If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful twist on a classic burger, look no further than this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe. These burgers bring together tender ground chicken mingled with sharp cheddar cheese and a zesty ranch seasoning mix that transforms every bite into a savory delight. The combination not only adds rich layers of flavor but also ensures a perfectly moist texture, making these burgers an absolute winner for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe promises satisfaction in each delicious mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from adding sharp, melty cheddar that gives a creamy bite to the ranch seasoning that delivers that unmistakable tang and herb blend. Together, these ingredients create balanced flavors and a juicy, tender patty you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 lb ground chicken: A lean, versatile base that stays juicy when mixed with cheese and seasonings.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds rich, tangy flavor and gooey texture inside the patty.
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix: The secret star that brings a delightful herb and spice kick.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the burgers from falling apart while adding a slight crunch.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the patties together perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic aroma that complements the ranch seasoning wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the flavor with just a hint of sweetness and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every other ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Ensures a golden-brown crust with a hint of fruity richness.
- 4 burger buns: Soft, warm buns provide the perfect handheld vehicle for all that goodness.
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices: Fresh toppings add crunch and color to balance the rich burger.
- Ranch dressing for serving: A creamy finishing touch that doubles down on the ranch flavor.
How to Make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining ground chicken, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix until everything is just combined—you want to keep the texture tender, so avoid overmixing. This blend ensures every patty bursts with cheesy, herby flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion gently into round patties about the size of your burger buns. Keep the patties slightly thicker in the middle to prevent them from puffing up too much during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and an internal temperature of 165°F for safe, juicy chicken. This step locks in flavor and creates a satisfying texture.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
If you like your buns toasted, pop them on a dry skillet or grill for a minute or two until lightly browned and warm. Then, assemble your burgers: place the cooked patties on the buns, top with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, sharp red onions, and finish with a generous drizzle of ranch dressing for that ultimate creamy tang.
How to Serve Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crunchy lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and zingy red onions not only brightens the presentation but adds layers of texture and fresh flavor to the Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe. The ranch dressing drizzle ties it all together with a creamy, herbaceous finish that perfectly complements the savory burger.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides that bring out its flavors. Think crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette, or even a simple coleslaw to add crunch and tang. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or baked potato wedges work wonders alongside these chicken burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe as slider-sized bites perfect for a party or family gathering. You can also turn it into a lettuce wrap option for a low-carb take. Adding pickled jalapeños or avocado slices on top can introduce playful flavor contrasts that keep things exciting night after night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the buns separate to preserve their freshness. This way, you can quickly assemble a tasty meal whenever hunger strikes again.
Freezing
You can make this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe ahead of time by forming the patties and freezing them uncooked on a baking sheet for about two hours, then transferring to a freezer bag. Or freeze fully cooked patties in airtight containers. Both methods maintain the flavor and texture for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the burger patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the patties. Toast buns just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and offers a similar lean, mild flavor that you can enhance with cheddar and ranch seasoning just like in the original recipe.
How spicy is this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe?
This recipe is generally mild, with creamy ranch and cheddar flavors dominating. If you like some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the patty mix or topping with spicy pepper jack cheese.
Can I grill these burgers outdoors?
Yes! Grilling is a fantastic way to cook these burgers and adds a smoky char that pairs perfectly with the cheddar and ranch. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The breadcrumbs contain gluten, but you can easily swap them for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe safe for a gluten-free diet.
What are the best buns to use?
Soft hamburger buns like brioche or potato buns work beautifully because they’re sturdy yet tender, allowing the juicy patties and toppings to shine without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full rundown, I can’t wait for you to dive into this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful burger that’s anything but ordinary. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout showstopper, these burgers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal featuring ground chicken mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning. Juicy and tender, they are cooked on the stovetop or grill and served with fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and ranch dressing on toasted buns. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Leaf lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until all ingredients are combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the Buns: While the patties cook, optionally toast the burger buns in the same skillet or grill until lightly browned and warmed.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty on a toasted bun, then top with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. Serve the burgers immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- These burgers can also be grilled or baked at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
- For a spicy twist, substitute pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to avoid tough burgers.
- Make sure to cook the patties thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
