Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe

Sizzling Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe for Summer Grilling

My latest culinary adventure involves a mouthwatering cheddar ranch chicken burger that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Sharp cheese and zesty ranch seasoning blend perfectly inside juicy ground chicken patties.

Weekend grilling enthusiasts will appreciate how quickly these burgers come together.

Every bite delivers a punch of southwestern-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp lettuce and cool ranch dressing complement the hearty meat perfectly.

Backyard barbecue fans can assemble these patties in mere minutes with simple ingredients.

Come hungry and leave satisfied with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Why You’ll Enjoy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these delicious chicken burgers in mere minutes with simple ingredients that blend effortlessly, making meal prep a breeze for busy home cooks.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and classic burger toppings, these chicken burgers deliver a mouthwatering taste experience that'll satisfy everyone at the table.
  • Versatile Family Favorite: Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings, these burgers appeal to both kids and adults with their crowd-pleasing combination of juicy chicken and zesty ranch flavor.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite veggies, switching up cheese types, or experimenting with different toppings to create a personalized burger that suits your taste buds.

What Goes Into Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Main Ingredients:

Ground Chicken:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean and protein-packed meat perfect for creating juicy burger patties.
Cheese:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that adds rich flavor to the chicken burger.
Seasoning:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that gives a creamy and herbal taste to the patties.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps hold the burger patty together.
  • Bread Crumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb moisture in the patty.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
  • Diced Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and texture to the burger.

Burger Assembly Ingredients:

Bread:
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft and sturdy base for the chicken burger.
Toppings:
  • Bacon, Lettuce, Tomatoes: Classic burger toppings that add crunch and freshness.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy sauce that complements the chicken patty.

How to Cook Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare Burger Patty Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your core ingredients:
  • Ground chicken
  • Egg
  • Bread crumbs
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onion
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed and create a uniform mixture.

Step 2: Shape Burger Patties

Cover a baking sheet or cutting board with parchment paper.

Carefully form the chicken mixture into burger-shaped patties.

Pro tip: Create uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Cook Burger Patties

Heat a large cooking pan over medium heat and add a light coating of oil.

Gently place the patties into the pan.

Cook each side for 6-8 minutes, ensuring the chicken is completely cooked through and develops a golden-brown exterior.

Step 4: Build Burger Masterpiece

Gather your burger assembly ingredients:
  • Burger buns
  • Crispy bacon
  • Fresh lettuce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Ranch dressing

Step 5: Layer and Serve

Place the perfectly cooked chicken patties on the buns.

Top with crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and drizzle with tangy ranch dressing.

Feel free to add extra veggies for more crunch and flavor.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Creation

Serve these delectable Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Useful Tips for Ranch Chicken Burger Success

  • Add breadcrumbs gradually to control moisture and prevent dry patties, ensuring a perfectly tender chicken burger every time.
  • Chill formed patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold together and maintain their shape during pan-frying.
  • Fold shredded cheddar gently into the chicken mixture to create pockets of melty cheese throughout the burger, enhancing flavor and texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
  • Swap ranch seasoning with other herb blends like Italian or Cajun for different flavor profiles while keeping the core recipe intact.

Store and Warm Up Cheddar Chicken Burgers

  • Store leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm burgers at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Reheat individual burgers for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  • Remove toppings like lettuce and tomatoes before storing and reheating to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy texture.

What to Pair with Chicken Ranch Burgers

  • Savor Tangy Side Kick: Crisp dill pickles complement the rich, cheesy chicken burger, cutting through the creamy ranch with a zesty crunch.
  • Cool Beverage Pairing: Light wheat beer or citrusy pale ale balances the burger's robust flavors and refreshes the palate with its hoppy notes.
  • Zesty Companion Salad: Create a fresh mixed green salad with cucumber and red onion, dressed in a light vinaigrette to counterpoint the burger's richness.
  • Creamy Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick garlic aioli or spicy chipotle mayo as an alternative dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Unique Takes on Chicken Ranch Burgers

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Burgers: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko crumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip traditional buns and wrap the chicken patties in large lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced meal that's perfect for keto dieters.
  • Turkey Swap Option: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a similar protein profile and slightly different flavor, maintaining the ranch and cheddar seasoning blend.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Create a plant-based patty using ground chickpeas, black beans, or a commercial plant-based ground meat substitute, keeping the ranch seasoning and cheese components for added flavor complexity.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and will give a similar texture and flavor to the chicken patties.

  • How do I know if the chicken patties are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which ensures the chicken is safely cooked through.

  • Is it possible to make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for up to a month.

  • What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

You can make a homemade ranch seasoning by mixing dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a similar flavor profile.

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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy cheddar ranch chicken burgers deliver a flavor explosion that elevates classic comfort food to gourmet heights. Creamy ranch seasoning and melted cheddar cheese create an irresistible combination you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Burger Patties:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

Burger Assembly Ingredients:

  • Buns
  • Bacon
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Ranch dressing

Optional Additions:

  • Additional vegetables (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly mix ground chicken with egg, bread crumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  2. Spread parchment paper across a large surface and carefully mold the chicken mixture into uniform patties, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and lightly coat with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Carefully place prepared patties into the heated skillet, cooking each side for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches safe chicken cooking level.
  5. While patties are cooking, crisp bacon in a separate pan until edges are perfectly crunchy.
  6. Select fresh burger buns and lightly toast them to enhance texture and flavor.
  7. Once chicken patties are completely cooked, transfer them directly onto prepared buns.
  8. Layer each burger with crispy bacon strips, fresh lettuce leaves, and ripe tomato slices.
  9. Generously drizzle ranch dressing over the assembled burger for an extra burst of creamy flavor.
  10. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and burger integrity, accompanied by optional side dishes like french fries or a crisp salad.

Notes

  • Prevent dry burgers by not overmixing the ground chicken, which can make the meat tough and compact.
  • Choose high-fat ground chicken (around 15% fat) for juicier, more flavorful burger patties that won’t crumble during cooking.
  • Create uniform patties by using a burger press or measuring each patty with an ice cream scoop for consistent thickness and cooking time.
  • Test chicken patty doneness with a meat thermometer, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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