Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce Recipe

Let’s talk about Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce: a bold, flavor-packed alternative to your usual burger routine that’s guaranteed to liven up any weeknight dinner or summer cookout. Juicy ground chicken patties with a delightful blend of spices and fresh herbs take center stage, but it’s the creamy, zesty Bang-Bang Sauce and crisp, colorful toppings that make every bite a pure celebration. If you love burgers with a little extra crunch, a touch of heat, and an irresistible kick of flavor, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to for both family meals and fun get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce are built on simple, everyday ingredients that work magic together. Each one is carefully chosen to add depth—whether it’s juicy texture, tang, or a pop of color—so you get a burger that looks and tastes delicious.

  • Roma tomato (diced): Bright and juicy, these diced tomatoes become the star of the salsa topping.
  • Red onion (diced): Adds a crisp bite and mellow sweetness, both in the salsa and patties.
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped): Pack your salsa and patties with fragrant, herbal freshness.
  • Lime (juiced): Brings zingy citrus that wakes up all the other flavors in your salsa.
  • Ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning that little background kick.
  • Ground chicken: Lean, juicy, and super flavorful—makes the perfect burger base for soaking up spices.
  • Panko bread crumbs: Give the patties their light, tender texture and help them hold together.
  • Egg: The natural binder that keeps your chicken patties firm and moist.
  • Red pepper flakes: For an extra level of heat and intrigue in the patty mixture.
  • Garlic powder: Delivers classic, comforting savory notes that deepen the flavor inside the burgers.
  • Paprika: Adds lovely color and a gentle smokiness that pairs perfectly with chicken.
  • Swiss cheese slices: Melty, creamy, and mild—Swiss balances out the spiciness and draws it all together.
  • Mayo: The Silky base for the Bang-Bang Sauce; balances the sweet, tangy, and spicy elements.
  • Sweet chili sauce: Brings a sweet heat and a gorgeous glossy texture to the Bang-Bang Sauce.
  • Franks Red Hot: The perfect dose of tangy, peppery heat.
  • Crushed garlic: Delivers a real punch of flavor in the sauce—much more than garlic powder can.
  • Salt: Brings harmony and amplifies all the flavors.
  • Romaine lettuce slices: Crisp greens that add crunch and keep the burger feeling fresh.
  • Onion buns: Soft, golden, and just a little sweet—they’re the ideal finishing touch.
  • Olive oil or butter: Brushed on the buns for toasting, adding richness and a perfect golden crunch.

How to Make Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce

Step 1: Make the Fresh Salsa

Start by combining diced Roma tomato, half of your red onion (finely chopped), a tablespoon of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a touch of black pepper in a small mixing bowl. This simple salsa is a total game-changer for these Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce, bringing a pop of brightness and cool moisture that balances the richness of your patties and the tangy heat of the sauce. Set the bowl aside so those flavors can mingle while you prep the other elements.

Step 2: Form the Chicken Patties

Now, let’s create the heart of your Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce: the patties. In a large mixing bowl, add your ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, the remaining red onion, another tablespoon of chopped cilantro, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything gently until well combined—overmixing can make the burgers dense. Shape the mixture into a ball, then divide it into four equal portions and form each into a 1/2-inch thick patty. Your hands are the best tool for shaping, and a light touch helps the patties stay tender.

Step 3: Heat Up the Grill Pan

Preheat your cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. If you don’t have one, a nonstick skillet will work too, but a grill pan gives those beautiful char marks and an extra layer of smoky flavor—just the thing for Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Bang-Bang Sauce

While your pan’s getting hot, it’s time to make the legendary Bang-Bang Sauce. Grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, Franks Red Hot, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt. The sauce will turn silky and pale coral in color—creamy with a spicy-sweet kick that absolutely completes these burgers. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you want even more heat or tang!

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Patties

Lightly spray the grill pan with non-stick spray, then carefully place your chicken patties onto the hot surface. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side to get that golden color, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the Swiss cheese slices on top, and let them melt gorgeously as the patties finish cooking—another 2 minutes or so. The goal is deliciously melty cheese and chicken patties that are cooked through with an internal temp of at least 165°F.

Step 6: Toast the Onion Buns

Brush your onion buns with a little olive oil or softened butter, and lay them cut side down on the grill pan until they turn golden and crisp around the edges. This quick step keeps the buns from getting soggy and adds irresistible flavor, taking these Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce to the next level.

Step 7: Layer and Build Your Burgers

To assemble, start with a crisp slice of romaine lettuce on the bottom bun, then top with a hot chicken patty straight from the pan. Pile on a generous heap of fresh salsa and finish with a swoosh of Bang-Bang Sauce on the top bun. Cap it off, press gently, and get ready for an explosion of flavors!

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Gather everyone around and serve your Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce immediately while they’re piping hot, gooey with cheese, and bursting with freshness. These are best enjoyed right away for maximum juiciness and crunch.

How to Serve Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce

Garnishes

Garnish your Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce with a few extra cilantro leaves for a touch of green and an extra squeeze of lime over the salsa right before serving. If you want to go all out, thinly sliced jalapeños or pickled onions add color and another layer of flavor for anyone who loves a little extra zest.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, tangy coleslaw, or even a simple mixed salad always work beautifully with these burgers. I love pairing Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce with baked potato wedges and a cool cucumber salad for a fresh contrast—and of course, ice-cold lemonade or iced tea to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, try making mini sliders instead of full burgers and serve them on a big platter with bowls of Bang-Bang Sauce for dipping. Or go bunless and pile the chicken patties over a tangle of lettuce or slaw, drizzling with sauce for a lighter, gluten-free meal. Either way, you’ll wow your guests and get plenty of oohs and aahs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce, let the patties cool completely, then wrap each burger (without sauce or salsa) tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the salsa and sauce separately in covered containers so your buns don’t get soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken patties (before adding cheese or toppings) by wrapping them individually and placing in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months—just don’t freeze the fresh salsa or sauce, as the texture will suffer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot all the way through. Add a fresh slice of cheese to melt as they heat up, then assemble your Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce as usual with new salsa and sauce.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for these burgers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute in Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey is even leaner than chicken and can dry out more quickly—add a little extra panko if your mixture feels too wet.

Is it possible to grill these burgers outdoors instead of on a pan?

Yes! Grilling over medium heat works wonderfully and gives your Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce those coveted smoky grill marks. Just be sure to oil the grates well and handle the patties carefully, as ground chicken is softer than beef.

What can I swap for Swiss cheese?

If you don’t have Swiss on hand, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or provolone—all melt beautifully and pair nicely with the spicy Bang-Bang Sauce.

Can the Bang-Bang Sauce be made ahead of time?

Definitely! You can whisk up the Bang-Bang Sauce a few days ahead, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making your Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce even more irresistible.

How do I make these burgers gluten-free?

To keep these burgers gluten-free, simply swap out the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free crumbs and use gluten-free buns. Everything else, including that fiery Bang-Bang Sauce, is naturally gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

The magic of Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce is how fun and satisfying they are—bursting with juiciness, freshness, and just the right amount of heat. Gather your favorite people, fire up your skillet or grill, and give this recipe a try soon. You may just find it becomes a new classic at your table!

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Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce Recipe

Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

These Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Juicy ground chicken patties seasoned to perfection, topped with Swiss cheese, fresh salsa, and a creamy Bang-Bang Sauce, all sandwiched between toasted onion buns. A flavor explosion in every bite!


Ingredients

Scale

Salsa:

  • 1 Roma tomato (diced)
  • 1/2 small red onion (diced)
  • 1 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Chicken Patties:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 small red onion (diced)
  • 1 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Other Ingredients:

  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Franks Red Hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 Romaine lettuce slices
  • 4 onion buns
  • olive oil or butter (for toasting the buns)

Instructions

  1. Salsa: Combine all of the salsa ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
  2. Chicken Patties: Add ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, onion, cilantro, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika to a large mixing bowl. Form into patties.
  3. Cooking: Heat a grill pan. Cook patties, then add cheese. Toast buns.
  4. Assembly: Place lettuce on bun, add patty and salsa. Spread Bang-Bang Sauce on the top bun. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the spice level of the Bang-Bang Sauce to suit your taste.
  • These burgers are great with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 810mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Chicken Burgers, Bang-Bang Sauce, Ground Chicken, Grilled, Sandwich

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