Description
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.
Ingredients
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.)
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!
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.