Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers to Try Now
If you’re craving something juicy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh flavor, Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. These burgers combine tender chicken patties infused with tangy ranch seasoning and melted cheddar cheese to create an irresistible meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Ready in minutes, this easy recipe brings together simple ingredients to deliver maximum taste without any fuss, making your mealtime both exciting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: These Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers come together fast, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor-packed: Ranch seasoning and sharp cheddar cheese create a rich, zesty combination.
- Moist and juicy: Ground chicken stays tender and flavorful through simple seasoning and cooking techniques.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good burger, and these are great for all ages.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or sides to suit any palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers is surprisingly simple thanks to a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each element adds a unique touch, from juicy texture to vibrant seasoning, making every bite something to savor.
- Ground chicken: The star protein, lean yet juicy, forming the perfect burger base.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Adds that classic tangy, herb-infused flavor instantly.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to give cheeseburger indulgence with every bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties while providing a tender texture.
- Egg: Keeps the burger mixture holding together without falling apart.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the savory profile subtly but effectively.
- Salt and pepper: Simply essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors.
- Burger buns: Soft yet sturdy, they cradle the patties and toppings perfectly.
- Optional veggies and condiments: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and extra ranch dressing complement the burger wonderfully.
Variations for Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
One of the best things about Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers is how easy it is to customize them for your tastes, dietary preferences, or what’s available in your kitchen. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to keep it safe for dietary needs.
- Different cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a unique flavor.
- Herb upgrade: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill into the patties for fresh herbal notes.
- Avocado topping: Creamy avocado slices add richness and a cool contrast to the ranch flavor.
How to Make Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the chicken mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until everything is evenly incorporated—avoid overworking to keep patties tender.
Step 2: Form the patties
Divide the mixture into equal portions (about 4 to 6 depending on size preference) and shape each into a round patty, slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the patties
Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are nicely browned.
Step 4: Melt the cheddar cheese
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty, covering the pan to help it melt perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble your burgers
Toast your burger buns lightly and layer the bottom with any preferred condiments. Add the cheesy chicken patty, then fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, finishing with the top bun.
Pro Tips for Making Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
- Use cold chicken: Keep the ground chicken chilled until mixing to ensure a juicy patty.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just enough to combine ingredients; overmixing leads to dense burgers.
- Let patties rest: After shaping, let patties rest in the fridge for 15 minutes to hold shape better during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check for 165°F internal temperature to cook safely without drying out.
- Toast buns: A quick toast adds crispness and helps prevent sogginess from sauces.
- Don’t skip cheese melting: The melted cheddar brings creamy texture and an irresistible look.
How to Serve Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
Elevate your burgers with fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce leaves, thick tomato slices, crunchy pickles, and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing for that cool, herbal finish that complements the seasoned chicken so well.
Side Dishes
Serve Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers alongside oven-baked fries, a light mixed green salad, or even crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness of the burgers with refreshing textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family meals or casual gatherings, try serving your burgers on slider buns for bite-sized enjoyment or cut them in half and stack on a platter with assorted toppings on the side for a build-your-own-burger bar experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they’re cooled completely before sealing to keep flavors fresh and texture moist.
Freezing
Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers freeze beautifully—place uncooked patties on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat cooked burgers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly, adding a little water and covering to maintain moisture; add fresh cheese on top to re-melt before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and also pairs wonderfully with ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese to maintain the recipe’s signature flavor.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
You can easily make a quick homemade ranch blend with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to keep that classic tangy taste.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the patties; also, chilling them before cooking improves firmness and reduces crumbling.
Are these burgers spicy?
Not by default. Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers have a mild, savory flavor thanks to ranch seasoning, but you can add spicy elements like hot sauce or jalapeños if you want a kick.
Can these chicken burgers be grilled outdoors?
Definitely! Grilling over medium heat works wonderfully to get a smoky flavor and juicy interior, just keep an eye to avoid flare-ups and cook until the proper temperature is reached.
Final Thoughts
Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are a total game-changer when you want a fast, flavorful meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With juicy chicken, rich cheddar, and that unbeatable ranch seasoning, they bring comfort and excitement together perfectly. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite go-to for your weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts alike!
Related Posts
- How To Make Perfect Chuck Roast Tacos Fast
- Quick Soy Garlic Chicken and Rice Recipe
- How to Make Beef Ragu Pasta in Tomato Sauce
Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Quick Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers are juicy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh, tangy ranch flavor. These tender chicken patties combined with melted sharp cheddar cheese create a perfect weeknight meal that’s easy and fast to prepare. With simple ingredients and customizable options, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful burger everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 burgers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4–6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4–6 burger buns
Optional Toppings and Condiments
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Extra ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until everything is evenly incorporated—avoid overworking to keep patties tender.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions (about 4 to 6 depending on size preference) and shape each into a round patty, slightly larger than your buns since they will shrink while cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are nicely browned.
- Melt the cheddar cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each patty, covering the pan to help it melt perfectly.
- Assemble your burgers: Toast your burger buns lightly and layer the bottom with any preferred condiments. Add the cheesy chicken patty, then fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, finishing with the top bun.
Notes
- Use cold ground chicken to ensure juicy patties.
- Do not overmix the ingredients to avoid dense burgers.
- Let patties rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before cooking to hold their shape better.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy burgers.
- Toast buns briefly for added crispness and to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t skip melting the cheddar cheese; it adds creamy texture and an appealing look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken burgers, cheddar ranch burgers, quick chicken burgers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, ranch seasoning, cheesy burgers