Name: Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs; 4 fresh basil leaves; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 stick softened butter; 4 burger buns; 1 tbsp minced garlic; salt and pepper to taste

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Sink your teeth into your new favorite spin on this classic Italian favorite. Chicken Parmesan Burgers are the best of both Italian and American cuisine.

chicken parmesan burger on a white plate with salad

Chicken Parmesan Burger Recipe

As most of you know, I’m not a huge fan of red meat. If I’m not eating seafood, I’m eating chicken, vegetables, or plant-based dishes.

However, I’m not sure if it is because of the 4th of July just passed, but I have been having some serious burger cravings!

It’s easy to fall into a funk when it comes to burger preparation and making the same hamburger or cheeseburger over and over again.

These Chicken Parmesan Burgers are the perfect twist on the classic American favorite with all your perfect Italian flavors; ready to please a crowd or cure a personal burger hankering.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN PARMESAN BURGERS

Ground chicken
Italian bread crumbs
Fresh basil
Marinara sauce
Parmesan cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Red pepper flakes
Dried thyme
Dried oregano
Garlic powder
Burger buns

*a full list of ingredients and measurements for this recipe can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page!

ground chicken, bread crumbs, basil, and red pepper flakes in a glass bowl

Pro-Tip: Make sure you use fresh basil! Dried basil does not pack the same flavor and has a different texture/consistency.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN PARM BURGERS

If you’ve tried my Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe, you’re going to love these burgers!

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat on in the microwave for 20 seconds or until it’s completely melted.

2. Toast the buns. In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic. Lay each burger bun flat on a foiled baking sheet, inside facing up. Using a silicone brush, coat the inside of each burger bun with the butter mixture. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until the buns are toasted to your liking.

3. Form the chicken patties. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, basil, parmesan cheese, Italian bread crumbs, red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. Form chicken mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, about ¼ inch thick.

three chicken patties on a white plate with basil leaves

4. Cook the chicken patties. In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken patties for 4-5 minutes on each side. Flip patties when the bottom has turned golden brown, then add the marinara sauce to the pan.

5. Add the cheese and finish cooking. Top each chicken patty with mozzarella cheese and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer chicken patties covered with a tight fitting lid for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the patties are fully cooked.

To serve: Spread marinara sauce from the pan on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with 2 fresh basil leaves and chicken.

Pro-Tip: If you are looking to make this recipe a little leaner, use less cheese and/or replace the bun with a lettuce wrap instead!

ARE THESE CHICKEN PARM BURGERS HEALTHY?

Yes! Chicken is a lean source of protein and aside from the bun (which is obviously a carb).

There is a stigma around burgers for typically being unhealthy, high in fat, and high in calories (mainly due to the high-fat content from the ground beef).

If that isn’t enough, beef burgers tend to be high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fat.

chicken parmesan burgers in a pan with tomato sauce and basil

There is nothing wrong with a great burger every now and then. However, if you are looking to stay on the healthier side of the burger world, this is the recipe for you!

Pro-Tip: Looking for ways to make this recipe healthier? Switch out the bum or a lettuce wrap and/or switch out the traditional marinara sauce for pesto.

Some Questions You Might Have About This Recipe

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! This is one recipe I love to meal prep for the week. I’ll usually double the recipe and grab as I need them.

Usually, I’ll just eat these without the bun and pack two in glass storage containers.

I don’t have Italian Bread Crumbs, help! What do I do?

If you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, you can add Italian seasoning to panko or bread crumbs as a quick substitute.

avocado salad and chicken burger on a white plate with two forks

Are there other ways to make this recipe healthier?

Aside from subbing the bun for lettuce and swapping out the traditional marinara sauce for pesto…you can sub the butter for olive oil! This is the one I use.

How do I keep the butter from burning?

Burning butter is super easy to do; don’t sweat it, it happens to the best of us!

To keep the butter from burning, it’s best to remove it from the heat when there are a few small pieces left and stir until it’s completely melted.

Can I cook these burgers in the air fryer?

Yes! Prep/assemble patties as instructed and place in the air fryer to cook at 375 F for 6-7 minutes on both sides. Add the mozzarella cheese and cook for 1-2 more minutes or until it’s melted.

While the patties are cooking, heat up the marinara sauce in a saucepan on the stove.

More Chicken Recipes To Try

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