Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Burger Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, egg, minced garlic, chopped green onions (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix Well: Use your hands or a spatula to mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

1. Divide Mixture: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions.
2. Shape Patties: Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Preheat: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Burgers

1. Grill Patties: Place the chicken patties on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the burgers are fully cooked.
2. Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Toast Buns: While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

1. Assemble: Place a chicken patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, red onion slices, and pickles.
2. Add Ranch Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing over the toppings, then place the top half of the bun on the burger.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve: Serve the Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers immediately, with your favorite side dishes like fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

Tips and Tricks

• Moisture: Adding a little moisture like a tablespoon of milk or olive oil to the mixture can keep the patties juicy.
• Even Cooking: Make sure the patties are of even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Chill Patties: If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before grilling.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the burger mixture for a spicy kick.
• Bacon Ranch: Top the burgers with crispy bacon slices for an extra layer of flavor.
• Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado for a fresh, rich addition to the burgers.

Serving Suggestions

• With Sweet Potato Fries: Serve these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries for a delicious contrast.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the burgers.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled vegetables for a tangy, crunchy complement.

Conclusion

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and juicy alternative to traditional beef burgers. With the perfect blend of ranch seasoning and melted cheddar, these burgers are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or family dinner. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch of these delicious burgers and enjoy the rich, savory taste with your favorite toppings. Happy grilling!