I absolutely love sharing this Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe with you because it transforms simple ground chicken into something truly crave-worthy. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how juicy and flavorful the patties turned out—thanks to the cheesy, bacon-packed goodness and that zesty ranch seasoning. If you’re looking for a new spin on classic chicken burgers, this one really hits the spot every time.

You’ll find that these burgers work wonderfully for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings since they come together quickly and pack a punch of flavor. Plus, I love how the melted cheddar on top makes them feel a bit indulgent without being complicated. This Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe is truly a keeper for anyone who wants an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredible Flavor: The mix of bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning creates a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and tangy.
  • Juicy and Moist: Using a lid while cooking helps keep the patties delightfully moist, not dry like some chicken burgers can be.
  • Super Quick to Make: From start to finish, these burgers are ready in about 25 minutes – perfect for busy nights.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these burgers and asks for them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you rich flavors and a juicy texture every time. Grab quality ground chicken and sharp cheese to make sure your Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe tastes just right.

  • Ground Chicken: Lean but juicy, it’s the perfect base protein for these burgers.
  • Cooked, Crumbled Bacon: Adds that smoky crunch everyone loves.
  • Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gives a bold cheesy kick and melty goodness.
  • Ranch Seasoning: Brings a tangy, herby flair—ditch the plain burgers!
  • Plain Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties so they hold together nicely.
  • Large Egg: Acts as a natural binder for a perfect burger texture.
  • Brioche Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and toasted for that satisfying crunch.
  • Cheddar Cheese Slices: For topping melts that add extra ooey-gooey fun.
  • Lettuce and Tomato: Fresh toppings that balance the richness.
  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy finish that ties all the flavors together.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your tastes. I sometimes swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or go extra cheesy with pepper jack for a little heat. Feel free to make it your own!

  • Spicy Variation: Adding a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce into the mix really wakes up the flavors for those who like heat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap out breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs to keep these burgers gluten-friendly.
  • Herb Boost: Fresh chopped parsley or chives stirred in adds freshness and color.
  • Cheese Swap: Mozzarella or pepper jack work great if you’re looking for something different.

How to Make Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe

Step 1: Mix It All Up

Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in the ground chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and pepper. I like to mix gently with my hands—this keeps the texture tender and avoids a dense patty. A quick tip: wetting your hands with water helps the mixture not stick as much and makes forming patties much easier.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Patties

Form the mixture into four even patties. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil only if needed to prevent sticking. Cook each patty for about 6-7 minutes per side, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (that’s safe and juicy!). Cover the skillet with a lid while cooking—it traps steam and keeps your chicken burgers wonderfully moist, which was a game-changer when I first discovered this trick.

Step 3: Melt That Cheese

Once flipped and nearly done, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Add a small splash of water to the pan and cover it quickly with a lid. This steams the cheese to melty perfection in just a couple of minutes—no waiting, no burnt edges. It’s a simple step that really takes these Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe patties to next level cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Toast your brioche buns to get that perfect crisp exterior, then stack the cheesy chicken patties on bottom. Top with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. I like to serve mine immediately to enjoy the contrast between the warm, melty burger and the cool, crunchy toppings.

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Pro Tips for Making Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe

  • Keep Your Hands Wet: It keeps the chicken mixture from sticking and helps shape perfect patties.
  • Cook Covered: Covering the pan traps steam and keeps the chicken patties moist and tender.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Adding a splash of water and covering the pan melts cheese quickly without burning.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gentle mixing ensures your burgers stay tender rather than dense.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe

A close-up view of a burger held by a woman's hands, showing five layers inside a soft, golden brown bun top. The bottom layer is a light brown meat patty covered with melted yellow-orange cheese that slightly drips over the edges. On top of the cheese is a layer of crispy brown bacon. Above the bacon, there is fresh, green leafy lettuce with ruffled edges. Next is a slice of bright red tomato with a dollop of white creamy sauce on it. The whole burger sits just above a white plate, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love topping these crack chicken burgers with fresh, crisp lettuce and thick slices of ripe tomato—they add a refreshing crunch. A drizzle of extra ranch dressing on top really brings all the flavors together, and sometimes I throw in thin slices of red onion for a bit of bite. It’s these little touches that make the burger feel complete and perfectly balanced.

Side Dishes

This crack chicken burger pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potato fries or a light side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. On weekends, I like serving it alongside garlic Parmesan roasted broccoli—something about veggie sides and these flavorful burgers just works every time. You can also never go wrong with classic coleslaw on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual parties, I sometimes make mini sliders using this recipe—just shape smaller patties and serve on slider buns. Layering with avocado slices, pickles, or even a fried egg turns these up a notch. It’s also fun to plate them fancy with colorful sides and fresh herbs to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover Crack Chicken Burgers in foil or airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the patties from the buns if you want to keep everything tasting fresh and avoid sogginess. Reheating patties separately really keeps that juicy texture intact.

Freezing

These burgers freeze surprisingly well! I flash freeze the raw patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags with parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw overnight in the fridge or cook straight from frozen on a low heat, adding a few extra minutes. It’s a lifesaver for meal prepping.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the patties in a skillet with a splash of water and a lid to keep them moist, or in the oven wrapped in foil at 300°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry the chicken out. For the buns, a quick toast before assembling brings everything back to life.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for the Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will deliver a similar mild flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on moisture levels since turkey can sometimes be leaner; adding a bit of olive oil or checking cooking times can help keep the patties juicy.

  2. What’s the best way to avoid dry chicken burgers?

    I’ve found that cooking over medium heat and covering the skillet with a lid to trap steam are key to locking in moisture. Also, including cheese, bacon, and breadcrumbs in the mixture helps retain juiciness and keeps the patties tender and flavorful.

  3. Can I prepare the Crack Chicken Burgers patties ahead of time?

    Yes! You can mix and form the patties a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld, and all you need to do is cook them on the day you want to eat. Just make sure to keep them tightly wrapped or in an airtight container.

  4. Is ranch seasoning necessary or can I use another spice mix?

    Ranch seasoning adds a unique tangy-herb flavor that’s signature to this recipe, but you can experiment with other spice blends like Cajun, Italian seasoning, or taco seasoning if you prefer. Just adjust to taste and remember the cheese and bacon help keep the flavor rich.

Final Thoughts

This Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe has become one of my go-tos whenever I want a quick, delicious meal that feels special without a ton of fuss. I love sharing it with friends because it always impresses, and the juicy, cheesy, bacon-packed patties never disappoint. Give it a try for your next burger night—you’ll be so glad you did, and chances are, it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!

Print
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Crack Chicken Burgers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Crack Chicken Burgers are juicy and flavorful, packed with ground chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop and topped with melty cheese and classic burger fixings, they make a delicious and easy meal any night of the week.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Burger Patties

  • 1 lb Ground Chicken
  • 7-8 Slices Cooked, Crumbled Bacon
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 tbsp Ranch Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Plain Breadcrumbs
  • 1 Large Egg
  • Garlic Powder, to taste
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste

Burger Assembly

  • 4 Brioche Buns, Toasted
  • 4 Slices Cheddar Cheese
  • Lettuce Leaves
  • Tomato Slices
  • Ranch Dressing, for topping

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, plain breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties. To prevent sticking, wet your hands with water before shaping.
  3. Cook Patties: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. If your pan tends to stick, lightly oil it. Cook the patties for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cover the skillet with a lid during cooking to retain moisture and enhance juiciness.
  4. Melt Cheese: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each cooked patty. Add a small amount of water to the pan and cover with a lid to create steam, which helps the cheese melt quickly and evenly.
  5. Toast Buns and Assemble: Toast the brioche buns until golden. Serve each patty on a toasted bun topped with lettuce, tomato slices, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Notes

  • Wetting your hands before shaping the patties makes the process easier and prevents sticking.
  • Using a lid while cooking helps keep the chicken patties moist and juicy.
  • Adding water to the pan and covering it speeds up cheese melting with steam.
  • Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
  • Customize the toppings with your favorite burger additions like pickles or onions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg

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