Spicy Chicken Burger

When it comes to burgers, we love trying out all the different recipes. Recently, we’ve been making a lot of different burger recipes that use something other than beef, and these spicy chicken burgers happen to be our favorite.

We make them spicy by using sriracha as well as topping them with a spicy mayo. Whether you want to griddle them inside or grill outdoors, it’s a recipe that’s quick to make and simple enough to prep in advance. Be sure to also try our jalapeno popper burgers and mushroom feta burgers, they’re also fan favorites.

Why you’ll love this recipe

30 minute burger recipe. There’s nothing better than burger night and these are easy to make at home with minimal effort. Even our kids love to help shape the patties.
Great for serving a crowd. Kids and adults alike love these chicken burgers because they are a twist on the classic and also delicious when topped with all different ingredients.
Make ahead for an easy meal. You can prep the patties in advance and keep them in the fridge or freezer so dinner becomes a 15 minute activity.

Tips for Busy Cooks

When it comes to buying ground chicken, you can buy the breast meat or a blend of the white and dark meat blended together. We go for the blend since it’s a little more juicy and flavorful. But if you like the breast meat, that’s delicious too!

Ingredients for spicy chicken burgers which include egg, mayonnaise, sriracha, panko, ground chicken, tomato, buns, and seasonings.

Key Ingredient Notes

Ground chicken – The base of the burger, this is easy to find in the meat section of the grocery store.
Panko breadcrumbs – Binds the burger patty together and soaks up excess moisture to keep it tender.
Large egg – Binds the chicken burger patty together.
Sriracha sauce – Gives the spicy flavor we all love, adjust this to your taste.
Smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smoky flavor.
Garlic powder – Adds a hint of garlic in every bite.
Onion powder – Gives s hint of onion in the meat mixture.
Coarse kosher salt – Seasons the patty to enhance all of the flavors.

How to make spicy chicken burgers

To prepare the chicken patties:

A hand is mixing the ingredients for the chicken burger mixture in a bowl.

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. (TIP: Mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture to keep the patties tender.)

Two hands with gloves shaping the spicy chicken burger patties.

Step 2: Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.

A large skillet has four spicy chicken burger patties cooking.

Step 3: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and golden brown. (Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.)

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to your desired spice level.

To assemble the burgers:

Spicy mayonnaise is spread onto a toasted burger bun. The bowl of spicy mayonnaise is in the background.

Step 5: Lightly toast the burger buns in the skillet or toaster. Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom half of each bun.

A board with ingredients to build spicy chicken burgers.

Step 6: Place a chicken patty on top, then add lettuce, tomato, and pickles if you like.

Expert Tips:

Don’t overwork the chicken mixture or this will make the burgers gummy and dense. Mix until everything is just combined and form into patties.
Cook until the patties reach 165ºF on a meat thermometer. You want to cook the chicken patties all the way through but also don’t want to overcook them or else they will be dry. The key to cooking them just right is using a meat thermometer and when it hits 165ºF you’re good to go!
Add as much or as little sriracha as you desire. If you want them spicier add more, but for a more mild patty add less.
Customize the burgers with your favorite toppings. We love adding bacon, avocado, spicy mayo (of course), mustard, and even a cheese like pepper Jack or Monterey Jack. These burgers pair with so many delicious flavors.
You can also grill these chicken burgers. Just preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for the same amount of time on each side.

Storage and Make Ahead

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

When it comes to freezing the patties, you can actually freeze them shaped and uncooked or cooked. We love to make a bunch of patties and freeze them for an easy weeknight meal or entertaining. Wrap the patties in parchment paper and then plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

If you are cooking raw burgers from frozen, just be sure to cook them a little longer on the grill to make sure they reach the correct temperature.

For cooked burgers you want to reheat, just thaw them and reheat in the microwave or the oven.

A hand is holding half of the spicy chicken burger patty.

FAQs

How do I make spicy chicken burgers spicy?

We use sriracha in our recipe, but you can use your favorite hot sauce or add diced jalapeno or cayenne pepper as well.

What goes best with spicy chicken burgers?

We love serving them with roasted potato fries, chips, or a delicious chopped salad or pasta salad.

What toppings go on a chicken burger?

So many things like lettuce, tomato, onion or pickles. A cheese like cheddar, pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack.