Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

If you’re craving that perfect blend of juicy chicken, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch flavors all grilled to mouthwatering perfection, then these Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are exactly what you need. They’re a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe that brings summer BBQ vibes and weeknight dinner comfort to your table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these burgers deliver a delicious punch every single time, guaranteed to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning creates a savory and tangy taste that makes every bite unforgettable.
• Juicy and Tender: Using chicken breast with a bit of added moisture ensures these burgers stay moist and delicious without drying out on the grill.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is fantastic for fast weeknight dinners or last-minute BBQ plans.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to your liking, whether you want it spicier, cheesier, or packed with extra veggies.
• Perfectly Portable: Great for picnics, tailgates, or backyard cookouts, these burgers hold their flavor without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers plays a role in building irresistible layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy ranch seasoning to the sharp cheddar cheese, every piece adds up to burger bliss.

• Ground chicken: Choose lean but moist ground chicken breast for a healthier yet juicy base.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a rich, melty punch that blends perfectly with the savory chicken.
• Ranch seasoning mix: Adds that classic zesty and herbaceous pop that defines this burger’s character.
• Green onions: Freshly chopped for color, crunch, and a mild bite to balance richness.
• Garlic powder: Enhances depth of flavor subtly without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the fresh flavors.
• Burger buns: Soft, lightly toasted buns hold everything together and soak up juiciness.
• Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, or avocado for freshness and crunch.

Variations for Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Feel free to personalize your Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers to fit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s so easy to swap ingredients in and out and keep the core flavors intact.

• Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix for some heat.
• Different cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a milder or more adventurous flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free burger buns or even lettuce wraps to keep it paleo-friendly.
• Herb boost: Mix in fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro for an herbaceous upgrade.
• Low-carb style: Skip the bun entirely and serve your chicken patties atop a bed of leafy greens.

How to Make Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by combining ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until all ingredients are well blended without overworking the meat, which can make it tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture evenly into 4-6 portions depending on your preferred burger size. Shape each portion into a round, flat patty roughly the size of your burger bun. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up too much when grilling.

Step 3: Preheat and Oil the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F (190-205°C). Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to avoid sticking and to promote beautiful grill marks on the burgers.

Step 4: Grill the Patties

Place the chicken patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Resist pressing down on the burgers with a spatula, as it can cause the juices to escape, drying them out.

Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble

While the patties finish cooking, toast your burger buns cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Once done, assemble each burger by layering lettuce, your grilled cheddar ranch chicken patty, tomato slices, pickles, or any other favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

• Don’t overmix: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer: Ensure burgers are safely cooked through by checking for 165°F internal temperature.
• Chill before grilling: Refrigerate formed patties for 15-30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape on the grill.
• Grill with lid closed: This helps retain heat and cooks the burgers evenly without drying them out.
• Mix add-ins carefully: Use finely chopped onions or herbs so they evenly distribute without breaking up the patty.

How to Serve Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

Fresh, crunchy lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickles perfectly complement the rich and flavorful chicken patties. Slices of creamy avocado or even a dollop of ranch dressing on top can amplify the taste experience.

Side Dishes

Classic coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, or a crisp green salad are perfect companions for these burgers, balancing their richness with light and fresh textures. Corn on the cob brushed with herb butter is also a fantastic match for outdoor BBQ settings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers open-faced on toasted sourdough for a rustic twist, or place sliders in mini buns for bite-sized appetizers at parties. Wrapping them in foil with all the fixings makes them a convenient and mess-free picnic option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cooked chicken patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the burger buns and fresh toppings separate to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

Form the patties but don’t cook them yet if you want to freeze in advance. Place the raw patties on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

Reheating

Warm leftover cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or covered loosely with foil in the oven to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving too long or at high power to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of ground chicken breast?

Absolutely! Ground chicken thighs provide more fat and flavor, which can make your burgers even juicier and richer.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cheddar cheese?

You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, which melt nicely and complement the ranch flavor well.

How can I make these burgers spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture, or top with spicy sauces like chipotle mayo for added heat.

Are these burgers safe to eat medium rare?

Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety reasons, so avoid undercooking.

Can I cook these burgers indoors?

Definitely! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for similar delicious results without the outdoor grill.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Grilled Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers, you’ll see why they’re a standout in any meal rotation. Juicy, cheesy, and bursting with ranch herbiness, they’re perfect for casual dinners, summer gatherings, or anytime you want a flavorful, satisfying burger. Go ahead and fire up your grill — your taste buds will thank you!

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