Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burger Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground Chicken (fresh, preferably 93% lean)
• 3 pieces Wheat Buns (soft, fresh bakery buns)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, shredded)
• 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs (plain, fine texture)
• 3 slices Bacon Slices (thick-cut, cooked until crisp)
• 1/4 cup Onion (diced, about 1 small onion)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 packet Dry Ranch Seasoning (store‑bought ranch mix)
• 1 large Egg (room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for pan‑frying)
• 6 slices Tomato (ripe, sliced about 1/4 inch thick)
• 3 pieces Lettuce Leaf (crisp leaf such as romaine or butter lettuce)
• 3 tablespoons Ranch Dressing (store‑bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   Dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the cheddar cheese, and measure out the bread crumbs, ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

   Time: PT5M

2. Mix Chicken Patty Base

   In a large mixing bowl combine the ground chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dry ranch seasoning, bread crumbs, shredded cheddar, diced onion, minced garlic, and the egg. Stir with a spoon until just combined; do not over‑mix.

   Time: PT5M

3. Form Patties

   Using a biscuit scooper, portion the mixture into three equal portions (about 1/3 lb each) and gently shape each into a round patty about 1/2‑inch thick.

   Time: PT3M

4. Toast Buns

   Pre‑heat the air fryer or toaster to medium heat and toast the wheat buns until lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium (≈350°F)

5. Cook Patties

   Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken patties and cook for 5‑7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 5‑7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outsides are nicely browned.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: Medium (≈350°F)

6. Assemble Burgers

   Spread 1 tbsp ranch dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with a tomato slice, a slice of crisp bacon, a cooked chicken patty, and a lettuce leaf. Top with the bun crown.

   Time: PT3M

7. Serve

   Place the assembled burgers on a plate and serve immediately while hot.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Ground Chicken: Ground turkey, Ground pork
• Instead of Wheat Buns: Burger buns, Ciabatta rolls
• Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredded mozzarella, Shredded Monterey Jack
• Instead of Bread Crumbs: Panko, Crushed crackers
• Instead of Bacon Slices: Turkey bacon, Prosciutto
• Instead of Onion: Shallots, Green onions
• Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
• Instead of Dry Ranch Seasoning: Homemade ranch mix, Buttermilk ranch powder
• Instead of Egg: Egg white (2), Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
• Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
• Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
• Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika, Chipotle powder (smaller amount)
• Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Vegetable oil
• Instead of Tomato: Tomato jam, Roasted red pepper strips
• Instead of Lettuce Leaf: Spinach leaves, Arugula
• Instead of Ranch Dressing: Blue cheese dressing, Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Spoon
• Biscuit Scooper
• Frying Pan
• Spatula
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Air Fryer or Toaster
• Plate

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Do not over‑mix the chicken mixture or the patties will become tough
• Cook the patties to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety
• Toast the buns just until lightly golden for optimal texture

Chef Tips from the Video

• Keep the ground chicken chilled while mixing to maintain a firm texture
• Use a light hand when shaping patties to avoid compacting the meat
• A quick splash of water on the skillet can create a gentle steam that keeps the patties juicy

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked patties and assembled burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freezer: Wrap patties tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating

Room temperature: Do not leave assembled burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours

Make-Ahead Tips

• Form the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking
• Cook the bacon ahead of time and store in the fridge
• Toast the buns just before assembling to keep them crisp

Frequently Asked Questions