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Baked Delicious Mozzarella Chicken Burger

You’ll love this healthier twist on classic burgers that combines lean ground chicken with fresh mozzarella. Mix your ground chicken with Italian seasonings, garlic, and breadcrumbs, then form patties with mozzarella tucked inside. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving on toasted ciabatta buns. Get ready to discover the secrets behind this juicy, protein-packed favorite.

History

While the exact origin of the chicken burger remains debated, Chick-fil-A claims to have invented the fried chicken burger in the 1960s.

However, similar concepts existed before their version, though historical details are limited.

The real chicken burger revolution didn’t take off until recent years, particularly during the 2019 “chicken sandwich wars” sparked by Popeyes’ viral sensation.

Colonel Sanders made history when he introduced the KFC Chicken Sandwich in 1969, setting a new standard for fast-food chicken offerings.

The introduction of their southern-style burger in 1964 marked Chick-fil-A as possibly the first U.S. fast food chain to serve chicken sandwiches.

Much like when White Castle revolutionized hamburger service in 1921, chicken burgers transformed fast food dining forever.

You’ll find that chicken burgers have evolved remarkably since their early days, becoming a dominant force in fast food.

The intense competition led to Popeyes achieving a remarkable 38% sales increase in late 2019 after launching their sandwich.

The competition among major chains like KFC, Popeyes, and Burger King has driven continuous innovation, leading to diverse offerings from classic breaded versions to healthier grilled alternatives that cater to modern tastes.

Recipe

Mozzarella Chicken Burgers combine the lean protein of ground chicken with the melty indulgence of fresh mozzarella cheese, creating a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Served on crusty ciabatta buns, these burgers offer an elevated dining experience. Each patty provides 32 grams of protein to help meet your daily nutritional needs. The patties can be made ahead and stored frozen for convenient meal preparation.

These Italian-inspired burgers incorporate aromatic herbs and seasonings that perfectly complement the mild flavor of the chicken while keeping the patties moist and flavorful. Incorporating Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of savory depth to the burger patties.

Fresh herbs and bold Italian seasonings elevate these chicken burgers, ensuring each bite delivers both moisture and Mediterranean flair.

When baked in the oven, these burgers develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining their juicy interior, allowing the mozzarella to melt perfectly without the risk of burning. This method also provides consistent results and requires minimal hands-on attention, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken breast (93% lean)
4 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, and seasonings until just mixed.

Divide the mixture into four portions and form each portion around a quarter of the diced mozzarella, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside. Place the formed patties on the prepared baking sheet and brush with olive oil.

Bake the patties for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. If desired, add additional mozzarella slices on top during the final 3 minutes of cooking to create an extra cheesy topping.

When forming the patties, wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking, and create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.

Allow the cooked burgers to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the juices redistribute and the cheese to set slightly, preventing the molten center from immediately running out when cut.

Cooking Steps

You’ll want to start by marinating your chicken in Italian seasoning and other spices before lightly toasting your burger buns for that perfect crunch.

Place your seasoned patties in the preheated oven and grill until they’re golden brown, reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F. This delicious meal comes together in just 35 minutes total.

Top each patty with generous slices of mozzarella cheese during the final minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt completely over the chicken.

Step 1. Marinate Chicken in Seasoning

Start by combining your marinade ingredients in a medium bowl: olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a balanced marinade that’ll tenderize and flavor your chicken. The combination of oil and seasonings ensures both moisture retention and enhanced taste during cooking. For optimal results, consider using low sodium soy sauce to control the salt content while adding depth. Using dried spices creates more mellow and balanced flavors in the final dish. You can also substitute soy sauce with salt and water as a brine if needed.

Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them.

Gently massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring complete coverage. For faster flavor absorption, you can make small cuts in the thicker parts of the breasts.

This increases the surface area and allows better penetration of the seasonings.

Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for 2-4 hours.

Don’t exceed 12 hours, as this can make the meat mushy. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will still provide good flavor enhancement.

Season the Burger Buns

Before diving into the burger assembly, preparing homemade buns will elevate your mozzarella chicken burger to new heights.

Start by combining warm milk, water, and sugar to activate your yeast. In a stand mixer with a dough hook, incorporate flour, egg, and cold butter, kneading for 10 minutes until you’ve formed a soft, tacky ball. For optimal yeast activation, ensure your water temperature stays between 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let your dough rise until doubled, then punch it down and shape into equal-sized rounds. After a second rise, brush with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. If the dough feels too sticky, resist adding extra flour as this will help create light and fluffy buns. A rich dough made with whole milk and butter creates a depth of flavor in every bite.

Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, rotating halfway through for even cooking. Once cooled, you can enhance the buns’ flavor by lightly toasting them before assembly. For best results, use an essential digital scale to measure your ingredients precisely.

For extra flavor, consider adding dried herbs to your dough mixture.

Step 3. Grill Patties Until Golden

Mastering the perfect grilled patty begins with proper grill setup and temperature control.

Set up your grill with two zones – one for direct high heat (400-450°F) and another for indirect cooking. Clean and oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking. For best results, choose 80/20 ground beef to maintain ideal juiciness and flavor. An instant-read thermometer helps achieve precise doneness. Using a charcoal chimney starter will help evenly heat your briquettes for optimal temperature control.

Place your cold patties on the hot zone and let them sear for 3-5 minutes until you see a golden-brown crust forming and juices pooling on top. Season with salt and pepper right before placing on the grill.

Don’t press down on them, as this releases precious moisture. Once you’ve got that perfect crust, flip them just once and cook for another 2-5 minutes.

For thicker patties, move them to the indirect heat zone and cover the grill to finish cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 135-140°F for medium.

Let the patties rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Step 4. Add Melted Cheese Layer

Once your burger patties reach the ideal temperature, it’s time to add the perfect melted mozzarella layer. Shred your mozzarella cheese rather than using thick slices, as this will guarantee faster and more even melting. Following proper writing process steps helps create clear recipe instructions that readers can follow easily.

Let the cheese come to room temperature before using it, which helps achieve better melting consistency. Lower the heat to prevent the cheese from becoming greasy or separating. Using a double-boiler method will ensure your cheese melts gradually and evenly without burning. Some chefs prefer using mountain cheeses for their superior melting properties.

Place the shredded mozzarella directly on top of your hot chicken patties, and if you’re using an oven, position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source.

Watch carefully as the cheese melts – you’ll want it to become creamy and slightly bubbly but not burned. For extra smoothness, you can add a small splash of cream just before the cheese fully melts.

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During the baking phase, place your seasoned chicken patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide them into a preheated 375°F oven.

Make sure you’ve spaced the patties evenly to allow proper air circulation. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes without opening the oven door to maintain steady heat.

When the patties are almost done, add your mozzarella on top and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it melts.

For a perfectly browned cheese topping, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes. Check that your burgers have reached 165°F internally using a meat thermometer.

While the patties are finishing, toast your buns separately at 350°F for about 5 minutes until they’re warm and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a healthier burger alternative or simply love Italian-inspired flavors, these baked mozzarella chicken burgers deliver on both fronts. By combining lean ground chicken with fresh mozzarella and Italian seasonings, you’ll create a juicy, flavorful burger that’s packed with protein.

The baking method keeps things lighter while ensuring food safety and ideal texture. With 18-20 minutes total cooking time in the oven, these burgers develop a perfect golden crust. You can easily customize these burgers to fit your dietary needs – go bunless for a low-carb option, choose gluten-free ingredients, or add extra veggies for more nutrients.

Don’t forget to top with fresh herbs, tomatoes, or your favorite marinara sauce for that authentic Italian touch. Paired with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, it’s a balanced meal that’ll satisfy your burger cravings healthfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese Instead of Mozzarella?

You can definitely swap out mozzarella for several other cheeses.

Provolone offers a similar mild taste with a slight peppery kick, while cheddar brings a sharper flavor profile.

If you’re looking for something more gourmet, try Gruyere for its rich, nutty taste.

For creamy alternatives, you can use ricotta or cream cheese, though they won’t give you that stretchy melt that mozzarella provides.

How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Burgers in the Refrigerator?

You can safely store leftover chicken burgers in your refrigerator for 3-4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Make sure you refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking and keep them in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags.

If you won’t eat them within this timeframe, you should freeze them.

Remember to label your containers with storage dates and watch for signs of spoilage like discoloration or off-odors.

Is It Possible to Freeze These Burgers Before or After Cooking?

You can freeze chicken burgers both before and after cooking for up to 3 months.

For raw patties, flash freeze them on a lined baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags with parchment paper between layers.

If you’re freezing cooked burgers, let them cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store in airtight containers.

Remember to thaw thoroughly before reheating.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Mozzarella Chicken Burgers?

You’ll find that mozzarella chicken burgers pair wonderfully with fresh, crisp sides.

Try serving them with a light pasta salad or coleslaw for a rejuvenating contrast. If you’re craving something crispy, go for truffle fries or onion rings.

For a healthier option, consider a Caprese salad that echoes the Italian flavors, or grilled vegetables that complement without overwhelming. Greek tzatziki adds a cool, tangy element.