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Juicy chicken burgers gone caprese style thanks to pesto, fresh basil, and thick slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella. These are a must make this summer!
I’ve been on a kick lately with all things caprese. If you’re not into caprese, I don’t know what to tell you. It’s summer and tomatoes, basil, and cheese are how I roll this time of year. The produce is fresh and you better believe I’ve been stocking up on it like a crazy woman. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning waiting to open her presents when it comes to the tomato plants in my garden, except it’s not Christmas and I’m waiting for tomatoes, not toys.
A few days ago when I was out watering my tomato plants I saw that I finally have a few green tomatoes on them, I was so excited, probably a little too excited! Now that the tomatoes are starting to pop up I have to watch them like a hawk and get to them before the birds and squirrels do. My basil plant is also getting huge and I’ve been adding basil to everything I can. I didn’t have quite enough to make my own homemade pesto for these Caprese Chicken Burger, but it’s only a matter of time.
I made these burgers last weekend and I’m thinking I might change up the usual beef burger this 4th of July and make these chicken burgers instead. You might be thinking how good can a chicken burger be, it’s so lean? Well, you’re right, it is lean. However, adding a tablespoon of pesto to the meat before you grill it completely changes it! The pesto takes the ho-hum ground chicken and adds moisture along with delicious basil and garlic flavors.
The pesto added to the chicken burger meat is just the beginning. I topped the burgers with fresh basil leaves, thick slices of tomato, and fresh mozzarella. Seriously you guys, splurge and buy the fresh mozzarella for these burgers, it’s absolutely worth it! I finished the burgers off with basil aioli which I lightened up by using a combination of light mayonnaise and non-fat Greek yogurt. I added a little bit of the pesto that I used in the burgers and it transformed it into the most delicious spread that went perfectly with all the flavors of these caprese burgers. If you’re in charge of the grilling this weekend, skip the beef, and try these juicy Caprese Chicken Burgers instead!
More Burger Recipes:
Bacon Burgers with Bourbon Caramelized Onions and Goat Cheese
Buffalo Turkey Burgers with Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
Caprese Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
Caprese Chicken Burgers
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tomato cut into thick slices
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8-12 fresh basil leaves
- 4 buns gluten-free if needed
Basil Aioli
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pesto
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the ground chicken, pesto, salt and pepper with your hands until combined. Form the meat into 4 equal sized patties.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium high heat. Spray or oil the grates of the grill or the skillet generously. Cook the chicken burgers for approximately 4 minutes per side depending on how thick they are.
- While the burgers are cooking prepare the basil aioli. Whisk together all of the ingredients for the aioli in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- About a minute before the burgers are done, place the buns cut side down on the grill and toast them until lightly brown.
- Assemble the burgers on the toasted buns and top with a slice of fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, 2-3 basil leaves, and some of the basil aioli spread on the top half of the bun.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Dear Danae, This is my idea of a perfect summer sandwich! I love those perfectly toasted buns and all the fresh flavors. xo, Catherine
It’s my idea of a perfect summer burger too Catherine! Thank you!
I’m such a caprese person! This seriously looks amazing! Such a perfect summer dinner!
Thanks Michelle!
I love caprese sandwiches, especially when I have fresh basil in my garden. I usually just make them with a piece of chicken breast but will definitely have to try the ground chicken breast with pesto next time. Delicious meal!
I love grilled chicken breast made up caprese style too! Since I was in a burger mood the ground chicken was definitely a good choice!
Who isn’t into Caprese! I love it! This burger would not disappoint!
Thanks Kristen! Have a great weekend!
Danae – I love all things caprese! My garden has basil coming out the wazoo too!!!! Love that you did these with chicken. Such a pretty burger, I am going to have to try these.
Thanks Allie! I hope you like the burger!