It’s still very much the middle of winter here, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about burgers. At least, burgers that are made in the great INdoors!
Even in the summer, when barbecue season is in full delicious swing, I sometimes make these burgers or similar ones inside. I staunchly refuse to learn to turn on the barbecue (I’ll flip whatever’s on there once it’s cooking if I must) because sometimes you just don’t want to cook dinner, you want Carl to do it. And while you may not be able to get Carl to do it, I sometimes can if there’s a barbecue involved. :)
So if he’s working late or not around, we have indoor burgers and, while less-infused with those fabulous, unique, probably-carcinogen-laced barbecue char marks and smoke flavour, they are still absolutely delicious. And SO EASY, I can’t even believe it.
These are a family favourite, and so simple to put together ahead of time or when you just have time for a 30-minute meal. The ingredients are simple, healthy, and basically fail-proof. Served with a side of easy baked oven fries, these are a perfect regular weeknight dinner that gets everyone excited. We just had these at my parents’ house (can you believe I actually kind of made dinner?) and even my dad, who considers chicken burgers “not his favourite”, code for “don’t make these again if you can help it”, loved these burgers and declared, “You can make these again”. The highest of praise, my friends :)
- BURGERS:
- 1½ - 2 lbs lean ground chicken or turkey
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, or ½-1 tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ - ½ cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Zest of one lemon
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil, for cooking
- FOR ASSEMBLY:
- 6 crusty burger buns
- Caesar dressing
- Romaine lettuce
- Cooked bacon
- Sliced tomato
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, Parmigiano cheese, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and lemon zest.
- With the side of your hand, score the mixture into 6 and form into roughly equal patties, making a little dip in the center and keeping the edges thicker so they cook up flat and even. If you have time, I like to throw them in the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 10 minutes so they can set a bit, making them easier to flip without breaking. Otherwise just be gentle with the spatula and you'll be fine :)
- Heat a large non-stick skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add patties and cook for about 4 minutes per side, until juices run clear.
- Meanwhile, toast rolls if desired, and slather both sides generously with Caesar dressing. Add romaine, bacon, and tomato and finish with the patty. Perfect.
Source: Adapted from Rachael Ray. If you like anchovies, you may want to try her version :)
I made these last night and they were a hit. Thanks for posting the recipe! I had never made my own chicken burger patties before. Jonathan didn’t believe me when I said I made them. I’ll take that as a compliment. I guess? :)
Okay, these look AMAZING! Pinned to try, thank you for mentioning them to me!
These burgers look great. Love the idea of slathering Cesar dressing on the buns for added flavor. Pinned.
So one time I thought I’d learn how to turn the BBQ on because A was late getting home and I needed to finish dinner. I singed my eyelashes. How cliche of me. Now A does the BBQ-ing.
You sexist lady you. I’m useless in the kitchen, and the BBQ is just another kitchen appliance, albeit on the other side of the sliding door. Ergo, BBQing is not my job. Women’s work, amirite? :p
Haha, if I didn’t know you cook dinner as often as you do I might have to beat you up :) Although, not gonna lie, I have my sexist side. Taking out the compost? Man’s work. Christmas decorating? Woman’s work. See, fair’s fair.
Bahaha okay I am so glad I’m not the only one who refuses to learn how to work the outside grill. I love the summers since my husband actually has to help cook when we grill! These burgers sound wonderful by the way!