Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

There’s something so comforting about a homemade burger. It reminds me of backyard summers filled with laughter, the smell of the grill wafting through the warm air, and plates passed around a picnic table covered with mismatched napkins and stories from the week. While traditional beef burgers have their place, these Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers bring a fun and flavorful twist that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up.

This recipe became a go-to in our house during spring weekends when we craved something hearty but not heavy. The ranch seasoning adds that classic tangy, herby kick, while the cheddar melts beautifully into the tender chicken patties. They’re juicy, loaded with flavor, and versatile enough for a casual family dinner or a more dressed-up sandwich night with friends.

These burgers are also perfect if you’re trying to switch things up or find a chicken option that doesn’t taste like an afterthought. Trust me—once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Big flavor with minimal effort – Ranch seasoning + cheddar = flavor bomb
• Kid and adult approved – Everyone loves a good burger, especially one with cheese
• Make-ahead friendly – Mix and form the patties ahead for easy weeknight dinners
• Customizable toppings – Load it up with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or keep it simple
• Great for grilling or pan-frying – Whatever the weather, you can cook these easily

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Burger buns, for serving
• Your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, red onion, etc.)

HOW TO MAKE CHEDDAR RANCH CHICKEN BURGERS:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Mix the Patties
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this is where the magic happens. Combine your ground chicken, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Using your hands (yes, it’s a little messy, but so worth it), gently mix everything until just combined. You don’t want to overmix, or your burgers could turn out dense instead of juicy.

Step 2: Shape the Burgers
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties. If the mixture feels sticky, dampen your hands a bit—it makes forming the patties much easier. Lay them out on a plate or baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if you have time. This helps them hold their shape better while cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (or fire up the grill if it’s sunny outside). Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should hit 165°F. Try not to flip them too early—give them time to get that beautiful sear.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Toast your burger buns lightly for that perfect bit of crunch, then build your dream burger. We love adding crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and maybe a little extra ranch on the bun for good measure. Serve them up hot and watch how quickly they disappear!

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Chill before cooking: If your patties are a bit soft, chilling them in the fridge for 15 minutes will help them firm up and cook evenly.
• Breadcrumb swap: Don’t have plain breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers or panko work in a pinch.
• Cheese matters: Use a good-quality cheddar for the best melt and flavor. Sharp cheddar adds a lovely bite.
• Make it your own: Add a dash of hot sauce to the mix if you like a little heat or swap in turkey ham for a tasty topping.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-fry or grill
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal-friendly

NOTES:

You can double the batch and freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment for a fast dinner on another night. Just thaw in the fridge before cooking.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per burger, without bun or toppings — estimates only)

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0.5g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and pairs perfectly with the ranch and cheddar flavors.

How do I know the burgers are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F. Also, the outside should be golden and slightly crispy.

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad
• Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
• Louisiana Voodoo Fries – Wingstop Copycat
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

CONCLUSION

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are one of those recipes that feel like a treat but are secretly easy and pretty wholesome. Whether you’re planning a cookout, a quick family dinner, or just craving a good chicken sandwich with personality, these burgers check all the boxes. They’re juicy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—and once you try them, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.

Print