Introduction

These chicken burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce are a delicious twist on the classic burger. Juicy chicken patties are topped with fresh salsa and a creamy, spicy sauce that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual weekend grilling.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich placed on a dark wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. The sandwich is made of a golden-brown bun sprinkled with black seeds. Inside, there is a fresh green lettuce leaf at the bottom, topped by a thick, lightly grilled chicken patty covered with melted yellow cheese. On top of the cheese, there is a layer of salsa made of small red and white diced tomatoes and onions mixed with creamy sauce. The sandwich is held together with a light wooden skewer piercing through the bun from top to bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Roma tomato, diced
½ small red onion, diced (for salsa)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for salsa)
1 lime, juiced
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 large egg
½ small red onion, diced (for patties)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for patties)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
4 slices Swiss cheese
⅓ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Frank’s RedHot sauce
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 teaspoon salt
4 romaine lettuce slices
4 onion buns
Olive oil or butter, for toasting the buns

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the diced Roma tomato, ½ small red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and ground black pepper in a small bowl to make the salsa. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, the other ½ small red onion, remaining cilantro, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
Step 3: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a ½-inch thick patty.
Step 4: Heat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 5: While the pan heats, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Frank’s RedHot, crushed garlic, and salt in a small bowl to prepare the Bang-Bang Sauce.
Step 6: Cook the chicken patties on the grill pan for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes, then place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty and cook another 2 minutes, until cheese melts and patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 7: Brush buns lightly with olive oil or butter and toast cut side down in the grill pan over medium-high heat until golden brown.
Step 8: Assemble the burgers by placing a lettuce slice on the bottom bun, topping with a chicken patty and salsa, spreading Bang-Bang Sauce on the top bun, and closing the sandwich.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use a cast iron skillet if you don’t have a grill pan; cooking times remain the same.
For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the patties or sauce.
Try swapping Swiss cheese with pepper jack or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
Prepare the salsa a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld nicely.
Check the internal temperature of chicken patties with a meat thermometer for safety.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm patties gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Toast buns fresh before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sandwich with a golden-brown bun sprinkled with black seasoning on top, held together with a small wooden skewer in the center. The bottom bun is lightly toasted with grill marks. Above it is a layer of crisp green leaf lettuce, then a thick patty covered in melted pale yellow cheese that drips slightly down the sides. On top of the cheese is a chunky salsa made of diced red tomatoes and purple onions mixed with a creamy white sauce. The sandwich sits on a dark wooden board with a blurred white bowl in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these chicken burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the patties and salsa in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day. Cook the patties just before serving to maintain juiciness and texture.

What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers work well as a substitute to help bind the patties.