These easy cheddar ranch chicken burgers are juicy and full of flavor! They mix ground chicken with creamy ranch dressing and sharp cheddar cheese, making every bite tasty.
I love whipping these up for a quick dinner. Serve them on a bun with some crispy lettuce and tomatoes, and watch everyone come back for seconds. They’re just that good! 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the recipe! Ground chicken keeps it light and tender. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground turkey or lean beef for a different flavor and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creaminess and flavor. Feel free to switch to any cheese you enjoy, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Ranch Dressing: This gives the burgers a zesty flavor. You can use homemade ranch or try yogurt for a tangy, lighter version. A dairy-free ranch would work too if you’re avoiding dairy.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for crunch!
Green Onions: These add a fresh taste. If you don’t have them, you can use chopped regular onions or even some chives for a milder flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken burgers can be tricky since you want them juicy but fully cooked. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Keep the heat at medium. Too high, and the outsides may burn while leaving the insides raw.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check; they should reach 165°F inside.
- Let the patties rest for a minute after cooking. This keeps them juicy and makes them easier to handle.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken burgers ready for your next barbecue or family meal!
How to Make Easy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Optional: cooked bacon strips for topping
- Optional: additional ranch dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12 minutes to cook. You’ll have tasty chicken burgers ready to enjoy in just under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed!
2. Shape the Patties:
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into four equal parts. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about the size of your burger buns. Try to make them all the same thickness for even cooking.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. If you’re using a skillet, lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Place the patties in the skillet or on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to be fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
4. Add Bacon (Optional):
If you’re a bacon lover, you can add cooked bacon strips on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. This will warm them up nicely and make your burgers even more delicious!
5. Toast the Burger Buns:
While the patties are cooking, toast your burger buns. You can do this in the skillet or on the grill for a couple of minutes until they are lightly browned. This adds a nice crunch to your burgers!
6. Assemble and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Place a chicken patty on the bottom half of each bun. If you like, add some extra ranch dressing on top for even more flavor, then finish with the top bun. Serve these tasty burgers immediately and enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Chicken with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even ground pork as substitutes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, particularly for beef, which often requires thorough cooking at a higher temperature.
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
To make your burgers gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers as an alternative. Just be sure to check the ranch dressing label for any gluten ingredients!
Can I Prepare the Burger Mixture in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook them, shape the mixture into patties and proceed with the cooking instructions as usual.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water and covering to steam and heat through without drying them out.
