Forget those dry, flavorless chicken burgers you’ve resigned yourself to. I used to think chicken burgers were inherently bland, a less exciting alternative to beef. Then, a happy kitchen accident involving grated Parmesan and a whisper of sage transformed my entire perception. This Avocado Chicken Burger recipe is a game-changer, boasting incredibly juicy, savory patties with those coveted crispy edges, all crowned with a generous, creamy smash of avocado. It’s the perfect antidote to takeout fatigue, delivering gourmet satisfaction in under 30 minutes.
Avocado Chicken Burger: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with flavor, these chicken patties are incredibly juicy thanks to the parmesan and sage, offering a savory depth that will surprise you. Simple to make, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. Creamy avocado adds a luxurious texture and fresh contrast to the rich patty. Plus, like our popular Spicy Honey Chicken Burgers, this recipe is easily adaptable with different herbs or cheeses to suit your taste!
Ground Chicken Burger Ingredients
- Ground Chicken (mince): 500g / 1.2 lb. – The star of our show, providing a lighter base that’s perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors we’re about to add. (Remember, ground turkey or pork work beautifully as a substitute too!)
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup – These crispy little wonders are key to creating a tender patty that holds its shape without being dense.
- Egg: 1 large – Our trusty binder, ensuring all those delicious ingredients stay perfectly combined in each patty.
- Parmesan Cheese, finely grated: 3/4 cup – This isn’t just for show! It packs a serious umami punch, adding savory depth that makes these burgers anything but bland. And yes, freshly grated is best for that amazing flavor boost.
- Green Onion, finely sliced: 1 cup (about 2 stems) – For a fresh, mild oniony bite that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Garlic Cloves, minced: 2 – The aromatic backbone of so many great dishes, bringing essential savory notes to our Avocado Chicken Burger patties.
- Dried Sage: 1/2 tsp. – This is our “secret ingredient” that adds a warm, earthy depth. If you don’t have sage, a pinch of dried thyme or even celery salt will do the trick!
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp. each – The essential seasonings that wake up all the other flavors.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp. – For achieving that perfect golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior when we cook our patties.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Burgers
- Combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, minced garlic, dried sage, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just incorporated.
- Form four equal-sized patties, about 1.5cm thick. Make them slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink a bit during cooking.
- Cook the patties in a skillet with heated olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through.
- Melt cheese by topping each patty with a slice in the last minute of cooking and covering the pan briefly.
- Assemble your burgers by toasting buns, mashing avocado onto the bottom halves, and topping with the cheesy chicken patties, fresh rocket, and sliced tomatoes. Spread your favorite condiment on the top bun.
Optional: Serve with crispy fries or baked potato wedges.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These juicy Avocado Chicken Burgers are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week. You can absolutely prepare the burger patties ahead of time to simplify your meal prep! Combine all the patty ingredients – ground chicken, panko, egg, Parmesan, green onion, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper – and form them into patties up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. To finish, simply cook the chilled patties in a skillet with olive oil as directed, adding the cheese to melt at the end. This method ensures your delicious Avocado Chicken Burgers are ready with minimal fuss, just as tasty as if you made them fresh.
Avocado Chicken Burger Variations
Ready to make these amazing burgers your own? Let’s get creative and whip up a batch that perfectly suits your cravings!
- Turkey Twist: Substitute ground turkey for chicken. Grind adds a slightly different, milder flavor.
- Pork Power: Swap chicken for ground pork. This offers a richer, more savory base.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery bite.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even a touch of rosemary.
- Cheesy Delight: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone for a different cheese pull experience.
- Veggie Boost: Finely grate a carrot or zucchini into the mix for added moisture and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these delicious patties safe for sensitive diets.
What to Serve with Avocado Chicken Burger?
Elevate your juicy burger experience by pairing it with sides that offer delightful textures and fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Crispy French Fries: A classic pairing that delivers satisfying crunch against the soft bun and creamy avocado.
- Garlicky Roasted Broccoli: The earthy notes of roasted broccoli complement the savory chicken patties beautifully.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet corn, creamy sauce, and a touch of spice add an exciting side dish dimension.
- Cucumber Dill Salad: A refreshing, cool salad cuts through the richness of the burger with its bright, herbaceous flavors.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: A touch of sweetness and a softer texture than regular fries, offering a delicious contrast.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw adds a cool, tangy crunch that balances the burger.
- Watermelon & Feta Skewers: This light and refreshing starter provides a sweet and salty pop, preparing your palate for the main event.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A cool, classic beverage to quench your thirst and cleanse your palate.
Storage Tips for Avocado Chicken Burgers
- Fridge: Store leftover cooked Avocado Chicken Burger patties in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked patties without the bun or toppings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Assemble with fresh avocado and toppings for the best experience.
Expert Tips
- Parmesan Power: Don’t skip the finely grated Parmesan; it’s your secret weapon for deeply savory Avocado Chicken Burger patties, adding umami without a strong cheesy taste.
- Sticky Situation: If your chicken mixture feels too wet, chill it for 30 minutes, or simply dampen your hands before shaping to avoid adding extra breadcrumbs, which can make patties tough.
- Golden Brown: Aim for a rich, golden crust on both sides by cooking the patties for about 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat, ensuring they’re juicy inside.
- Avocado Smash: A generous layer of mashed avocado adds essential creaminess and moisture, beautifully balancing the savory patty and fresh toppings.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine patty ingredients until just mixed; overworking can lead to tougher burgers, so be light-handed!
Juicy Avocado Chicken Burger with Parmesan & Sage Recipe FAQs
**How should I store uncooked Avocado Chicken Burger patties?
**If you’ve mixed up the patty ingredients but aren’t ready to cook, you can refrigerate the formed patties (uncovered) for up to 30 minutes before cooking, which can help them hold their shape better. For longer storage of uncooked patties, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 1 month. Ensure they are fully thawed before cooking and follow the standard cooking instructions.
**Can I make these Avocado Chicken Burgers ahead of time?
**Yes, you absolutely can! I often prepare the patty mixture a day in advance. Mix all the patty ingredients together, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply shape the patties and proceed with the recipe. This is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights.
**How long do cooked chicken patties last, and can they be frozen?
**Cooked chicken patties will last happily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you have more than you think you’ll eat, freezing is a great option! To freeze, let the cooked patties cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
**What if my chicken burger mixture is too sticky to form patties?
**This is a common, but easily solvable, issue with ground chicken! The best trick, as mentioned in the recipe, is to slightly dampen your hands with water or a little olive oil before shaping. This creates a barrier that prevents the mixture from sticking to you. Alternatively, popping the bowl in the fridge for about 30 minutes will firm up the mixture, making it much easier to handle. Avoid adding extra breadcrumbs, as this can alter the texture of the final burger.
Juicy Avocado Chicken Burgers: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, minced garlic, dried sage, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just incorporated.
- Form four equal-sized patties, about 1.5cm thick, making them slightly larger than your buns.
- Cook the patties in a skillet with heated olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through.
- Melt cheese by topping each patty with a slice in the last minute of cooking and covering the pan briefly.
- Assemble your burgers by toasting buns, mashing avocado onto the bottom halves, and topping with the cheesy chicken patties, fresh rocket, and sliced tomatoes.