I always go straight for a classic chicken Parmesan when I’m at an Italian-American restaurant, but rarely make it at home because dredging chicken and then frying it is more than I want to do most nights for dinner. But that delicious combo of juicy chicken smothered in sauce and cheese can be had, even on a busy weeknight.
Introducing chicken Parmesan burgers! This easy, soon-to-be classic is a mash-up of chicken Parm and chicken Parm meatballs. You simply shape a mixture of ground chicken with Parmesan and a few other easy-to-find ingredients into patties, sear in a pan, top with sauce and mozz, and finish in the broiler. Slide the patties onto toasted burger buns for a tasty dinner with minimal cleanup (and no leftover frying oil to deal with).
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s got all the flavors of chicken Parmesan you love, but in an easy-to-eat form. You get juicy chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese in every bite. Plus, the toasted buns mimic the crunch you get from a fried chicken cutlet.
- Everything cooks in less than 15 minutes. Cook the burgers in a pan and slide that same pan right into the oven to finish with the sauce and cheese.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Parmesan Burgers
- Ground chicken: You can use any kind of ground chicken here, but I prefer dark meat for its juiciness.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated or store-bought grated Parmesan cheese is added to the patties for its nutty flavor and richness.
- Marinara sauce: Use a sauce that isn’t too chunky so the burgers are a bit easier to eat. I like using Rao’s marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: No chicken Parm is complete without a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Use a low-moisture mozzarella (not fresh) for the ultimate meltiness.
Helpful Swaps
- Ground turkey can also be substituted for the ground chicken.
- Parsley or basil can be used in the patties.
- Skip the buns and serve the patties with a green salad or with pasta instead.
