If you’re on the hunt for a burger that brings together juicy chicken, melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and a zingy kick of spicy mayo, look no further than the Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe. This isn’t just any chicken burger—it’s a flavor-packed, texture-rich experience where smoky spices, savory cheese, and a touch of heat come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for lunch, dinner, or a casual weekend treat, this recipe elevates the humble chicken patty into something truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh, and accessible ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in boosting flavor, adding texture, or lending that vibrant pop of color that makes the burger as inviting as it tastes.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean base of these juicy smash patties, giving a tender and mild flavor that soaks up spices beautifully.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the patties together without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Adds just the right bit of structure and moisture retention for tender, juicy patties.
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced: Brings a sweet crunch and a splash of vibrant color to the mixture.
- 2 tablespoons green onion, diced: Provides a mild oniony freshness that brightens every bite.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth that deepens the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning: A spicy kick that gives the chicken an irresistible kick of personality.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced: Provides an aromatic depth that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of your choice): Great for cooking the patties to a golden crust without overpowering them.
- 4 slices cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and gooey, it’s the cheesy crown jewel you can’t skip.
- 2 strips bacon, cooked and cut in half: Adds crunch and smoky saltiness that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 2 brioche buns, toasted: Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, they’re the cozy home for your burger layers.
- Mayonnaise, as needed: Creamy, smooth texture that balances the spicy mayo’s heat.
- Sriracha, as needed: Bold and fiery, it’s the star in the spicy mayo blend.
- Red onion, sliced: Adds a crisp bite and a sharp contrast to the warmth of the spices and cheese.
How to Make Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Patty Mixture
Start by combining ground chicken with all the lovely mix-ins: egg, breadcrumbs, red bell pepper, green onion, smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix everything thoroughly in a large bowl until you get a cohesive, fragrant blend. This is where the magic begins, as those spices and fresh ingredients infuse the chicken with bold flavor and vibrant texture.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide your mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each one into a compact ball—this not only makes cooking easier but helps ensure each patty cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your tablespoon of avocado oil. Once shimmering, place the chicken balls in the pan. Now comes the fun part: smash each ball flat with your spatula to create thin, crispy-edge patties. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side until golden and crusty.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
Flip the patties gently and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and steam, helping that cheese melt beautifully as the chicken finishes cooking through—about 3 to 4 minutes more.
Step 5: Toast and Prepare Buns
While your patties finish up, toast the brioche buns lightly to add a slight crunch and prevent sogginess. Spread mayonnaise mixed with a good squeeze of sriracha on each bun half to create that signature spicy mayo layer that ties everything together.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Stack two cheesy patties on the bottom bun, then layer on sliced red onions and crispy bacon pieces. Top it all with the spicy mayo-coated bun and press gently. Repeat for your second burger, and get ready to dive into a feast of flavors!
How to Serve Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra freshness goes a long way here—thin slices of red onion add crunch and bite, while a handful of crisp lettuce or even some pickle slices can bring additional texture and tang to balance the richness of cheddar and bacon.
Side Dishes
This burger shines bright alongside classic crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a fresh garden salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, some zesty coleslaw or roasted corn on the cob can add a delightful contrast to the spicy, cheesy flavors of the burger.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe wrapped in parchment paper for a casual picnic vibe, or stack the patties open-faced on a platter to showcase the colorful layers inside. You can also add an extra fried egg on top for brunch flair or swap brioche for sturdy pretzel buns for a gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with any leftover burgers, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner fix.
Freezing
For longer storage, the cooked and cooled patties freeze beautifully. Place them flat in a freezer bag or container with parchment in between layers to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months frozen. Just remember to freeze separately from the buns for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. For the best experience, toast buns fresh and re-apply your spicy mayo before assembling leftover patties to bring that vibrant flavor back to life.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute and will still pair wonderfully with the spices and cheese in this Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe.
How spicy is the spicy mayo?
The heat level is totally adjustable—you can add more or less sriracha depending on your preference, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers and choose gluten-free buns to keep it safe without compromising flavor.
Is it better to use fresh or pre-cooked bacon?
Fresh bacon cooked at home provides the best flavor and texture, but pre-cooked bacon is a great shortcut that still adds delicious crispiness.
What kind of cheese works best besides cheddar?
While cheddar is perfect for its sharpness and meltability, Swiss, pepper jack, or Monterey jack also make stellar choices to keep this Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe exciting and tasty.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe a try the next time you’re craving a burger that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of heat. It’s juicy, cheesy, smoky, and so satisfying from the first bite to the last. Once you taste this combo, it’s hard to go back to ordinary chicken burgers!
Print
Smash Chicken Burger With Cheddar, Bacon, and Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2 burgers per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Smash Chicken Burger Recipe features juicy, seasoned ground chicken patties smashed thin and cooked in a skillet for a crispy edge. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and spread with spicy sriracha mayonnaise on toasted brioche buns, these burgers are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons green onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of your choice), more if needed
Toppings and Assembly
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 strips bacon, cooked and cut in half (making 4 pieces)
- 2 brioche buns, toasted
- Mayonnaise, as needed
- Sriracha, as needed
- Red onion, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, finely diced red bell pepper, diced green onion, smoked paprika, cajun seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and finely chopped garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball to ensure even cooking later.
- Cook the Patties: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken patty balls to the skillet. Using a spatula, firmly smash each ball flat to form thin patties. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then carefully flip them.
- Add Cheese: Immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese over each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt as the patties cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Toast and Prepare Buns: While the patties cook, toast the brioche buns if desired. Drizzle mayonnaise and sriracha over each bun half and evenly spread using a butter knife.
- Assemble the Burgers: On the bottom buns, place two cheesy chicken patties each. Top with sliced red onions and 2 pieces of crispy bacon per burger. Cap with the top buns. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful smash chicken burgers!
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- Adjust the level of sriracha to make the burger more or less spicy according to your taste.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan to the patty mix.
- Use a heavy spatula to press the patties firmly to achieve the characteristic crispy edges.
