This BBQ Chicken Burger recipe produces the juiciest, tastiest chicken burger you will ever have! Studded with cheese, basted in barbecue sauce, and topped with creamy coleslaw, this BBQ chicken burger is anything but boring or dry!
![Ground Chicken Burger Recipe Two chicken burgers topped with coleslaw on wooden cutting board.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BBQ-Chicken-Burger-.jpg)
Juicy & Flavorful Chicken Burger
Chicken burgers, compared to classic hamburgers, have the reputation of being dry and flavorless. That is not the case when it comes this BBQ Chicken Burger!
By seasoning the chicken with a heavy hand, stuffing with cheese, and coating the the burger in barbecue sauce, this recipe turns ground chicken into the juiciest, most flavorful chicken burger you have ever had--and it is quite easy to do!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Burgers
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Season Ground Chicken
Chicken can be pretty bland on its own. By adding in a mixture similar to a homemade dry rub, made with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, along with a bit of your favorite BBQ sauce the chicken will be incredibly flavorful.
![Chicken Burger Recipe Raw chicken in mixing bowl with seasonings.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Recipe-Chicken-Burgers.jpg)
Stuff Chicken Burgers with Cheese
Instead of adding cheese to the cheese NOW to the raw meat, instead of simply topping your burger with cheese, as this will keep every bite juicy and flavorful!
![Recipe Chicken Burgers with Cheese Cheddar cheese added to ground chicken in mixing bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Recipe-Chicken-Burgers-with-Cheese.jpg)
Form the Chicken Burgers
Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into patties that are slightly larger than a hamburger bun. Gently place a thumbprint into the middle of each patty, which will help to prevent shrinkage and allow for even cooking.
![Chicken Burger Recipe Barbecue chicken burger meat in hand shaping burger.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Grilled-Chicken-Burger.jpg)
Grill Chicken Burgers
Whether you opt to grill, pan-fry, or smoke these BBQ Chicken Burgers, you wan to ensure the burgers reach 165 degrees F, before consuming, but you also don't want to overcook the chicken which can dry out your burgers. I recommend using a digital thermometer and cooking the chicken patties until they reach 162 degrees F. Remove from the grill and tent with foil for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the chicken burgers to reach 165 degrees F, but not be dried out.
![Best Chicken Burger Recipe Four chicken burgers on grill plate.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Grilled-Chicken-Burger-Recipe.jpg)
Baste with BBQ Sauce
Remove the burgers from the grill and brush with the barbecue sauce on both sides. This will really finish the burgers off with incredible flavor and adds to the juiciness of the chicken burger.
![BBQ Chicken Burger Four chicken burgers on wooden platter basted in BBQ sauce.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BBQ-Grilled-Chicken-Burger-Recipe.jpg)
Top BBQ Chicken Burgers with Coleslaw
To add to the flavor, texture, and moisture, while optional, I HIGHLY recommend serving these BBQ chicken burgers with creamy coleslaw and additional barbecue sauce on a bun of your choice. Perfection!
![BBQ Chicken Burger Recipe BBQ Chicken Burgers on Cutting Board on bun with coleslaw.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Chicken-Burger-Recipe.jpg)
Money Saving Tip
Instead of purchasing a package of ground chicken, you can make homemade ground chicken in minutes for a fraction of the cost using nothing more than a food processor! Simply place COLD cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into a food processor, and pulse 4-6 times, or until the chicken is broken down enough to form into patties.
Side Dishes for Chicken Burgers
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Easy Baked Oven Fries
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Homemade Baked Beans
I hope you enjoy these juicy chicken burgers as much as my family does. Be sure to leave a comment and review below sharing your experience.
![Juicy chicken burger on bun topped with BBQ sauce and coleslaw on cutting board.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chicken-Burger-Recipe-360x360.jpg)
BBQ Chicken Burger
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken dark or white meat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup barbecue sauce divided
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese diced into tiny cubes or shredded
- 1 cup homemade coleslaw optional
- 4 buns
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates or pan with oil to keep the burgers from sticking.
- Place the ground chicken into a large mixing bowl and add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, ¼ cup barbecue sauce, and diced cheese. Mix together until just combined and ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful to not overmix the chicken.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape it into patties that are slightly larger than the bottom of a hamburger bun. Place a thumbprint into the middle of each burger, to help prevent shrinkage and even cooking.
- Grill or cook for 5 minutes. Flip the burgers, and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken burgers reach 162℉.
- Remove the burgers to a plate and brush with additional barbecue sauce. Tent with foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the burgers to reach 165℉.
- Serve the burgers on buns with coleslaw and additional BBQ sauce or as desired.
Via
This Burger is incredible! We made for father's day. The juicy chicken, melty cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce create a fantastic flavor. The creamy coleslaw on top is the perfect finishing touch. So good!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing you enjoyed these burgers for Father's Day and appreciate you taking the time to leave a review 🙂
Tracy E
My family super loved this BBQ chicken burger! Indeed so juicy and flavorful!
Kristyn
Yum!! These scream summer & we will be making them a lot! My kids love bbq chicken, so to add it in a burger is even better!
Kristen Chidsey
Love hearing your family enjoyed these burgers, Kristyn 🙂
Annette Hunt
I made these chicken patties for a family meal at the cabin. Everyone enjoyed them, even the grandchildren! My daughter asked for the recipe because it was such a big hit! We will enjoy again and again! The coleslaw was awesome with them as well! I liked that it didn't have mayo in it.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad your family enjoyed Annette! Thanks for sharing!
Debbie
This was delicious! Looking to eat healthier and this is a great alternative to beef burgers!
Kristen Chidsey
So happy to hear you enjoyed Debbie!
Ashley
These were so good for dinner. We will definitely make them again.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY!!! So glad you enjoyed Ashley!
Cathy
My family loves burgers but I don't typically use a lot of red meat.These fit the bill!
Kristen Chidsey
So glad you could find a recipe to agree upon and enjoy!
Amy Anderson
Have you ever broiled these or used a cast iron skillet to cook them? Just curious...Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Amy!
Yes, I have used a cast iron skillet many times and that works great. Just preheat over medium high heat and then cook 5-6 minutes per side or until burgers get to 165 degrees. I have not broiled, but that should work as well, just watch for carefully as the cheese or BBQ sauce can burn quickly
Amy Anderson
Thanks! Plan to try these soon😊
Karen
This burger looks amazing. Love the buns and the cole slaw topping!!
Tammy
That looks so yummy! Thanks for the great recipe and for linking it up to Tasty Tuesdays at Creative K Kids. I pinned it to the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board.
Miz Helen
Happy Saturday Kristen!
That is sure a great basket of goodies, your BBQ Chicken Burger looks delicious! Hope you have a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday!
Come Back Soon,
Miz Helen
CJ Huang
I'm liking how you put some slaw on top of the burger. It just adds a bit of "something." 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and sharing this recipe with us - you're featured this week on Five Friday Finds! I'm looking forward to what you share this week. 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks CJ for choosing my recipe to be featured!! To me, the slaw is what make the sandwich 🙂 Enjoy!