Need a new chicken burger recipe in your dinner round up? These Healthy Chicken Parmesan Burgers taste incredibly decadent, but without the guilt! Oh, and if you need more inspiration, my Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Burgers are loaded with flavor and make great toddler meatballs, too!
For the most part, my family is really fun and easy to feed. Sure, finding kid-friendly foods that a toddler will actually eat is a challenge (here are some of my biggest hits) but they let me experiment in the kitchen and try new recipes.
But there is one product that I’ve never been able to get Jay to like…until now.
Nine times out of 10 when I mention buying ground chicken to the hubby, I get an immediate turn up of the nose and an “ughhh, you know I hate ground chicken…that’s gross.”
But one day, Jay came home from work and was telling me how one of his co-workers makes these “really awesome” chicken burgers. We got to talking about it some more, so I asked him…if I tried to make some of my own, would he eat them? I got a half-hearted “I guess so,” which only amped my determination to make these things amazing.
One of the kinds of burgers that Jay mentioned was a chicken parm burger. Was he serious? I mean, talk about perfection. So I took a container of my homemade sauce out of the freezer, brainstormed some seasonings, and got to work.
And now, I am happy to announce that I have finally come up with a way to get the hubby to eat ground chicken…and absolutely enjoy it.
Actually, not even just “enjoy” it – he LOVED it. And ohh, goodness gracious, so did I!
Healthy Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Extra marinara sauce
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- Combine first nine ingredients (through dried basil) and mix well. Form into four patties, creating a slight dent in the center of the patty; refrigerate about 30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat, 6-8 minutes on each side. Top cooked chicken burgers with mozzarella cheese.
- If desired, coat insides of hamburger buns with a little spray butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder or Italian seasoning and place on the grill 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. Spread marinara sauce on toasted buns and top with cooked chicken burgers. Enjoy!
*****
First, get all of your chicken burger ingredients together.
Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Form into four patties (*placing on wax paper will help prevent extra sticking) and refrigerate 30 minutes.
Don’t forget to create that well in the center…it will help prevent your burger from cooking up into a big puff ball.
Top cooked burgers with mozzarella cheese and allow to melt while toasting your hamburger buns (*I definitely recommend doing this step!). Spread buns with extra marinara sauce, top with burger, and VOILA!
You’ve got yourself one amazing, and somewhat healthier(!) chicken parmesan burger.
Here’s the approximate stats on the burgers, NOT including the bun…
We served our burgers alongside some Italian-style green beans, made using fresh green beans, a little chopped onion, garlic, EVOO, and Italian-style diced tomatoes.
Neither of us could get over just how good these burgers are. Seriously. The seasoning was just enough to “mask the taste” of the ground chicken that Jay usually despises, and the toasted buns with garlic seasoning is definitely a step that should not be skipped. Since we were having the ground chicken, I let Jay choose which kind of buns he wanted, so he went with potato rolls. So, so good.
All I’ll say is…you NEED to try these burgers.
I’m pretty sure we just opened up a whole new can of possibilities with ground chicken around here.
See more of my favorite dinner recipes here and some other great ideas for chicken here!
Michelle@PeachyPalate says
If I wasn’t vegan I would try them! Great pics and great recipe post missus. I will be making myself some Italian Green Beans for sure!
Sarah says
These look great! Thanks for the tip about the well too – I have always had that problem with my burgers in the past!
Caitlin @ This Bride's Joyride says
These look and sound delicious! I am always trying to find alternative to just grilled chicken so I’m definitely trying this recipe!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
oh my goodness gracious – YUM! my husband says the same exact thing about ground chicken and turkey, so i’ll have to give these a whirl! i hope i get the same reaction out of him as your hubby! :)
chelcie @ chelcie's food files says
I love making turkey burgers but I have never tried making turkey burgers..these look delicious!
Jill @ Jill is Active says
Those look deliciousss and I RARELY have chicken parm. I love ground chicken because it is so much healthier but there’s so much you can do with it. These look like a must try! :)
Miz says
(tweet tweet :))
Becca says
Wow! The burgers look great!!! I’m sure they are full of flavor :) they are now on my must try list. Yum.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
way to fool him! ;)
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
Oh my gosh, I am making this entire meal, including the green beans. Perfect for the weather warming up!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
These look so good – and relatively easy to make too. I might have to try them.
Alyssa @ fit and fun in third says
I’m always looking for a new turkey or chicken burger recipe and this looks PERFECT! I’m already planning them for Sunday…. Yessss can’t wait! :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I am so trying these when I get a good, working stove back … they look amazing!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
These look delicious! Will be starring this post to make sometime soon!
Courtney says
Oh my goodness. I bought ground chicken this week for tacos, but scratch that. It’s burger time. Thanks for sharing. Your recipes are always the best!!
krystal @coffeecardiogoddess says
Now thats definately a meal my husband would be on board with! Looks delicious!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
These burgers look amazing! :) I’m always looking for an alternative from ground beef for burgers. I definitely want to try this.
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud! says
those look fabulous! what a great idea!
Kendra says
creating a dent in the center is genius! my burgers on the grill (chicken, turkey, beef) always end up like a ball. thank you!!
Yellow Haired Girl says
These look phenomenal! One of my meals is chicken parm … and of course I loooove burgers!
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
I LOVE chicken burgers. You should check out Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers – they are fantastic!
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts says
I think I know what I will be trying for dinner tonight. These looking amazing!!
Elizabeth @ Chocolate Drops and Pearls says
I want one right now even though it is 8:50 in the morning. I will be definitely making these in the future.
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
I want to try these! And I’ve never heard of making a well in the middle of the burger – that’s such a good idea. I hate it when my burgers end up like balls almost.
Nicole says
Nice! I just picked up some ground chicken the other day. I’ll def be making these!
Homemade chicken burgers are a fan favorite in our house…I like to mix in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, and top it with homemade balsamic glaze! My hubby likes his with brocooli rabe and fresh mozzarella. The possibilities are endless! :)
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I just learned that “well” trick last week, how did I not know about that before?! These look amazing. I’ll admit, I kinda felt the same way as Jay about ground chicken before seeing these but I’m pretty sure this would solve that dilemma.
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
I’m a little weird about ground chicken, too, but these look awesome! Did you grill them or cook them inside?
Courtney says
We grilled them outside :)
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
Yum! Those look so good…and such a great alternative to hamburgers in the summertime, which I’m not crazy about!
Melissa says
You have outdone yourself! These look incredible!!!
Khushboo says
I have no doubt I will love these…parmesan + marinara sauce is always a good idea!
Steph @ StephSnacks says
These look BEYOND awesome. Can’t wait to try ’em!
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
These sound delicious! I love chicken parm and it looks like these sandwiches would be right up my alley!
Jess says
Looks delish! Here are a couple tips that I’ve found help to keep ground chicken and turkey flavorful and juicy… 1 – Grate onions and garlic instead of chopping. The extra liquid keeps the meat moist. 2 – Add worcestershire sauce; just a tablespoon or so. It adds a really yummy flavor that reminds me of eating beef without the extra fat! 3 – Add sauteed veggies. Anything your heart desires…just chop it up small, saute until alittle brown around the edges, let cool and add to the meat. Because of these things my hubby prefers turkey meatloaf over beef these days and can’t tell the difference between beef/veal/pork meatballs and turkey ones! Hope this helps to convert the hubbys out there :)
Courtney says
Wow, thanks for the tips Jess! They all sound great! :)
Angela @ Health Happiness & Harmony says
Those look like they could become a new favorite of ours! Any suggestions for those who need to eat gluten free and can not have the breadcrumbs?
Courtney says
Hmmm…do they make gluten free breadcrumbs? If not, you could probably try ground corn flakes or any other gluten-free items (bread, pretzels, etc.) that are ground up?
Angela @ Health Happiness & Harmony says
Good ideas! I’m thinking the breadcrumbs act like a binder, so maybe using an egg instead? Almost like a meatloaf or meatball…I’ll definitely be experimenting!
Olivia says
those do look great, though i gotta say i only love ground beef or turkey. ground chicken and pork just weird me out.
Renee says
These look so good, I’m with your husband I don’t love ground chicken. These puppies might change my mind!
Question for you… do you use a website/widget to figure out the nutrition facts? I just started noticing you have been posting them. I have a recipe I made and I’m dying to know how many horrible calories are in it!
Courtney says
Yup! I use this recipe calculator from SparkPeople: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.asp
Renee says
Amazing! Thank you Courtney! Also question #2 are you going to the FitblogNYC event on May9th?
Courtney says
The Fitness magazine one? Yes, ma’am! :)
Renee says
Yes the Fitness magazine one! I’m going too! You just became #1 on my people I must meet list! :) Can’t wait!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Ooohh these look god!! I love chicken parmesan — so I’m sure I would LOVE it in burger form!
Courtney says
This reminds me of my household. I was trying to eat healthier so I suggested turkey burgers but my husband was not thrilled with the idea. I had to figure out all sorts of stuff and seasonings to mix with the ground turkey. In the end I got a thumbs up and they are now on our summer menu rotation!! Definitely going to try the chicken parm burger though. Sounds yummy!
Justine @ Life With Cheeseburgers says
Mmm. Must try this recipe for the hubby. I think I need to be a better wife and start making more things for him for dinner, instead of all the sweet protein concoctions I’ve been making for my blog (and me!) for post-workout snacks :) :)
Courtney says
Hahaha…ohhhh, the life of a blogger ;)
I hear ya, girl!
Cristina says
First I have to say that I LOVE your blog! One of my favorites that I will bookmark. It looks fantastic and is full of so much valuable information. These burgers are on my list of recipes to try and I love the idea of a vege side to keep it healthy. My blog is all about health & wellness, would love for you to subscribe as I did yours and maybe even do a guest post with one of your healthy foods? Let me know:) http://skinnyhealthygirl.com
Trisha says
These look SO good! Definitely giving them a shot sometime very soon!
Sarah @ Practice Princess says
Delicious!
Ruthie Hart says
These look amazing! Never would have thought to make a chicken burger!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says
Yep, they look and sound AMAZING!!! And I also love how easy they seem to make :D
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
They look and sound completely delicious!!! Haha I would have been so annoyed if someone said “I guess so” when I offered to make them something! I’d be like fine, make it yourself! Granted, I’m also not married…
Lisa says
These look amazing. I am going to the grocery store to get the ingredients to make these. Yum.
Caitlin says
These look AMAZING Courtney! It’s funny but chicken burgers are the only kind of patty-style meal we never make at my house. We to turkey, salmon, beef, and bison. Once even shrimp burgers from Whole Foods. But never chicken! Not sure why. Now I’m inspired…
Brandi says
Holy cow these look amazing! :)
Maura says
Those look great and so healthy too! Will have to give them a try :)
Mary says
I bet you could adapt this recipe to make some awesome chicken meatballs as well!
Colleen @ Culinary Colleen says
These burgers look beautiful! You totally wouldn’t know they’re actually healthy from the picture :)
Amanda says
Wow, those look absolutely delicious! I’m definitely going to try those! :)
Amanda says
I made these for dinner tonight, FANTASTIC! you are amazing!
Courtney says
YAY!!! :)
Maggie @ Running on Fro-Yo says
Definitely saving this one! My boyfriend complains when I try to pass off things not made with a cow as “burgers” but I’m pretty sure he would still love these!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
These look SO good! Definitely want to try them soon!
Alysha @shesontherun says
I don’t think I’ve ever bought ground chicken. But this recipe definitely makes me want to try it.
Katy says
I cannot wait to try this recipe. My ground chicken is already defrosting! Thanks for sharing :-)
Shannon says
Again, another fantastic, yummy looking meal from you! This is just chicken, right? I don’t really like burgers-but if it’s just chicken parm on a hamburger roll, I will try it. I’ll tell my mom to look at this post of yours if she wants a new idea for dinner.
I feel really deprived of tasty looking meals- can you come cook for me? :) Mine are really good, but yours look so good too!
Courtney says
Yup! It’s ground chicken :)
Jennifer says
Hi Courtney! I recently started reading your blog and I LOVE it! Have tried several of your recipes so far and they were great!
Oh.my.gosh. The chicken parmesan burgers were sooooo delicious–made them last night! Even my husband, who also is not a huge fan of ground chicken, loved them. I think I may try making little mini meatballs with them–bake in oven and put over pasta with some marinara and melted cheese over the top! Yummo! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!
Courtney says
Thanks so much for reading along and trying out some recipes, Jennifer! So glad you and your man liked ’em! :)
Anna says
Holy crap! These look and sound AMAZING! I neeeeed to try them!
Michele A. says
These were WONDERFUL – so moist & yummy! My husband made me swear that I would add this to my list of routinely-made dishes!
Amy says
Holy goodness I think this will be for late lunch today! I love making turkey burgers but never gave chicken burgers a try. This is even better, it’s chicken parm!! I recently started to use my panini maker when I make burgers since my grill creates a lot of smoke in the apartment and the little panini maker works like a George Foreman grill =D Thanks for sharing!!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Hey Courtney! I wanted to let you know that I made these tonight for myself, my husband, and my in-laws! I was a little nervous trying a new recipe for them (especially b/c my in-laws like simple meals), but it was a winner! I LOVED it, and they all said they liked it … hopefully they were telling me the truth haha! ;) I doubled the recipe, and I’m freezing the patties for another meal. Thanks for the idea!!
Tori says
I made these tonight and they were amazing! My husband gobbled them up, even though he was skeptical about any burger that starts with ground chicken. He is a believer now, though! Thank you!!
LaChelle says
Made these last night and they were GREAT! thanks!
Lisa says
Do you think it’s ok to refrigerate longer than 30 minutes, say an hour or so? Trying to plan ahead…thanks!
Courtney says
Oh I definitely think that would be more than fine!
Leslie says
Just FYI doesn’t look like the recipe is printing :(
Courtney says
Thanks for the heads up Leslie. It looks like it isn’t working on more than just this recipe. I’m looking into it now!
Delaney says
Looks incredible! Can’t wait to make this tonight! Even my SUPER picky eater said this looks good!
Kristen says
Do you think there would be any reason not to make these patties the night before serving? Thanks!
Courtney says
Not at all! I’d say go for it :)
Tabby says
I was looking through your recipe index and spotted these chicken parm burgers, tested them out last night, and WOW are they delicious! Thanks so much for the awesome recipe!
Jean says
I make a pesto and feta turkey burger that we really like. I have wanted to make a Parmesan chicken burger but only recently found the ground chicken on sale locally. I did a search of recipes and yours appears interesting because of the seasoning. Will be giving it a try.
Rachel Shimon says
Hi,
I tried this recipe at home yesterday, and it turned out to be really delicious..
Thank you so much for such a yummy recipe.
Gonna save this and will share with others.
Keep sharing :)