Barbecue Chicken Burgers

This barbecue chicken burger is a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for any casual gathering or family meal. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken thighs smothered in a rich homemade barbecue sauce, these burgers are sure to be a hit. A crisp lettuce salad with a creamy mustard dressing adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the bold flavors of the barbecue. The journey of preparation is meditative as each step builds up to the rewarding taste of the final burger. With every bite, enjoy the succulent chicken bursting with spices, enhanced by the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. This recipe also includes tips to customize the dish according to personal preferences or dietary needs. Perfect for barbecue enthusiasts and burger lovers alike, this recipe is a surefire way to impress anyone at the dinner table. These burgers pair excellently with a range of sides, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or a cozy indoor dinner, these barbecue chicken burgers will not disappoint!

Ingredients

Salad

• 180 grams iceberg lettuce
• 2 large spring onions
• 125 ml mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Barbecue Sauce

• 1/2 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 500 ml ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 125 ml water
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 100 grams brown sugar
• 2 tsp mustard powder
• 3/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (can substitute with soy sauce)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 125 ml chicken broth
• 375 ml prepared barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional

• 6 burger buns (or replace with sandwich bread or any other preferred type)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Salad Preparation: Chop the iceberg lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
2. In a smaller bowl, mix together finely chopped spring onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour this dressing over the lettuce and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance flavors.
4. Barbecue Sauce: In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add all remaining barbecue sauce ingredients into the pan. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Chicken Preparation: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
7. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend over both sides of the chicken thighs.
8. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Remove chicken from the skillet. Add sliced onion to the same pan; cook until translucent and soft.
10. Return the chicken to the pan, place on top of the onions, and pour chicken broth into the pan.
11. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes over low heat.
12. Remove the chicken from the pan and shred it into small pieces using a fork.
13. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the onions and any remaining broth.
14. Add approximately 2-3 ladles of the prepared barbecue sauce to the chicken mixture. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
15. Assembly: Toast the inside of the burger buns until lightly crispy.
16. Layer the bottom half of each bun with a generous portion of the barbecue chicken mixture.
17. Add a spoonful of the prepared lettuce salad on top of the chicken.
18. Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the fillings.
19. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, smoky flavors with the refreshing crunch of the salad.
20. Pair your burger with sides like sweet potato fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Tips

• Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the chili powder in both the chicken and sauce.
• Use gluten-free buns or substitute with lettuce wraps for a gluten-free version.
• Experiment with cheese: Add a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or a plant-based patty.

Nutritions

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 26g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbs: 51g

Variations

• Healthier option: Use low-fat mayonnaise and reduce sugar content in the barbecue sauce.
• Add a smoky flavor by grilling the chicken instead of sautéing it.
• For a tangy twist, mix in some pineapple juice to the barbecue sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw for a complete meal.
• A cold beer or a glass of iced tea pairs wonderfully with these burgers.
• Consider adding pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Best Places

• Joe's BBQ House - A renowned spot known for its classic barbecue flavors. Location: 100 BBQ Street, Austin, USA.
• Smoke & Barrel - A rustic bar offering a wide selection of craft beers and gourmet burgers. Location: 55 Smoker's Lane, London, UK.
• Flame Grilled Haven - Famous for its unique sauces and perfectly grilled meats. Location: 20 Grill Road, Sydney, Australia.
• Charcoal Bistro - A cozy eatery with a strong reputation for scrumptious barbecue. Location: 75 Fire Pit Avenue, Cape Town, South Africa.
• The BBQ Shack - Offers a diverse menu of grilled delicacies prepared by seasoned chefs. Location: 98 Flavor Drive, Toronto, Canada.
• Grillmasters - Premium bar and grill with an emphasis on quality cuts and ingredients. Location: 50 Sizzle Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
• The Pit Stop - Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and mouth-watering food. Location: 88 Driftwood Way, Miami, USA.
• Carnivore’s Delight - Offers a haven for meat lovers with a wide range of barbecue options. Location: 123 Meat Lovers’ Lane, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Bistro Grill & Smokehouse - Features a modern twist on traditional barbecue. Location: 70 Modern BBQ Road, Paris, France.
• Fire & Spice - Emphasizes bold flavors and innovative cooking techniques. Location: 34 Spice Lane, Singapore, Singapore.