Nothing quite beats a juicy, flavorful chicken burger that brings together the rich tanginess of cheddar cheese and the zesty punch of ranch seasoning. If you are searching for a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and packs a delicious punch, the Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need. These burgers combine tender ground chicken with sharp cheddar and ranch spices to create an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual weekend gathering. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite for your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, from the sharpness of the cheddar cheese to the herbal depth of the ranch seasoning, ensuring every bite is a mouthwatering experience.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Use fresh, lean chicken for tender and juicy burgers.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This sharp cheese adds a creamy, tangy richness that melts beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix: The signature flavor that infuses the patties with herby, savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, mellow garlicky depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances overall savoriness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of heat to round out the seasoning.
- 4 hamburger buns: Choose your favorite buns, or go gluten-free if preferred.
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices: Fresh toppings that add crispness, color, and brightness.
- Ranch dressing (optional): For an extra layer of creamy tang.
- Olive oil or nonstick spray: Used to prevent sticking while cooking the patties.
How to Make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing the ground chicken in a large bowl. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the burgers dense instead of tender. The blend of cheese and ranch seasoning infuses the chicken with wonderful flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a round patty roughly the size of your hamburger buns. Keep the edges neat but don’t press too firm—the goal is a tender, juicy burger that holds together.
Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface
Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet to medium heat. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil or use nonstick spray to keep those patties from sticking. This step ensures a beautiful sear and keeps your burgers moist.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side without moving them around; this helps form a nice crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This is key to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble
If you like toasted buns, this is the time to give them a quick toast on the grill or in a toaster. Then, assemble your Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe by layering the patty on the bun, followed by crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and zesty red onion. Add a drizzle of ranch dressing if you want to kick up the flavor even more.
How to Serve Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes such as fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion add crunch and brightness, balancing out the rich flavors of the burger. A bit of ranch dressing on top complements the ranch seasoning inside the patty, making every bite wonderfully cohesive. For an indulgent twist, try adding crispy bacon or creamy avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Classic crispy French fries or sweet potato fries are a natural match. For a lighter option, try a crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables to keep the meal fresh and vibrant. If you want to get creative, corn on the cob brushed with herb butter is a fantastic seasonal choice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve these burgers sliders-style on mini buns at a party or game day gathering. You can also serve them open-faced with a pile of your favorite greens on top and a side of dipping sauce. Another idea is to use lettuce wraps instead of buns to keep things low-carb but still bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the patties moist, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other and try to keep any added toppings separate until serving.
Freezing
These burgers freeze well, making them a great meal prep option. Simply place cooked or uncooked patties on a lined baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring them to freezer bags. They will keep up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking.
Reheating
Reheat your burgers gently on a skillet or in the oven to maintain their juiciness. Microwaving can work in a pinch but may dry them out. For cooked patties, a quick warm-up at medium heat on the stove with a lid helps keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well with the cheddar and ranch flavors, though the texture might be slightly different.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free buns. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can save you time on a busy day.
What is the best way to ensure the burgers stay juicy?
Don’t overmix the meat when combining ingredients and be careful not to overcook the patties. Cooking to the proper internal temperature and letting them rest briefly after cooking helps retain juices.
Can I add other toppings to this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add crispy bacon, pickles, avocado slices, or even sautéed mushrooms to customize your burger to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe is a total winner that brings together simple ingredients with big flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next cookout, these burgers deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — happy cooking, friend!
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on a classic burger. Ground chicken is mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and savory ranch seasoning to create juicy patties packed with flavor. Cooked on a grill or stovetop skillet, these burgers are served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion, plus an optional drizzle of ranch dressing for extra creaminess. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Burger Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Ranch dressing (optional)
- Olive oil or nonstick spray for cooking
Instructions
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough burgers.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture evenly into 4 portions. Shape each portion into a round, flat patty about 3/4 inch thick.
- Prepare the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush or spray the surface with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Patties: Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are cooked through.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster for extra flavor and crunch.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each chicken patty on the bottom half of a bun. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve the burgers warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sliced avocado to your burgers.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free hamburger buns.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep burgers tender and juicy.
