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Pesto Chicken Burgers

These pesto chicken burgers use either shredded left over chicken breast or ground chicken. Either way makes for a delicious, juicy pesto burger that's sure to please your whole family.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: pesto chicken burgers
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 733kcal

Ingredients

For the burgers

  • 1/2 cup of shredded chicken or half pound of ground chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese

For the aoli

  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup of mayo
  • 1 teaspoon salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. If using left over chicken, make sure to shred and de-bone it first.
  • Divide mixture into equal portions and then form into 4 patties. You can make smaller burgers if you like, dividing into more portions.
  • In pan or grill set to medium-high heat, spray with nonstick oil or grease with olive oil. Sear both sides of the patties, cooking each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until browned.
  • If using shredded chicken, turn heat down and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through.
    If using ground chicken, turn heat down to low and cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, flipping occassionally. It needs to reach an internal temp of 165 degrees F.
  • Melt the cheese on the pesto burgers before serving on a toasted or regular bun.
  • Make the aoli as the pesto chicken burgers cook by combining the mayo, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Spread the mayo on the buns before adding the chicken burgers to them.

Notes

You can use homemade or store bought pesto sauce.
When using pre-cooked chicken, you can significantly reduce the cook time.
Make sure to cook ground chicken pesto burgers until they reach an internal temp of 165 degrees.

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 733kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 66g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 26g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1116mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1152IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 390mg | Iron: 2mg
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