If you’re searching for a juicy, flavorful spin on classic burgers, the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. This recipe brings together tender ground chicken patties, perfectly spiced and topped with melty white cheddar, then crowned with sweet, golden caramelized onions. Not only does it deliver layers of savory richness, but it also offers a delightful balance of textures and colors, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential in creating the incredible taste and texture of the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe. Each one plays a key role, from seasoning the patties to adding that irresistible sweet-savory touch with caramelized onions.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base for juicy, flavorful patties.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keeps them tender.
- 1 egg: Adds moisture and helps hold the mixture together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle but essential depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in the patties.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatic sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Imparts a tangy note with a hint of spice.
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the patties for a creamy touch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for caramelizing onions and grilling.
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced: Slowly cooked to sweet perfection as the star topping.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the caramelized onions.
- 4 burger buns: Soft and sturdy to hold all the delicious ingredients.
- Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo or mustard): Customize your burger to your personal style.
How to Make White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook them gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process transforms the onions into a golden, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth delight that perfectly complements the savory chicken patties.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Patties
Next, mix ground chicken with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Be sure to combine everything gently to keep the patties tender. Then, shape the mixture into four equal patties that will cook evenly and fit perfectly inside your buns.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating they’re safely cooked through. In the last minute, top each patty with a slice of white cheddar and cover the pan briefly to let the cheese melt into a luscious blanket.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
Lightly toast your burger buns for added texture and warmth. Layer the assembled burger by placing the cheesy chicken patty on the bottom bun, topping it generously with the caramelized onions, then adding any optional toppings you love. Cap it off with the top bun and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe, consider fresh lettuce for crunch, ripe tomato slices for juiciness, and tangy pickles for a sharp contrast. A smear of mayo or Dijon mustard adds creamy or zesty notes that tie everything together seamlessly.
Side Dishes
Serve these burgers alongside crispy oven-baked fries, a vibrant green salad, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a balanced and satisfying meal. Each side complements the rich flavors and offers different textures, making the whole experience unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe as sliders at your next gathering. You can also place the patties over a salad bowl loaded with greens and crunchy vegetables for a lighter, carb-conscious option. No matter how you present them, these burgers are guaranteed to win hearts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully. Place the uncooked patties between parchment paper and freeze in a container or bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze fully cooked patties with onions, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep them moist and flavorful. Warm the caramelized onions separately to maintain their perfect texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute in the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe and offers a similar flavor profile and texture.
How long do I need to caramelize the onions?
Patience is key—plan on cooking the onions slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes over medium-low heat until they become golden brown and sweet, which enhances their flavor dramatically.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
What’s the best method for cooking the patties?
Both grilling and skillet cooking work wonderfully. Just make sure the cooking surface is well-oiled and the patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How do I keep the burgers juicy?
Using a mixture of ground chicken with a bit of fat and combining ingredients gently without overworking ensures tender and juicy burgers every time in the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a burger experience that’s a bit different but absolutely delicious, the White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and sweet that’s sure to impress at any meal. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite on your dinner rotation!
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White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions are a delicious twist on classic chicken burgers, featuring juicy ground chicken patties seasoned with garlic and onion powders, topped with melted white cheddar cheese and sweet caramelized onions. Perfect for an easy and flavorful dinner, these burgers are grilled or cooked on the stovetop and served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo or mustard
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 20–25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a patty.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking. Place the chicken patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of white cheddar cheese on each patty and cover briefly to melt the cheese.
- Toast the Buns and Assemble: Toast the burger buns lightly if desired. To assemble, place a cheese-topped chicken patty on the bottom bun, add a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and top with your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, or mustard. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, spread garlic aioli or spicy mayo on the buns before assembling the burgers.
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Make sure not to overmix the chicken mixture to keep the patties tender.
