Smash Chicken Burger Recipe

This Smash Chicken Burger recipe just might become your new weeknight favorite. It’s fast, flavorful, and loaded with juicy, cheesy goodness—think of all the best parts of burger night but with a lighter, zesty chicken twist. The combination of tender chicken patties, gooey cheddar, crispy bacon, and a sassy mayo-sriracha spread all snuggled into a soft, toasted brioche bun is endlessly satisfying. Ready in under 30 minutes, this burger is perfect for when you want something special but don’t want to spend the whole evening in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: No marinating, no fuss—just mix, smash, and sizzle for foolproof results in minutes.
Full of Flavor: Cajun spice, smoked paprika, and the sweetness of red bell peppers bring an irresistible kick to every bite.
Customizable: Love things spicy or cheesy? You’re in full control! The recipe is a terrific base for experimentation.
Perfect Texture: The patties are juicy yet slightly crisp on the edges thanks to the smash technique, and the melty cheese seals the deal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make burger night amazing, plus a few thoughts on why each ingredient matters!

Ground Chicken: The star of the show. Chicken makes these burgers lighter than beef but no less satisfying.
Egg: Acts as the glue, ensuring juicy, cohesive patties.
Breadcrumbs: Adds structure and soaks up flavors, making every bite moist.
Red Bell Pepper: Provides subtle sweetness and a little crunch.
Green Onion: For a fresh pop that complements the chicken beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the savory, smoky notes. Regular paprika works, but smoked paprika really sings here.
Cajun Seasoning: A must for that punchy, well-rounded spiciness.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To taste—season every layer for max flavor.
Garlic (minced): No burger is complete without garlic’s aromatic intensity.
Avocado Oil: For cooking. It handles high heat well and lets the flavors shine.
Cheddar Cheese Slices: Melts perfectly over patties; swap for your favorite cheese if you like.
Bacon Strips: Adds smokiness and a salty crunch.
Brioche Burger Buns: Soft, just a little sweet—toast them for that irresistible golden edge.
Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the sauce.
Sriracha: For a bold, spicy kick in your burger spread.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and crunch.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to use what you have! Feel free to improvise with spices or toppings.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There are countless ways to make this burger your own:

Go Leaner: Use ground turkey in place of chicken for a different but equally tasty result.
Make It Spicier: Toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the patty mix.
Cheese Swap: Love things extra melty? Try pepper jack, Swiss, or even provolone.
Bun Options: Whole wheat, potato rolls, or even lettuce wraps make great alternatives.
Sauce Switch-Up: Replace mayo-sriracha with chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or ranch for fresh new flavors.
Veggie Boost: Add arugula, sliced tomato, or avocado to amp up the nutrition and texture.

How to Make Smash Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Mix Up Your Patties

In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, red bell pepper, green onion, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Get in there with clean hands or a spoon until everything’s blended but don’t overwork—just until combined.

Step 2: Form and Smash

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and roll each into a ball. Preheat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your patty balls and press them flat right in the pan using a sturdy spatula. Let them sizzle undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden underneath.

Step 3: Flip, Cheese, and Cover

Carefully flip each patty. Top each one with a slice of cheddar cheese, then pop a lid on the skillet so the cheese melts like a dream while the patties finish cooking—about 3-4 more minutes.

Step 4: Build Your Burgers

While the patties are working their magic, toast your brioche buns to golden perfection. Mix mayo and sriracha, then slather it generously on the buns. Layer on two patties, pile on thin red onion rings, add your crispy bacon pieces, and crown it all with the top bun.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You’re done! Repeat with the second burger, and get ready to dig into pure comfort.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Gently combine your patty mixture so the burgers stay tender.
Smash Them Right in the Pan: Smash burgers get those crispy, caramelized edges—don’t skip this step!
Lid On, Cheese On: Covering with a lid after adding cheese is the secret to perfectly melted toppings.
Prep Ahead: Patties can be mixed and formed up to a day ahead, stored covered in the fridge.
Toast the Buns: A quick toast in the same pan adds extra flavor and keeps buns from getting soggy.

How to Serve

These burgers are crave-worthy on their own, but pairing makes them shine:

Classic Combo: Serve with crisp fries or sweet potato wedges.
Fresh Side: A simple salad or crunchy pickle is all you need.
Top It Off: Go for extra lettuce, tomato, or pickles if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pairing Drink: Icy lemonade or a light craft beer balances the spice deliciously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep buns, toppings, and sauce separate for best texture.

Freezing

Individually wrap cooked or uncooked chicken patties in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave them briefly. Refresh buns in the toaster for just-baked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Yes, if you have a food processor, you can pulse chicken breast to a ground texture. It makes a firmer patty, so add a little extra egg or mayonnaise for moisture.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No problem. Use equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, with a pinch of cayenne and dried oregano. Adjust to your heat preference.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! The patties can be formed and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked patties can also be reheated later, making them ideal for meal prep.

Are these burgers gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap. Always check your spice blends for hidden gluten too.

Final Thoughts

The Smash Chicken Burger is the quick dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. Juicy, full of punchy flavors, and so easy to customize—this burger brings a little excitement to even the busiest of evenings. Don’t hesitate, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself to a restaurant-style meal at home. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!