This recipe for the Best Chicken Burger is a simple to make, Mediterranean diet inspired, family favorite and perfect for weeknight dinners.
A Family Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Perhaps it’s just the age of my kids (almost 7 and 5 years old) but I find that about 75% of the time, they have something negative to say about what we are having for dinner. And by “something negative to say” I mean they ask what we are having, I respond and they immediately start pouting and saying “I’m not eating that”.
That’s why when I find something that everyone likes and enjoys without expressing pre-dinner tantrums, I bookmark that and serve it weekly until we all get so tired of it that I have to stop.
This chicken burger is one of those enjoyable weeknight meals.
A Mediterranean Diet Inspired Dish
I first saw this recipe on an episode of Rachael Ray. However, over the years I’ve adapted my own version based on my families likes and personal preference. The end result is still the juiciest, flavor packed, best chicken burger I’ve ever had.
In my opinion this recipe definitely falls under the Mediterranean Diet based on the fact that it –
- uses olive oil in place of butter when cooking
- uses ground chicken instead of ground beef (less saturated fat)
- adds garlic and spices for flavor
- adds even more flavor by relying on caramelized onions for natural sweetness
- green leafy lettuce, onions and black olives all add a bit of fresh veggies or heart healthy fats
- dairy (in the form of cheese) is used sparingly and honestly could easily be omitted and not even missed
- whole wheat buns offer more fiber than traditional burger buns
The Best Chicken Burger
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium white onion 1/4 diced, remaining cut into slices
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 4.5 oz can black olives, sliced
- 1 pound ground chicken ground turkey okay too
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 tbsp herbes de provence
- 2 tbsp dijon
- 4 pieces green leafy lettuce
- 4 slices swiss cheese (optional)
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a large pot or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-low heat
- Add the 3/4 onion that you sliced, the 1/4 teaspoon of salt and the 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Stir and allow onions to cook low and slow, about 20 minutes, until golden brown/caramel in color. Be sure stir occasionally and turn the heat down if they start to look like they are burning
- While the onions are cooking, place the 1 pound of ground chicken in a mixing bowl
- Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic, zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of herbes de provence. Use your hands to combine the mixture together and form 4 equal sized patties
- In a second skillet or pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 4 patties and cook about 6-8 minutes on each side.
- While the chicken burgers are cooking, add the 1 can of sliced black olives to your caramelized onions once they are done cooking, give a quick stir and turn off the heat.
- Once your chicken burgers are cooked through, place 1/2 tablespoon of the dijon mustard, a piece of green leaf lettuce, and 1 chicken burger on each of the 4 hamburger buns. Add a slice of swiss cheese (if desired) and top with the caramelized onion and olive mixture.
Looking for more Family Friendly Dinner Ideas?
Check out some of my family’s current dinner favorites if you need some inspiration….
Italian Chicken Bake 
Mediterranean Pizza 
Slow Cooker Fajitas
