A delicious burger twist on classic chicken parmesan that not only tastes great, but is lightened up and easy to make as well!
One of my favorite things to do with classic comfort foods is not only find a way to make them a little lighter so I can enjoy them more often, but also to transform them. The comfort food still has all the familiar flavors, but there some sort of twist added to the recipe. In the case of these Chicken Parmesan Burgers, I took a classic chicken parmesan recipe and instead of using a chicken breast I used ground chicken and turned it into a burger.
The burgers are a great alternative to what is generally a fancy and more involved dinner to make. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classic version, check out my lightened up chicken parmesan recipe if you are looking to go that route. However, if you are looking for a casual weeknight dinner full of Italian flavor, then these burgers are just what you are looking for!
The burgers are seasoned with garlic, basil, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. They are then dredged in a light coating of panko breadcrumbs, more parmesan cheese, and little more garlic. The breadcrumb coating gives the burgers that crispy parmesan crust that you would find on traditional chicken parmesan. The burgers turn out best if you pan fry them rather than put them on the grill. Breadcrumbs tend to not do so well on a grill.
Once the burgers are cooked almost all the way through, top them with some homemade or good quality store bought marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stick a lid over the skillet or put it in the oven to broil, just long enough for the cheese to melt. When the cheese is melted you can either stick them on a bun and eat them as is or top the cut side of the upper half of the bun with a little olive oil and parmesan cheese. Broil the bun halves in the oven until they are crisp and the cheese is golden and melted. It’s a little more work, but totally worth it!
Yields 4 burgers
15 minPrep Time
10 minCook Time
25 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pinch of garlic powder and black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup marinara sauce, homemade or store bought
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh chopped basil
- Shredded parmesan cheese and olive oil for the buns (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all of the chicken parmesan burger ingredients together with your hands, then form into 4 equal sized patties.
- In a shallow dish combine the ingredients for the panko breadcrumb coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
- When the skillet is hot generously spray it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Dredge each burger in the panko mixture then place it in the hot skillet.
- If you choose to broil the toppings for the burgers, preheat the oven while the burgers are cooking.
- Cook the burgers for about 4 minutes per side or until the juices run clear.
- If you don't plan to broil the burger toppings, add them to the burgers now and cover the skillet with a lid until the cheese is melted.
- Place the burgers and halved buns on a sheet pan.
- Top the burgers with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Brush the top half (cut side) of the buns with olive oil and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Broil the burgers and buns until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden and toasted.
- Place the burgers on the buns and top with fresh chopped basil if desired.
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