If you are craving a burger with a gourmet touch, you will absolutely love this White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe. Juicy ground chicken mingles with the sweetness of slow-cooked caramelized onions and the creamy tang of white cheddar, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. This recipe delivers a succulent, satisfying burger with just the right amount of heat and an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe plays an essential role in building bold flavors and pleasing textures. From the tender chicken to the melted cheddar and spicy chili paste, these components come together for a simple yet unforgettable meal.
- 1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey: Provides a juicy, lean base that soaks up all the flavorful seasonings beautifully.
- ½ cup prepared caramelized onions: Adds a rich sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory meat.
- 5 ounces white cheddar, ¼ inch dice: Offers a creamy, sharp cheese bite that melts into the patties.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every flavor, ensuring the burger is perfectly seasoned.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herb notes, rounding out the taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic punch without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1-2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (or sambal): Introduces a smoky, spicy kick for those who love a little fire.
- Burger buns: Choose soft, sturdy buns to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Smashed avocados: Bring creaminess and a fresh, buttery texture topping to the burger.
- Arugula: Adds a peppery crunch, balancing the richer flavors.
- Mayo: A classic touch to keep each bite moist and flavorful.
How to Make White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Patties
Start by combining the ground chicken with caramelized onions, diced white cheddar, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili paste in a large bowl. Mix gently to distribute all ingredients evenly without overworking the meat. Then, form the mixture into four evenly sized patties. Refrigerate them for 30 minutes—this step helps the patties hold together better while cooking and allows the flavors to meld deliciously.
Step 2: Preheat and Oil the Grill
While your patties chill, fire up your grill to about 475ºF. To keep the burgers from sticking and ensure those beautiful grill marks, lightly oil the grates. This also helps create a lovely crust on the burgers as they cook.
Step 3: Grill the Patties
Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 155ºF to ensure they’re fully cooked but still juicy and tender. Resist the urge to press down on the patties; this helps retain all those delicious juices inside.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While the burgers finish grilling, toast your burger buns until golden and slightly crisp. This adds texture and prevents sogginess when assembling. Spread mayo on the buns, layer on fresh arugula, then the warm patty, followed by a generous scoop of smashed avocado. The burst of creamy avocado complements the savory flavors perfectly.
How to Serve White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe to another level. Fresh arugula introduces a peppery note that cuts through the richness, while smashed avocado adds a silky, buttery smoothness. A simple spread of mayo binds everything together and keeps each bite juicy and flavorful.
Side Dishes
This dish partners wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think crispy sweet potato fries for a hint of sweetness, a fresh garden salad to lighten the meal, or even grilled vegetables to echo the smoky notes of the burger. Each side adds balance and keeps the meal exciting and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual get-together, serve these burgers open-faced on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of additional caramelized onions and chili paste for guests to customize. Another fun idea is to slice the burgers and serve them sliders-style for easy sharing. Wrapping them in parchment paper and tying with twine makes for an inviting presentation that’s perfect for picnics or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making quick lunches or dinners a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can grab as many as you want later. Frozen patties will keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. Just heat until warmed through and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
What can I use if I don’t have Calabrian chili paste?
Feel free to swap it with sambal oelek or even a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount depending on how much heat you prefer.
How do I make caramelized onions if I don’t have them prepared?
Simply thinly slice onions and cook them slowly over low heat with a bit of oil and salt for about 30-40 minutes until golden brown and sweet. Patience is key here for the perfect caramelization.
Can I make the patties ahead of time and freeze them before grilling?
Yes! Form the patties, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, grill from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat comes from the Calabrian chili paste, which has a moderate spice level. You can adjust the amount or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone looking to elevate their burger game with fresh, exciting flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try and watch these juicy, cheesy, perfectly spiced burgers disappear from the plate fast!
Print
White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Caramelized Onions are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Ground chicken mixed with savory caramelized onions and sharp white cheddar cheese is seasoned with Italian herbs and a hint of spicy Calabrian chili paste, then grilled to perfection and served on toasted buns with creamy smashed avocado and fresh arugula for a satisfying and gourmet homemade burger experience.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey
- ½ cup prepared caramelized onions
- 5 ounces white cheddar, cut into ¼ inch dice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 teaspoons Calabrian chili paste (or sambal)
For Serving
- Burger buns
- Smashed avocados
- Arugula
- Mayo
Instructions
- Prepare Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, caramelized onions, diced white cheddar, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and Calabrian chili paste. Mix gently until just combined, then shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties. Chill the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to a high temperature around 475ºF. Once hot, oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking and prepare for cooking the patties.
- Grill Patties: Place the chilled chicken patties on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 155ºF for safe consumption, ensuring they are cooked through and have a nice charred exterior.
- Toast Buns: While the patties are grilling, lightly toast the burger buns on the grill until slightly crispy and golden brown, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread mayo on the toasted buns, then layer with arugula, smashed avocados, and the grilled chicken patties. Assemble the burgers and serve immediately with your preferred sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using lean ground chicken or turkey helps keep the burgers juicy yet healthy.
- Chilling the patties before grilling helps prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste to control the heat level according to your taste preferences.
- Caramelized onions add a rich sweetness that complements the sharpness of the white cheddar.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 155ºF.
