Skillet Chicken Burgers

If you’re craving a homemade burger that’s lighter than beef but still full of flavor, skillet chicken burgers are a fantastic option. They’re juicy, seasoned to perfection, and come together quickly on the stovetop - no grill required. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals, these burgers pair beautifully with your favorite toppings and sides. Added bonus - they contain a healthy serving of veggies and the little ones love them too!

To achieve juicy texture you’ll want to use ground chicken with a bit of fat content. Super lean chicken can dry out, so aim for ground chicken thigh or a blend if you can find it. Turkey works well too. To start, take a large mixing bowl and shred one medium zucchini on a fine shredder, add an egg and mix well to combine. Do not strain zucchini juice, otherwise burgers will turn out dry and dense.

Add ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce (if desired). A pinch of smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper adds depth and a subtle kick. As a last step, stir in 1/3 cup of oat bran and mix everything gently until combined, be careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the patties tough.

Shape the mixture into even patties, pressing a slight dimple into the center of each one to help them cook evenly. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil. Once hot, place the patties in the pan, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). The skillet method gives the burgers a lovely seared crust while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

To serve, toast your burger buns lightly in the skillet for extra texture. Classic toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and melted cheddar work beautifully, but you can also go gourmet with caramelized onions, avocado, or a spicy chipotle mayo. For a lighter option, skip the bun and serve the burger over a salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves with a slice of red onion and tomato.

These skillet chicken burgers are versatile, customizable, and satisfying without being heavy. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation - delicious proof that you don’t need a grill to enjoy a great burger.

Ingredients (makes 4 burgers)

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably thigh or a blend, not ultra-lean)

• 1/3 cup oat bran

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for skillet)

• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado, caramelized onions, mayo, or chipotle sauce

Instructions

1. Shred zucchiniFinely shred zucchini into a mixing bowl. Add an egg and mix to combine.

2. Mix the patties
   Add ground chicken, oat bran, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, don’t overmix.

3. Shape
   Form the mixture into 4 even patties. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

4. Cook
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Toast the buns
   Remove the burgers and lightly toast the buns in the same skillet for 1–2 minutes.

6. Assemble
   Place the patties on buns and add your favorite toppings. Keep it classic with lettuce and tomato, or go bold with chipotle mayo, avocado slices, or caramelized onions.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below once your try them!