These chicken burgers are anything but average. Seasoned with Indian-inspired spices and topped with a refreshing yogurt cucumber slaw, every bite into these burgers is pure bliss.
Chicken burgers get a bad reputation for being dried out and lifeless. It’s fair because many of them are. Why would you ever stray from beef if that’s the case?
These chicken burgers are made with a bit of Greek yogurt and some breadcrumbs (almost like you’re making meatballs) which keeps the meat incredibly moist and juicy. They’re then flavored with savory Indian-inspired spices and balanced perfectly with a refreshing yogurt cucumber slaw on top that’s so good you’ll want to eat it all summer on everything you can think of.
I don’t give ground chicken much love on here (outside of these homemade chicken breakfast sausage patties), but these burgers make up for it. When you’re sick of red meat, these are a great alternative.
What You’ll Love About This Chicken Burger Recipe
- Juicy, never dry – Thanks to a little Greek yogurt mixed into the chicken burger patties, these stay moist and tender, unlike so many others that dry out on the grill.
- Packed with bold Indian spices – Cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic bring a warm, savory flavor that makes each bite pop and is a totally unexpected flavor when it comes to traditional burgers.
- A burger and a slaw moment – Topped with a creamy, cooling yogurt cucumber slaw, these hit that perfect balance of spicy and refreshing.
- Gluten-free friendly – I use GF breadcrumbs and buns to make this recipe accommodating to all.
Chicken Burger Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make flavorful, juicy chicken burger patties with a cool, creamy slaw on top.
For the Chicken Burger Patties
- Ground Chicken – A lean protein that stays juicy and absorbs flavor well.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture and boosts the protein.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the patties without drying them out.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a little acidity to brighten the flavor.
- Spices (garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt) – Give the patties warm, bold Indian-inspired flavor.
- Hamburger Buns – Pick a soft bun that’s sturdy enough to hold the burger without falling apart.
For the Yogurt Cucumber Slaw
- Shredded Cabbage – Adds crunch and holds up well in the slaw.
- Mini Cucumber – Keeps the slaw cool and refreshing.
- Greek Yogurt – Makes the slaw creamy without feeling heavy.
- Lemon Juice – Balances the creaminess with a fresh, tangy kick.
- Chopped Mint and Basil – Add fresh flavor and brighten the slaw.
Tips for Buying the Best Ground Chicken For Burgers
- Choose chicken breast or thigh meat: For moist chicken patties, look for ground chicken breast or a combination of ground chicken breast and thigh. Breast meat is leaner, but thighs add flavor and juiciness.
- Check the fat content: Opt for lean ground chicken (about 10-15% fat) to balance flavor and texture without making the burgers greasy.
- Avoid pre-seasoned or pre-ground options: Always buy plain ground chicken to control the seasoning yourself, this way your burgers won’t end up overly salty or flavored.
My Pro Tips
Chicken Burger Tips
You can find many of these tips in our guide to grilling the best burger, but they’re worth repeating.
- Storage tip: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months for later use.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your ground chicken burgers are fully cooked, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe and juicy burgers.
- Don’t over-mix the chicken: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can result in tough burgers.
- Chill the patties: Refrigerating the patties for a few minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape on the grill.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Switch the bun: A brioche bun will offer a richer, slightly sweet base. If you prefer a low-carb option, wrap the chicken patties in lettuce instead of using a bun.
- Top with extras: Add a few slices of tomato, red onion, and pickles for a classic burger topping combo. Or, for a creamy twist, spread a little mayo or mashed avocado on the bun before adding the chicken burger patty.
- Change the protein: Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option or are looking for a milder taste.
- Add more herbs: If you’re craving extra freshness, throw in some fresh parsley to the slaw.
- Seasoning swaps: Instead of using garlic powder in the patties, try fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.
Juicy Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
FOR THE BURGERS
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
FOR THE SLAW
- 1/2 cup shredded savoy or green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil
- 1 mini cucumber, julienned (cut into matchsticks)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
FOR THE BURGERS:
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix together until well combined and form into 4 equal sized patties. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill.
- Cook burgers on an outdoor grill (chicken burgers are a bit looser than beef, if you have a grill mat, place the burgers on that to grill as they won’t be as prone to sticking) or indoor grill pan until cooked through.
- Place each cooked burger on a bun and top with slaw.
FOR THE SLAW:
- Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Try These Other Burger Recipes Too
Grilled Halloumi Lamb Burger
Blueberry BBQ Brie Burger
Spicy Bacon Chickpea Burgers
Curry Roasted Eggplant Hummus Burgers
Cheddar Cauliflower Burgers
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
Wow, I love Indian food, this is a brilliant idea, great job!
This looks delicious, adding to my meal plan for September.
This sounds fantastic! I love that slaw on top.
Gina- these look so delicious. I’m on board with curry anything, but it’s that slaw that has got me all gaga eyed!
PS UDI’s buns for the win! We always have a package in the freezer.
So into these flavors!
I am loving the flavors here. Pile on the slaw, please!!
I’m seriously digging the flavors in this recipe. That slaw, though!
I’m making Indian spiced chicken today but now I wish i was making burgers!
I could eat Indian food for EVERY single meal! So, these are defs on the menu this week!