These healthy BBQ Chicken Burgers are irresistibly juicy, moist, and flavorful. Easy to make using ground chicken and smoky BBQ seasonings, they’re a must-have for grilling season!

If you’re anything like me, then you love slathering everything, from chicken nuggets to chicken wings to pulled pork, in BBQ sauce. It’s the best condiment year-round, but it especially comes in handy for grilling season! 

Thanks to my favorite condiment and simple smoky seasonings, these BBQ Chicken Burgers promise finger-licking deliciousness in every bite. They’re easy to make from ground chicken, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a few seasonings, and take less than 10 minutes to cook to perfection in a skillet or on the grill.

Top your juicy chicken burgers with your favorite burger toppings and serve them alongside my homemade coleslaw for quick family dinners or at your next backyard bash. One bite, and everyone will be asking for seconds!

Recipe features

• BBQ sauce and a handful of seasonings infuse these burgers with a mouthwatering smoky-tangy flavor, making them perfect for the summer grilling session. 
• Cook them outdoors for the backyard barbecue or indoors for year-round chicken burger goodness. Either way, they’re ready in less than 10 minutes!
• The prep is minimal and you can even make them days or months ahead of time.

Ingredients

Ground chicken – You have two options: ground chicken breast for a leaner, milder flavor, or ground chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor profile. I prefer a combination of ground chicken breast and thighs when I’m making chicken burgers.

BBQ sauce – Store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly, or you can make homemade BBQ sauce for a personalized touch!

Seasonings – I used equal parts salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the BBQ flavor of the burgers. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, BBQ sauce, and seasonings with your hands until evenly incorporated. 

Step 2: Form the burger patties. Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape them into evenly sized-burger patties. 

Step 3: Cook. Sear the burgers in a preheated skillet, then cover and cook until the burgers are cooked through.

Step 4: Serve. Meanwhile, prepare the coleslaw, burger buns, and your desired toppings. Once cooked, remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest before assembling and serving. Enjoy! 

Tips and FAQs

• Avoid overmixing the ground chicken mixture, or else the patties can become dense and dry. For the juiciest results, get in there with your hands and mix gently until the ingredients are just combined.
• Allow the cooked patties to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute within the meat, resulting in juicier chicken burgers.
• To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the burger patty. You’ll know they’re done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F. 

Variations

• Burger topping ideas – Serve the burgers on toasted buns with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and melted cheddar cheese. To elevate your BBQ chicken burgers, add creamy avocado, chipotle aioli, coleslaw, pickled red onions, crispy fried onions, grilled pineapple, or jalapeño slices. 
• Switch up the seasonings – Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of freshness. For a more intense smoky BBQ flavor, use a good-quality dry BBQ spice rub instead of the individual spices in the recipe card.
• Instead of ground chicken – Feel free to swap the chicken for ground turkey, pork, beef, or even plant-based ground meat.
• Chicken sliders – Shape the chicken mixture into smaller slider-sized patties instead of traditional-sized burgers, like these BBQ chicken sliders. Serve them on mini burger buns with your favorite toppings.

Serving suggestions

For a classic BBQ picnic-style spread, pair the burgers with homemade coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad, sweet potato fries, and corn on the cob. Or, for a Southern touch, pair them with creamy mac and cheese and baked beans. 

If you’re looking for healthier side dishes, consider baked sweet potato slices, grilled zucchini, tomato bacon green bean salad, or a zesty cannellini bean salad. 

How long should I grill the BBQ chicken burgers?

Grilled chicken burgers typically take 5 to 6 minutes per side when cooked over medium heat. Remember, the cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the type of grill used. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked and have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Why are my chicken burgers falling apart?

This can happen when the burger meat mixture is overworked in the bowl or when the skillet or grill pan isn’t oiled properly, causing the patties to stick. To further prevent them from sticking, refrigerate the patties for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I make the chicken patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the burger patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. To keep them longer, freeze the uncooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. 

Storage

Refrigerator: Allow the leftover cooked chicken burgers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: The cooked and cooled burgers freeze well in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the burgers in the microwave in 15 to 20-second increments or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Brush the burgers with extra BBQ sauce to keep them moist. 

More burger recipes to try

• Pan-Seared Salmon Burgers 
• Grilled Bison Burgers
• Air Fryer Turkey Burgers 

If you made this chicken burger recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!