Name: Caprese Pesto Chicken Burgers
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken Burgers; 2 pounds (907g) ground chicken (92% lean recommended); 1 large egg, beaten; 2 Tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon Soy sauce; 1/2 cup (45g) breadcrumbs (any type, including gluten-free); 1/2 cup (45g) freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (or 2 teaspoons dried); For Serving; Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls; Pesto (store-bought or homemade); Fresh mozzarella slices; Fresh basil leaves; Sliced tomatoes

These juicy chicken burgers are a delightful twist on the classic Italian caprese salad, featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil pesto. Perfect for summer grilling, this recipe transforms simple ground chicken into a flavorful, gourmet burger experience that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burgers bring together the beloved flavors of caprese salad in a satisfying main dish
The patties stay incredibly juicy and flavorful thanks to carefully selected ingredients
They’re versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining
You can make them ahead and freeze for convenient meal prep
They cook quickly on either the grill or stovetop
The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto creates a restaurant-quality burger at home
A healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing flavor

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chicken forms the foundation of these burgers, providing a leaner alternative to beef while still delivering great flavor and juiciness. Aim for around 92% lean to ensure the burgers don’t dry out during cooking.

Egg acts as a binding agent, helping the burger patties hold together throughout cooking and adding moisture to the mixture.

Extra virgin olive oil contributes essential moisture and richness to the lean chicken, ensuring your burgers remain juicy and flavorful.

Soy Sauce sauce adds a complex umami depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken, which can sometimes be mild on its own.

Breadcrumbs help absorb and retain moisture while also providing structure to the patties, preventing them from becoming too dense or falling apart.

Parmesan cheese brings a savory, salty note that complements the mild chicken perfectly while adding a subtle tanginess to each bite.

Italian seasoning infuses the patties with classic Mediterranean herbs that pair beautifully with the caprese toppings.

Garlic powder provides aromatic depth without the harshness or texture of fresh garlic, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.

Fresh basil incorporated directly into the patties enhances the caprese theme and adds bright, herbaceous notes that permeate the meat.

Fresh mozzarella offers that signature creamy, mild cheese element essential to caprese dishes, melting slightly when placed on the warm burgers.

Pesto delivers an intense basil flavor along with nutty, garlicky notes that tie all the components together into a cohesive Italian-inspired experience.

Tomatoes provide juicy freshness and acidity that balances the richness of the cheese and meat, completing the caprese flavor profile.

Directions

Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the beaten egg, olive oil, Soy sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil.
Using your hands or a silicone spatula, thoroughly mix all ingredients until completely combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the burgers tough.
Use a 1/2-cup measuring cup to portion the mixture, then form plump, compact patties with your hands. You should get 8-9 patties weighing approximately 4.5-5 ounces each.
Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours. This chilling step is crucial for helping the patties maintain their shape during cooking.
When ready to cook, clean your grill grates and grease them with vegetable oil using a paper towel. Preheat the grill to high heat.
Place the cold chicken patties on the hot grill and cook with the lid closed for 5 minutes.
Flip the burgers and continue cooking, covered, for about 4 more minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F when inserted into the center of the patty. Be vigilant to avoid overcooking, which can quickly dry out chicken burgers.
For serving, spread pesto on both halves of your hamburger buns, then layer a chicken burger, slice of fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a slice of tomato between the bun halves.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8-9 generously sized chicken burgers, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Each burger weighs approximately 4.5-5 ounces before cooking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes forming patties and chilling time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

The recipe is easily scalable – you can halve it for a smaller household or double it for larger gatherings. The prep work can be done in advance, making the actual cooking time quite quick when you’re ready to serve.

Caprese Pesto Chicken Burgers

Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a touch of oregano to the patty mixture. Top with tzatziki sauce instead of pesto.

Spicy Caprese Burger: Mix in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the patty mixture for heat. Top with spicy pesto or add thin slices of fresh jalapeño along with the tomato.

Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella: Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the patty mixture. Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of regular pesto for an intensified tomato flavor.

Chicken Parmesan Burger: Coat the cooked patties with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Serve on garlic-buttered toasted buns for a chicken parm-inspired burger.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken entirely and use the recipe’s suggested black bean burgers instead, keeping all the caprese toppings.

Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, skip the bun and wrap your burger and toppings in large lettuce leaves.

Balsamic Glaze Finish: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the assembled burger for an elegant, slightly sweet finish that complements the caprese elements.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Store leftover cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the toppings and buns separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Uncooked Patties: Shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray with slight spacing, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Freezing Cooked Patties: Allow cooked burgers to cool completely. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For the best texture, reheat refrigerated burgers in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through. You can also microwave them, covered with a damp paper towel, for 1-2 minutes, though this may slightly alter the texture.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw frozen cooked burgers overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. Alternatively, reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Meal Prep Tip: Prepare a double batch of these burgers, cook them all, then freeze individually for quick weeknight dinners. Simply thaw, reheat, and add fresh toppings for a gourmet meal in minutes.

FAQs

How do I prevent my chicken burgers from falling apart?

Chicken burgers can be delicate, so don’t skip the refrigeration step after forming the patties. The cold temperature helps solidify the fats and allows the binding ingredients to work effectively. Also, avoid moving the patties too much during the first few minutes of cooking to allow a crust to form, which helps them stay intact.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute with similar cooking times and temperature requirements. Just like with chicken, aim for turkey that’s around 93-94% lean for the best moisture content and flavor.

Why are my chicken burgers dry?

Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken burgers. Use a meat thermometer and remove the burgers from heat as soon as they reach 165°F internally. Also, using extremely lean ground chicken (97-99% lean) can result in drier burgers, so opt for around 92-93% lean for better moisture retention.

Can I make these burgers without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour, or cooked and cooled quinoa for a gluten-free option. Each will alter the flavor slightly but will provide the necessary binding function of the breadcrumbs.

What’s the best way to tell when chicken burgers are done?

The only reliable method is using an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty. Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. Visual cues can be misleading with ground chicken.

Can I cook these burgers in the oven?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the patties on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and bake for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach 165°F internally.

What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, use sliced regular mozzarella, burrata (for an extra creamy option), or even a mild provolone. Each will provide a different texture but will maintain the Italian flavor profile.

How can I make these burgers dairy-free?

Omit the parmesan cheese in the patties and either skip the cheese topping altogether or use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative. For the pesto, either make or purchase a dairy-free version (without parmesan).

What sides pair well with these burgers?

These caprese burgers pair beautifully with Italian-inspired sides like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetable medley, garlic parmesan fries, or a light caprese pasta salad to echo the burger’s flavors.

How far in advance can I prepare the patties?

You can shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the shaped raw patties for up to 3 months, separated by parchment paper.

Conclusion

These Caprese Pesto Chicken Burgers bring together the beloved Italian flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil in a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for casual dinners and summer gatherings. The careful blend of seasonings and ingredients ensures that the typically lean chicken remains moist and flavorful, while the classic caprese toppings elevate these from simple burgers to a gourmet experience.

Whether you’re cooking them on the grill for that wonderful smoky flavor or preparing them on the stovetop for convenience, these burgers offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef versions without compromising on taste or satisfaction. The make-ahead options make them ideal for busy households, and the various suggested variations allow you to customize them to your taste preferences.

Try these Caprese Pesto Chicken Burgers for your next cookout or family dinner, and discover how this creative twist on Italian classics can transform a simple burger into a memorable meal that everyone will ask for again and again.