Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing: A Flavor Explosion on a Bun!
Are you craving a burger that’s anything but ordinary? Do you love the fiery kick of buffalo wings and the tangy coolness of blue cheese? Then look no further! These Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing are the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and creamy, all piled high on a toasted bun. Forget boring beef – we’re talking juicy, flavor-packed chicken burgers that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!
## Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Burgers
* **Flavorful:** The combination of buffalo sauce, spices, and creamy blue cheese dressing is a match made in heaven.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe comes together quickly, with minimal effort.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite toppings.
* **Healthier than Beef:** Chicken burgers are a leaner alternative to beef burgers.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** These burgers are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Chicken Burgers:**
* 1.5 pounds ground chicken (preferably thigh meat for juicier burgers)
* 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
* 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for cooking
**For the Blue Cheese Dressing:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
* 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (high-quality blue cheese makes a big difference!)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
**For Serving:**
* 4 burger buns (brioche, pretzel, or your favorite)
* Lettuce leaves
* Tomato slices
* Red onion slices
* Pickles (optional)
* Celery sticks (for serving alongside)
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Burgers.
**Step 1: Prepare the Blue Cheese Dressing**
This can be done ahead of time. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice (or white vinegar), garlic powder, and black pepper. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy and easily spreadable. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it gets!
**Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Burger Mixture**
In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that buffalo sauce can be salty, so start with a small amount and adjust accordingly.
**Step 3: Form the Burger Patties**
Gently divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle while cooking.
**Step 4: Cook the Burgers**
Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the burger patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Don’t press down on the burgers while they’re cooking, as this will squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
**Step 5: Toast the Buns**
While the burgers are cooking, toast the burger buns. You can toast them in a toaster, under the broiler, or in the same skillet you used to cook the burgers (after removing the burgers and wiping out any excess oil). Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
**Step 6: Assemble the Burgers**
Spread a generous amount of blue cheese dressing on both the top and bottom buns. Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, followed by a tomato slice and red onion slice (if using). Top with the cooked buffalo chicken burger. Add any additional toppings you desire, such as pickles. Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately. Serve with celery sticks on the side for a classic buffalo wing experience.
## Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Burgers
* **Don’t Overmix the Chicken Mixture:** Overmixing will result in tough burgers. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** The best way to ensure your burgers are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the burger, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone. Chicken burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Don’t Press Down on the Burgers While Cooking:** Pressing down on the burgers will squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
* **Let the Burgers Rest:** After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy burger.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder buffalo wing sauce. If you like it extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a hotter buffalo sauce.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings, such as avocado, bacon, or a fried egg.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve these burgers with your favorite sides, such as french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Ground Turkey:** Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a slightly leaner option. The cooking time will remain the same.
* **Greek Yogurt:** Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt in the blue cheese dressing for a healthier option. Choose plain, nonfat Greek yogurt.
* **Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing:** Use a vegan mayonnaise and substitute the blue cheese with a vegan blue cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. There are several recipes online for homemade vegan blue cheese dressing.
* **Grilled Burgers:** Grill the burger patties instead of cooking them in a skillet for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
* **Buffalo Chicken Sliders:** Make smaller patties and use slider buns for a fun appetizer or party snack.
* **Add Cheese to the Burger:** For an extra cheesy burger, add a slice of your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack, during the last minute of cooking. Let the cheese melt before removing the burgers from the skillet.
* **Spice it up with Jalapenos:** Incorporate finely diced pickled jalapenos into the burger mix to provide a contrasting spicy and tangy flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken Burgers are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with complementary sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Classic Sides:** French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, coleslaw, potato salad.
* **Healthy Sides:** Side salad, steamed vegetables, roasted vegetables, quinoa salad.
* **Buffalo Wing Inspired Sides:** Celery sticks, carrot sticks, extra blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping.
* **Beverages:** Ice-cold beer, soda, lemonade, iced tea.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* **Blue Cheese Dressing:** The blue cheese dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. In fact, the flavor improves as it sits.
* **Burger Patties:** The burger patties can be formed up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator on a plate covered with plastic wrap. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for a quicker cooking time.
**Storing Leftovers**
Store leftover cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, skillet, or oven.
Store leftover blue cheese dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It’s best to store the burger components separately and assemble them just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per Burger, without sides)
* Calories: Approximately 500-600
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## FAQs
**Q: Can I use frozen ground chicken?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it in the recipe.
**Q: Can I make these burgers without breadcrumbs?**
A: Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs, but the burgers may be a little less firm. You can substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or ground oats.
**Q: How do I prevent the burgers from sticking to the skillet?**
A: Make sure the skillet is hot and the oil is heated before adding the burger patties. You can also use a non-stick skillet.
**Q: Can I freeze the cooked burger patties?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked burger patties. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
**Q: What if I don’t like blue cheese?**
A: If you don’t like blue cheese, you can substitute it with ranch dressing or another creamy dressing of your choice.
## Conclusion
These Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Blue Cheese Dressing are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. So, ditch the boring beef burgers and give these a try. You won’t be disappointed! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
**Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below letting me know what you think!**