Double Bacon Chicken Burgers

            

                Honestly, I know nothing can replace an all-beef burger. It is an irreplaceable item that deserves all the fame it gets. However, I think this recipe makes for a pretty close runner up for a healthy substitute. Notice I did not write replacement, I wrote substitute. Subs rotate in and out, replacements stay for the long haul. So with that, I am not replacing my beloved burger with this recipe, I am merely substituting it in for nights when I want something bistro-like, satisfying, and lighter to sleep on.

                I must also say that this recipe has pushed me to the side that prefers chicken burgers over turkey ones. I do like turkey burgers and even have a recipe on here that features them, but after eating this the other night; I admired the tenderness and juiciness a lot more than when I was eating the turkey version. I think what happens is with a turkey burger, the turkey flavor overpowers anything else going on in it yet with a chicken burger, the meat is rather bland so it absorbs all flavors and allows them to shine. Now, that is what I think, I claim not to be a food scientist.  I’m just a gal looking for the best way to enjoy her bacon on her burger! Enough said……EnjoyJ

Double Bacon Chicken Burgers

Serves: 4

OBJ: TCW be able to convince her husband that a chicken burger can be just as tasty as a beef burger

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken

½ medium sized onion, minced

1 slice bacon, cut into small cubes

2 tsp olive oil

1 egg

½ tsp dried parsley

¼ C Panko breadcrumbs

¼ C BBQ sauce

1 TBS mayonnaise

Thinly sliced extra sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 slices in total)

Lettuce, sliced tomato and 6 cooked and crispy bacon slices (for topping of burger)

S & P, salt and pepper

Procedures:

** Make BBQ sauce to set aside- mix BBQ sauce and mayo together**

1. In a medium sized sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat

2. Add onion, cubed bacon pieces, a pinch S & P and let cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Once onions are translucent and bacon is browned, remove from pan and place in a bowl to cool

3. In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mix ground chicken, egg, parsley, a generous pinch S & P, and onion/bacon mixture (use rubber spatula to get all drippings!) together

4. Add Panko and mix to combine

5. Divide into four sections and shape into patties, place on a plate, cover and let set in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes

6. Meanwhile, preheat indoor grill to high

7. Once grill is hot, oil grill and place patties on top, cover (I use foil) for 10 minutes. Flip, cover and let other side cook for about 8 minutes. Remove cover and place cheddar slices on top, cover again for about 1-2 minutes to let cheese melt (total cook time: 18-20 minutes, make sure inside is completely cooked- all meat is white)

8. Place patties on bottom halves of sesame or poppy seed buns, top with tomato slices, lettuce and crispy bacon slices, smear top halves of buns with prepared BBQ sauce and place on top of burger. Enjoy!