keeps the chicken burgers tender. Mixing too much makes them tough.
• Wet your hands with water when forming the patties. They are very sticky, and this will prevent the meat from sticking to your hands.
• If the burgers are browning too fast, turn the heat down a bit. That way they can finish cooking through without burning.
• For the juiciest chicken burgers, I remove from heat a little early, around 162-163 degrees F. The final target internal temperature is 165 degrees F, but they’ll rise to this temp as they rest — and will be more juicy than if you wait for them to hit 165 over the heat. I use this meat thermometer to check.
• If you’re adding cheese, add it when the burgers are at 150-155 degrees F. This gives just the right amount of time for the burgers to cook through and the cheese to melt, about 1-2 minutes.

Serving Ideas

These chicken burgers lean just a little Mediterranean in their flavor, but not so much that regular fixings don’t work. I served them above on gluten-free buns with lettuce, tomato, mayo , and a little ketchup and Dijon mustard. Sometimes I swap in tzatziki sauce , arugula, and slices of sauteed eggplant .

For your sides, try these with my broccoli slaw , creamy cucumber salad , or cauliflower potato salad . They also go well with air fryer french fries or garlic parmesan fries .

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided) ▢
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers (minced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Red onion (minced) ▢
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce ▢
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 lb Ground chicken ▢
• 4 slices Mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping; or any cheese you like) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes , until the vegetables are soft and starting to brown.
2. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Wipe down the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the veggies. Stir together.
4. Add the ground chicken and mix with your hands, just until uniform.
5. Form the chicken mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a thumbprint in each patty.
6. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken burgers (thumbprint side up) and cook for 5-6 minutes .
7. Flip and cook for 5-6 minutes on the other side, until the burgers are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If you want to add cheese, place it on top in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and cover with a lid to melt.
8. Remove the burgers from heat. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken burger

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make these chicken burgers super juicy.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: You can form the patties 1-2 days before and keep in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: The best way to reheat them is in a skillet over low heat, or in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
• Freeze: You can freeze these chicken burger patties either cooked or uncooked. Just separate the patties with parchment paper and store in a zip lock bag for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Chicken Burger Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Chicken Burgers (Juicy Recipe)

My chicken burger recipe turns out super juicy and flavorful, thanks to a few simple secret ingredients. A quick and easy weeknight dinner!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/chicken-burgers/

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers (minced)
• 1/2 cup Red onion (minced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 lb Ground chicken
• 4 slices Mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping; or any cheese you like)

Instructions

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Saute for 3-5 minutes , until the vegetables are soft and starting to brown.
2. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Wipe down the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the veggies. Stir together.
4. Add the ground chicken and mix with your hands, just until uniform.
5. Form the chicken mixture into 4 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Make a thumbprint in each patty.
6. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken burgers (thumbprint side up) and cook for 5-6 minutes .
7. Flip and cook for 5-6 minutes on the other side, until the burgers are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If you want to add cheese, place it on top in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and cover with a lid to melt.
8. Remove the burgers from heat. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken burger

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make these chicken burgers super juicy.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: You can form the patties 1-2 days before and keep in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: The best way to reheat them is in a skillet over low heat, or in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes.
• Freeze: You can freeze these chicken burger patties either cooked or uncooked. Just separate the patties with parchment paper and store in a zip lock bag for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)