Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe

The Zesty Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe You’ll Love

Bursting with flavor, these cheddar ranch chicken burgers deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

Melted cheese and zesty ranch seasoning blend perfectly in every juicy bite.

The combination creates an irresistible burger that will have you craving more with each savory mouthful.

Tender chicken patties provide a lean protein base that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that everyone at the table will love.

Prepare to transform your meal routine with these crowd-pleasing burgers.

Why Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Are Always a Hit

  • Combines simple ingredients for a fast, delicious meal that saves precious kitchen time without compromising on flavor.
  • Offers flexible options to add personal touches like extra veggies, different toppings, or swap ingredients based on family preferences.
  • Delivers a hearty, nutritious chicken burger that satisfies hunger and provides essential protein for active lifestyles.
  • Creates a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burger Ingredient Lineup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the foundation of the burger patties.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the chicken mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the burger.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that provide depth and complexity to the meat mixture.
Assembly Ingredients:
  • Burger Buns: Soft bread that serves as the base for holding the chicken burger.
  • Bacon: Crispy meat that adds smoky and salty flavor to the burger.
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and brightness to the burger.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment that adds tangy and herbal notes to the overall burger experience.

Tools for Tasty Cheddar Ranch Burgers

  • Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy container for combining burger ingredients thoroughly.
  • Cutting Board: Flat surface for shaping burger patties and preparing toppings.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent patties from sticking while shaping.
  • Large Cooking Pan: Spacious skillet for evenly cooking burger patties over medium heat.
  • Spatula: Essential tool for flipping burgers and transferring them to buns.
  • Knife: For slicing tomatoes, lettuce, and other burger toppings.

Cooking Up Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Burger Mixture

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground chicken with these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped fresh chives
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Ranch seasoning mix

Use your hands to blend everything together until the ingredients are perfectly distributed throughout the meat.

Step 2: Create Perfect Patty Shapes

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Gently form the chicken mixture into uniform burger patties.

Pro tip: Make a small indent in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent bulging.

Step 3: Sizzle Those Burgers

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Add a splash of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Carefully place the patties into the pan.

Cook for 6-8 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.

Flip carefully and cook an additional 6-8 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through with no pink center.

Step 4: Assemble Mouthwatering Burgers

Gather your favorite burger accessories:
  • Toasted burger buns
  • Crispy bacon strips
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Creamy ranch dressing

Layer the ingredients on the bun, starting with the perfectly cooked chicken patty.

Add your preferred toppings and drizzle with ranch dressing for an extra flavor kick.

Best Tips for Juicy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

  • Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to keep burgers tender and prevent tough, dense patties.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
  • Lightly oil your pan or grill grates before cooking to help burgers release easily without breaking.
  • Add extra seasoning like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chopped herbs to boost the burger's taste profile.
  • Let cooked patties rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute and maintain maximum moisture.

Flavorful Variations on Cheddar Ranch Burgers

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Burgers: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese and salsa.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Burgers: Swap cheddar for feta cheese, mix in dried oregano and basil, top with tzatziki sauce and cucumber slices.
  • Keto-Friendly Lettuce Wrap Version: Eliminate buns, use large lettuce leaves as wraps, add avocado slices for extra healthy fats.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs, serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

How to Serve Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Right

Burger Night Bliss: Fun Serving Suggestions

  • Bacon Lover's Dream: Layer crispy bacon strips on top of the juicy cheddar ranch chicken burger for an extra crunch and smoky flavor that will make taste buds dance.
  • Salad Bar Style: Create a DIY burger station with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and an array of colorful veggies so everyone can customize their perfect burger.
  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a light summer coleslaw to balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the chicken patty.
  • Dressing Drizzle Delight: Offer extra ranch dressing in a small dish for guests who want to add more tangy goodness to their burger experience.

Keeping Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual uncooked or cooked patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen patties last up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of oil to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Warm in oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly in this recipe with the same cooking method.

  • How can I tell if the chicken burgers are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through.

  • Is there a way to make these burgers healthier?

You can use lean ground chicken, bake instead of pan-fry, and opt for whole wheat buns to increase the nutritional value of the burger.

  • Can I prepare the burger patties in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Print
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy cheddar ranch chicken burgers deliver mouthwatering flavor with crisp toppings and creamy sauce. Ranch seasoning and melted cheese elevate this classic burger for a delightful meal you can savor anytime.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely shredded cheddar cheese

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) plain bread crumbs

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 1 ounce (28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) finely diced onion

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully form mixture into evenly sized patties, ensuring consistent thickness for uniform cooking.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of oil, allowing pan to reach optimal temperature before adding patties.
  4. Cook chicken burgers approximately 6-7 minutes per side, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure complete doneness.
  5. While burgers are cooking, crisp bacon in a separate pan until golden and slightly crunchy.
  6. Toast burger buns lightly to enhance texture and prevent sogginess.
  7. Assemble burgers by placing cooked patty on toasted bun, layering with crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and drizzling ranch dressing.
  8. Optionally, add additional toppings like sliced avocado, pickles, or extra cheese to customize burger experience.

Notes

  • Gentle Mixing Technique Combine ingredients softly to prevent overworking the chicken, which can make burgers tough and dense.
  • Consistent Patty Size Use a burger press or measuring cup to create uniform patties that cook evenly and look professionally made.
  • Moisture Preservation Add grated cheese or a splash of buttermilk to keep chicken burgers juicy and prevent dryness during cooking.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace regular buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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