Name: BBQ Chicken Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground chicken (92% lean); 1 cup cheese cracker crumbs; ¼ cup barbecue sauce; 1 large egg; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 slices cheddar cheese; 3 sandwich buns; Lettuce, for topping; Tomato slices, for topping; Extra barbecue sauce, for serving

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These BBQ Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and bursting with smoky-sweet goodness. Made with lean ground chicken and packed with cheesy cracker crumbs for a subtle crunch and rich flavor, these burgers are a quick and satisfying twist on the classic. Serve them on toasted buns with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and an extra slathering of barbecue sauce for a weeknight meal everyone will love.

BBQ Chicken Burgers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Extra flavor: Barbecue sauce and cheese crackers give these burgers a smoky, cheesy, slightly sweet bite.
Moist and tender: The egg and cracker crumbs keep the chicken patties juicy and flavorful.
Pan-fried perfection: No grill required—these cook beautifully in a skillet.
Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground chicken (92% lean)
1 cup cheese cracker crumbs (such as Cheez-Its or Goldfish, crushed)
¼ cup barbecue sauce
1 large egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
3 slices cheddar cheese
3 sandwich buns
Lettuce and tomato for topping
Extra barbecue sauce for serving

Directions

Mix the patties: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, cracker crumbs, barbecue sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Form the burgers: Divide the mixture into 3 even portions and form into patties.
Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and melt the butter. Add the patties and cook for 8 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and they are fully cooked through.
Add cheese: Place a slice of cheddar on each patty and let it melt.
Assemble: Place each patty on a sandwich bun and top with lettuce, tomato, and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 3 burgers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger mix.
Mini Sliders: Divide the mixture into 6 smaller patties and serve on slider buns.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
Grilled Option: Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side instead of pan-frying.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cheese crackers and serve on a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Place leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well in place of chicken. Just be sure to use a variety with some fat content to keep the burgers moist.

What cheese crackers work best?

Cheez-Its, Goldfish, or any sharp cheese-flavored crackers will add great taste and texture.

Can I make these burgers on the grill?

Absolutely. Just be gentle when flipping, as chicken burgers are softer than beef.

How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the skillet?

Make sure the skillet is well-heated and the butter is fully melted before adding the patties. Nonstick pans or cast iron work best.

Do I need a food processor for the cracker crumbs?

No. You can crush the crackers by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a rolling pin or glass.

What barbecue sauce is best?

Use your favorite—smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. A thicker sauce helps hold the patties together better.

Can I bake these burgers instead?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

How do I know when the burgers are done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make them in advance?

Yes, shape the patties and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What can I serve with BBQ chicken burgers?

Try them with coleslaw, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or corn on the cob.

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken Burgers are the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and cheesy goodness, made easy with pantry staples and a quick skillet cook. Whether it’s for a summer dinner or a quick weeknight meal, these burgers hit the spot every time. Customize your toppings, add your favorite sauce, and enjoy a flavorful twist on the classic burger.

Molly