The Perfect Bbq: Chicken Burgers, Timing, And Temperature

Chicken burgers are a great alternative to traditional beef burgers. They're juicy, full of flavour, and can be grilled, fried, or cooked on a stovetop. But how long do they take to cook?

Well, it depends on the method and your desired level of doneness. Grilled chicken burgers should be cooked for around 5–7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Fried chicken burgers take a similar amount of time – cook for 6–7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes. If you're using a stovetop, simply cook according to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare burger, this will take around 6–7 minutes; for medium, 7–8 minutes; for medium-well, 9 minutes; and for well-done, 10 minutes.

BBQ chicken burgers: cooking instructions

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the chicken burgers, you will need:

• Ground chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray
• Any additional ingredients for your chosen recipe (e.g. garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, cheese, BBQ sauce)

For serving, you may want:

• Burger buns
• Cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red onion
• Avocado
• Your choice of condiments

Preparation

Before you start cooking, prepare your chosen recipe. This may include mixing and shaping the chicken patties, and chilling them in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them bind together.

Cooking

When you are ready to cook your BBQ chicken burgers, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat of around 450-500°F. Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.

Place the chicken burgers on the grill and cook for around 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This should take around 12-15 minutes in total.

Serving

Once the chicken burgers are cooked, remove them from the grill and serve on toasted buns with your choice of toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

Chicken breast vs ground chicken

Texture and Taste

Chicken breast has a firm and smooth feel, while ground chicken has a grainy and loose texture. Chicken breast has a mild, subtle flavour, whereas ground chicken is juicier and more flavourful.

Use

Chicken breast can be cooked, grilled, or roasted. Ground chicken is more versatile and can be used in dishes such as meatballs, burgers, casseroles, and stir-fries. It is ideal for blending with other ingredients, shaping into patties, or integrating into sauces.

Macronutrients and Calories

Chicken breast and ground chicken have similar nutritional densities, with the breast being slightly denser. They have similar calorie counts, but the breast has a higher protein content. Ground chicken has a higher fat content, with more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. Chicken breast has less cholesterol, calories, and saturated fats.

Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken breast is higher in vitamins A, E, K, B3, B6, and folate. Ground chicken has more vitamins B1, B2, B5, and B12. Chicken breast also has more selenium, calcium, and choline, while ground chicken has more potassium, zinc, and copper.

Foodborne Infections

Ground chicken may be more likely to contain harmful germs due to being made from mixed meats. Bacteria in ground meat is also more likely to spread from hands to kitchen surfaces and other foods.

Cardiovascular Health

Studies suggest that both chicken breast and ground chicken may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Choosing lean white meat may reduce the risk of cardiometabolic disease.

How to grill chicken burgers

Ingredients

Firstly, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For the burgers, you'll need ground chicken with a decent fat content (90-93% lean), and some flavour-boosting additions: mayonnaise, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add cheese, and toppings of your choice.

Preparation

Start by grating the onion—this will help it mix evenly through the chicken. Blot the grated onion with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will make the mixture easier to handle. Add the onion, garlic, mayo, Worcestershire sauce, and a little salt and pepper to a large bowl, then add the ground chicken. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the burgers tough.

Divide the mixture into four portions, and form each into a patty about 1 inch thick. Spritz your hands with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to make this easier. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. This will help the burgers bind together, making them easier to handle and ensuring they cook evenly.

Grilling

Preheat your grill to medium-high direct heat (450-500°F). Once preheated, clean the grill with a wire brush, then oil the grates with a wad of oiled paper towel and tongs.

Remove the patties from the freezer and make a small indent in the centre of each with your thumb. Place the patties on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the burgers reads 165°F. If you're adding cheese, do so in the last 2 minutes of grilling.

Serving

Serve your chicken burgers in brioche buns with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sliced onions, and your choice of condiments.

Tips

• Oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
• Don't press down on the burgers as they cook, as this can dry them out.
• Don't mix salt into the burger mixture, as this can toughen the meat. Instead, season the patties with salt and pepper just before grilling.
• If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can cook the burgers in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.

Chicken burger toppings

Chicken burgers are a great alternative to traditional beef burgers, and there are endless ways to top them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Classics

Keep it simple with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. You can also add cheese, such as provolone, and a pickle on the side.

The Mexican

Add some spice with salsa, Tabasco green pepper sauce, and avocado.

Chicken for Breakfast

Try something different with peameal bacon, a fried egg, and mayonnaise.

A Hint of Greek

Go for a Mediterranean twist with tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta, and tomato.

South of the Border

Fire up the grill for this one—grilled red onion, grilled peppers, and bold BBQ sauce.

Asian Inspired

Add some crunch with bean sprouts, sweet chili Thai sauce, and sesame seeds.

Italian Bliss

Get a taste of Italy with sundried tomato, garlic aioli, and mozzarella.

More Ideas

• Garlic aioli and avocado
• Bacon, cheddar, and Swiss cheese
• Shredded lettuce, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce
• Monterey Jack and grilled pineapple
• Guacamole
• Onion—fresh or pickled red onion
• Butter or iceberg lettuce
• Beefsteak tomato
• Your favorite cheese

Chicken burger sides

Chicken burgers are a tasty alternative to the traditional beef option. They are simple to make, full of flavour, and can be juicy and tender.

When it comes to sides, there are endless options to choose from. Here are some ideas to elevate your chicken burger meal and complement its flavours:

Classic Sides

• French Fries: A timeless classic, but if you want to switch it up, try sweet potato fries with a sprinkle of garlic powder and rosemary.
• Onion Rings: A close second to fries, these can be deep-fried and served with a remoulade sauce for dipping.
• Mac and Cheese: A universally loved dish that goes with almost anything.
• Coleslaw: A creamy, crunchy, and refreshing side that is a staple at cookouts.
• Corn on the Cob: Slather it with butter and throw it on the grill for a smoky flavour.

Creative Alternatives

• Barbecue Baked Beans: Rich, smoky, and sweet, these are a perfect match for your chicken burger.
• Watermelon Cucumber Salad: A refreshing summer fruit salad with a crunchy texture.
• Grilled Potatoes: Cut them into wedges, slices, or leave them whole, and throw them on the grill for a smoky flavour.
• Zucchini Chips: Thinly slice zucchini, drizzle with olive oil, coat with breadcrumbs and parmesan, and pop them in the air fryer.
• Fried Pickles: Crunchy, juicy, and perfect for dipping in ranch.
• Roasted Tomatoes: Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, or your choice of seasoning on tomato halves and roast them in the oven.

There are endless options to choose from when it comes to sides for your chicken burgers. Whether you stick to the classics or get creative, these sides will surely elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions