Ground Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Enjoy the flavors of chicken parm in a healthier way with these Ground Chicken Parmesan Burgers! Ground chicken burgers are juicy, flavorful, and topped with marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil. They’re an easy dinner that’s ready in about 20 minutes!
I can’t believe football season is nearly over…I’m having a hard time remembering what life is like without it! We’re serious football fans, and really look forward to Game Day every week.
I make pulled pork or hamburgers often to enjoy during the game, but it’s nice to change things up with these Ground Chicken Parmesan Burgers. They’re light and juicy, and you really can’t beat the flavors of chicken parm can you?
The burgers are slathered with marinara sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for an irresistible twist on the classic.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Ground chicken burgers are juicy, flavorful and topped with homemade marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
- Ground chicken is nice and lean, and is a great source of protein.
- The burger patties may be prepped in advance and cooked up when you’re ready.
- Burgers are low carb and gluten-free — simply serve the burgers in a lettuce wrap or your favorite gluten-free bun.
Recipe ingredients
The ingredients for these chicken parm burgers include mostly pantry staples, and they can be swapped with items that you already have on hand.
Ingredient notes
- Ground chicken. The ground chicken is a lean source of protein that makes these burgers lighter than average. It can be swapped out with ground turkey or grilled chicken breast if you can’t find any at the store.
- Marinara sauce: I like to prep my homemade marinara sauce a few days in advance when I’m planning to make these burgers, and it’s a bonus if I have some stashed in the freezer! You can also use your favorite store bought brand to save time.
- Mozzarella & parmesan cheese. Melty fresh mozzarella is ideal to make this reminiscent of classic chicken parm, but you may substitute it with your favorite cheese. The grated parmesan adds flavor and moisture to the chicken burgers as well.
- Grated onion. The onion adds moisture and flavor to the chicken burgers, and grating it ensures that it cooks quickly. Chunks of chopped onion simply won’t become tender fast enough.
- Italian seasoning. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, substitute with dried oregano, thyme, rosemary or a combination.
- Fresh basil. The basil adds freshness, flavor and a pretty pop of color, and I don’t recommend substituting it with anything else.
How to make ground chicken burgers
These ground chicken burgers are extremely easy to make, and the components may be prepped ahead of time to make this recipe go even more quickly.
Pro tip: Make the marinara sauce a few days in advance, and prep the chicken burgers a day ahead so that you can pop them into the skillet or the grill when you’re ready.
Full recipe instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Combine the ground chicken, parmesan cheese, grated onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Form the meat mixture into (4) burger patties.
- Cook the chicken burgers in a cast iron skillet or on the grill for about 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Top with the mozzarella cheese and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Place the burgers on your favorite buns topped with marinara sauce and fresh basil.
FAQs
A chicken sandwich includes chicken breast, while a chicken burger is made with ground chicken.
Ground chicken is very lean, so adding fat and moisture is key to keeping it juicy. These ground chicken burgers include grated onion for moisture, and grated parmesan cheese for a bit of fat. Adding a bit of mayo or Greek yogurt to the ground meat is a great way to add moisture and fat as well.
Be sure to add moisture and fat to the meat such as grated onion, cheese, mayo or Greek yogurt, but most of all do not overcook it. Cook to 160 degrees, then allow to rest for 5-10 minutes to ensure that it’s nice and juicy.
Serving suggestions
The sky is the limit when it comes to what to serve with these ground chicken parmesan burgers!
- Serve with Italian pasta salad or orzo pasta salad for your next cookout!
- Grilled sweet potato fries or crispy smashed potatoes will round out the meal perfectly.
- The burger is great served with a fresh side of massaged kale salad or butter lettuce salad.
- Serve with a delicious veggie side of baked zucchini chips or air fryer brussels sprouts.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Prepare the marinara sauce up to a few days in advance or use your favorite store bought brand.
- The burgers are low carb and gluten-free and may be served in lettuce wraps or your favorite gluten-free bun.
- Prep the ground chicken burger patties 1-2 days in advance.
- Cooked burgers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More burger recipes you’ll love:
- Grilled turkey burgers
- Smash burger recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen
If you try this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @flavorthemoments so I can see what you made!
Ground Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Homemade Marinara Sauce or store bought marinara
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Place the ground chicken, parmesan, grated onion, garlic and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl and mix together gently with your hands until combined. Form into (4) burgers and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat , or preheat the grill to medium and oil the grates with the oil. Cook the burgers for 4 minutes per side or until an internal thermometer registers at 160 degrees.
- While the burgers cook, heat the marinara sauce in the microwave in a heatproof bowl until warm.
- Remove the ground chicken burgers from heat, top with a slice of mozzarella cheese, and allow to rest a couple of minutes until the cheese melts slightly.
- Place each burger on the bottom bun and top with marinara sauce, fresh basil and the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Pro tip: Prepare the marinara sauce up to a few days in advance or use your favorite store bought brand.
- The burgers are low carb and gluten-free and may be served in lettuce wraps or your favorite gluten-free bun.
- Prep the ground chicken burger patties 1-2 days in advance.
- Cooked burgers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
**This recipe was originally posted in April 2016. The photos have been updated to include step by step photos, and the text has been modified to include more recipe information.
47 Comments on “Ground Chicken Parmesan Burgers”
I’m definitely looking forward to grilling season, too! There’s just nothing quite like a grilled burger. I’m loving this chicken Parmesan version, Marcie! And I know my husband would go crazy over this. Sounds perfect for 30 minute Thursday!
Thanks, Gayle! All I want to do is grill lately with the weather being so warm, and nobody ever complains about burgers in my house!
You must have made these burgers for me! LOL. I’m seriously obsessed with chicken parm and these burgers are totally GENIUS, Marcie! Hello dinner, tonight!
I did make them for you, Sarah — come on over! 🙂
This chicken parmesan burger looks so good n hearty, Marcie. Looks like a complete dinner for any weekday or even weekend! YUM! Have a beautiful weekend!
Thank you, Anu! It was very hearty and I see them a lot in our future. You have a wonderful weekend as well!
I realllly need to get a grill pan!!! We only have the grill outside and during the dead of winter are definitely not out there!! These burgers sound sooo good!! And huge yay for all that fresh basil!!! Happy almost weekend Marcie!!
Grill pans are so nice when going outdoors is a no-go! Thanks, Ashley, and happy almost weekend to you, too! 🙂
I love how quick and easy these chicken sandwiches are! They are perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Thank you, Jen!
30 minute meals are the best! Who can resist chicken parm burgers. We grill a lot at my house so I always love trying new recipes and this recipe is the perfect way to use up fresh veggies from my garden too.
30 minute meals are the best, and grilling usually always falls into that category! Thanks, Ashley!
Yay for 30 minute Thursday! I looove chicken parm and these chicken parm burgers are my idea of a perfect dinner – I’ve got to try them!
Thanks, Rachel! This was a pretty fun way to enjoy chicken parm!
Chicken burgers have been on my mind lately! We love chicken parmesan so I know these would go over so well with the family!
Thanks, Ashley!
I grill year around too, but I’m excited to actually hang out outside and grill.. probably with a fruity cocktail or two! 😉 Love these burgers, Marcie! Chicken parm is so delicious, but burger form takes everything to the next level! So yum! Cheers, dear!
Yes to hanging outside with a fruity cocktail! I’m looking forward to that, too. 🙂 Thanks, Cheyanne!
Eeek! I’m so excited for grilling season. It hasn’t quiet started here yet – in fact we got a big snow storm on Monday (yuck!). But I’m anxious to get going with my grill. These burgers look awesome, Marcie!
Yeah, grilling in the snow does NOT sound like fun! Good luck getting some warmer weather so you can get out there and get started. Thanks, Liz!
Marcie these burgers look so good!! I love chicken parmesan so I know I will devour these in no time!!
Thank you, Ami! You can’t go wrong with chicken, marinara, and plenty of cheese!
Such a quick and easy delicious weeknight meal! Grilled food is just synonymous with spring/summer to me 🙂
Thanks, Medha! 🙂
Thanks, Dannii! I like to have a lot of fun with burgers and it sounds like you do, too. 🙂
Yay for spring and grilling season! We (my husband haha) grill all year long too and chicken parmesan burgers would be a hit over here! Perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
Grilling is the best! Thanks, Kelly! 🙂
Yum! Love these burgers marcie, chicken parmesan is a longtime home cooked favourite of mine.
Thank you, Thalia! 🙂
WOW! I can never say no to this burger. In love with the recipe. Delicious and beautiful clicks!
Thank you so much, Kushi!
We haven’t grilled yet this season, but I’m hoping we will soon! I love that you’ve made these burgers with chicken, along with all of the other delicious flavors of chicken parmesan! These are the perfect lighter burger!
Thank you, Kristine! The ground chicken was so delicious in this burger!
These look so good, Marcie! And what a great idea to for a 30 minute meal! I’m positive my husband would love these 🙂
Thanks, Izzy!
I LOVE the looks of these! Such a fun way to enjoy chicken parm flavors. And I’m sure they’d be a huge hit with Ben 😉
Thanks, Denise! This was chicken parm that my kids would get behind. 🙂
I laughed when you said you rarely think of ground chicken because I honestly don’t think I’ve ever bought it – although I buy ground turkey all the time! These burgers look amazing, clearly I need to try ground chicken! 🙂
Isn’t that funny that we don’t think of ground chicken? It’s on my radar now. haha Thanks, Stacey!
I love chicken burgers, but never make them myself. I need to make these for dinner asap! I love how quick and easy they are too. Perfect for those busy soccer nights!
They’re easy and the kids loved ’em! They’re definitely perfect for soccer nights. 🙂
What a great new recipe to try for grilling season!
Thanks, Deb — they’re perfect for grilling season! 🙂
We’re already well into grilling season here in Phoenix! We’re in the process of getting some things done in the backyard and then will be hosting a big cookout for family and friends – and I know what needs to be on that menu!! These Chicken Parmesan Burgers! 😀
I’ll bet it’s nice and hot there, Jamie! Have fun at your cookout! 🙂
Chicken burgers are totally up my alley! I can’t wait for these!
Thanks, Cathy!