Chicken Parm Burgers

Ingredients

• 12 oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into 1‑inch pieces before processing)
• 4 oz Low‑Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (shredded; firm low‑moisture version for best melt)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Granulated Garlic
• 0.5 tsp Dried Oregano
• 3 tbsp Panko Breadcrumbs (plain, not seasoned)
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil (divided: 1 tbsp in mixture, 2 tbsp for pan‑frying)
• 1 cup Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade, keep hot)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened for garlic butter spread)
• 1 clove Garlic Clove (minced)
• 1 tsp Fresh Parsley (chopped; plus extra for garnish)
• 4 pieces Hamburger Buns (standard soft buns; can use brioche for richer flavor)

Instructions

1. Trim and Cube Chicken

   Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1‑inch pieces; no need to trim visible fat.

   Time: PT5M

2. Process Chicken

   Place the chicken pieces in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground, scraping down the sides as needed.

   Time: PT5M

3. Add Cheese and Seasonings

   Add shredded low‑moisture mozzarella, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, dried oregano, panko breadcrumbs, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Pulse until the mixture just comes together into a cohesive ball.

   Time: PT5M

4. Chill the Mixture

   Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

   Time: PT30M

5. Form Patties

   Dampen your hands with water, divide the mixture into four equal portions, and shape each into a patty slightly larger than the bun. Wrap each patty in plastic and keep chilled until ready to cook.

   Time: PT5M

6. Prepare Garlic Butter for Buns

   In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on the cut sides of each bun.

   Time: PT5M

7. Toast Buns

   Place buttered buns cut‑side up on a baking sheet and toast in a pre‑heated 400°F oven for 7‑10 minutes, or until golden brown.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 400°F

8. Bread the Patties

   Remove patties from the fridge, unwrap, and press both sides into additional plain panko breadcrumbs for a crisp crust.

   Time: PT5M

9. Pan‑Fry Patties

   Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each patty 3‑4 minutes per side, then flip and cook an additional 1 minute.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium heat

10. Add Sauce and Cheese

    Spoon hot marinara over the top of each patty, sprinkle with 1‑2 tbsp shredded mozzarella, cover the skillet, and cook 2‑3 minutes until cheese melts.

    Time: PT3M

11. Assemble the Burger

    Spread a thin layer of hot marinara on the bottom bun, place the cheesy patty, add a little more marinara on the top bun, sprinkle fresh parsley, and close.

    Time: PT2M

12. Serve

    Cut the burger in half if desired, plate, and enjoy!

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

24g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

30g

Fiber

2g