These chicken burgers are anything but average. Seasoned with Indian-inspired spices and topped with a refreshing yogurt cucumber slaw, every bite into these burgers is pure bliss.

Chicken burgers get a bad reputation for being dried out and lifeless. It’s fair because many of them are. Why would you ever stray from beef if that’s the case?

These chicken burgers are made with a bit of Greek yogurt and some breadcrumbs (almost like you’re making meatballs) which keeps the meat incredibly moist and juicy. They’re then flavored with savory Indian-inspired spices and balanced perfectly with a refreshing yogurt cucumber slaw on top that’s so good you’ll want to eat it all summer on everything you can think of.

I don’t give ground chicken much love on here (outside of these homemade chicken breakfast sausage patties), but these burgers make up for it. When you’re sick of red meat, these are a great alternative.

What You’ll Love About This Chicken Burger Recipe

Juicy, never dry – Thanks to a little Greek yogurt mixed into the chicken burger patties, these stay moist and tender, unlike so many others that dry out on the grill.
Packed with bold Indian spices – Cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic bring a warm, savory flavor that makes each bite pop and is a totally unexpected flavor when it comes to traditional burgers.
A burger and a slaw moment – Topped with a creamy, cooling yogurt cucumber slaw, these hit that perfect balance of spicy and refreshing.
Gluten-free friendly – I use GF breadcrumbs and buns to make this recipe accommodating to all.

Chicken Burger Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make flavorful, juicy chicken burger patties with a cool, creamy slaw on top.

For the Chicken Burger Patties

Ground Chicken – A lean protein that stays juicy and absorbs flavor well.
Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture and boosts the protein.
Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the patties without drying them out.
Lemon Juice – Adds a little acidity to brighten the flavor.
Spices (garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt) – Give the patties warm, bold Indian-inspired flavor.
Hamburger Buns – Pick a soft bun that’s sturdy enough to hold the burger without falling apart.

For the Yogurt Cucumber Slaw

Shredded Cabbage – Adds crunch and holds up well in the slaw.
Mini Cucumber – Keeps the slaw cool and refreshing.
Greek Yogurt – Makes the slaw creamy without feeling heavy.
Lemon Juice – Balances the creaminess with a fresh, tangy kick.
Chopped Mint and Basil – Add fresh flavor and brighten the slaw.

Chicken burgers and cucumbers on a wooden cutting board.

Tips for Buying the Best Ground Chicken For Burgers

Choose chicken breast or thigh meat: For moist chicken patties, look for ground chicken breast or a combination of ground chicken breast and thigh. Breast meat is leaner, but thighs add flavor and juiciness.
Check the fat content: Opt for lean ground chicken (about 10-15% fat) to balance flavor and texture without making the burgers greasy.
Avoid pre-seasoned or pre-ground options: Always buy plain ground chicken to control the seasoning yourself, this way your burgers won’t end up overly salty or flavored.

My Pro Tips

Chicken Burger Tips

You can find many of these tips in our guide to grilling the best burger, but they’re worth repeating.

Storage tip: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months for later use.
Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your ground chicken burgers are fully cooked, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safe and juicy burgers.
Don’t over-mix the chicken: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can result in tough burgers.
Chill the patties: Refrigerating the patties for a few minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape on the grill.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Switch the bun: A brioche bun will offer a richer, slightly sweet base. If you prefer a low-carb option, wrap the chicken patties in lettuce instead of using a bun.
Top with extras: Add a few slices of tomato, red onion, and pickles for a classic burger topping combo. Or, for a creamy twist, spread a little mayo or mashed avocado on the bun before adding the chicken burger patty.
Change the protein: Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option or are looking for a milder taste.
Add more herbs: If you’re craving extra freshness, throw in some fresh parsley to the slaw.
Seasoning swaps: Instead of using garlic powder in the patties, try fresh minced garlic for a stronger flavor.