American·Main Course
Chicken Parm Burger with Garlic Bread Buns
A clever hybrid of a classic Italian-American comfort food and a juicy burger. Ground chicken thighs are seasoned with mozzarella and marinara, breaded in panko for a signature crunch, and served on toasted garlic butter buns.
Prep
20m
Cook
15m
Total
35m
Serves
4
Method
- 01
Place the cut chicken thigh chunks into a food processor. Add the grated mozzarella, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, dried oregano, panko breadcrumbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a spoonful of marinara sauce.
Watch · 0:54
- 02
Pulse the mixture until it comes together into a finely ground texture that resembles ground beef. Transfer to a bowl, press down, and chill in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle.
Watch · 1:45
- 03
Using damp hands to prevent sticking, divide the mixture into four portions and form them into even patties. Wrap in plastic and chill until ready to cook.
Watch · 2:53
- 04
Split the hamburger buns and spread the cut sides with garlic butter. Place them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown and toasted.
Watch · 3:38
- 05
Unwrap the chilled patties and press additional panko breadcrumbs into both sides to create a crispy crust. Ensure the patties are slightly wider than your buns.
Watch · 4:09
- 06
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a deep golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C).
Watch · 5:01
- 07
After flipping, top each burger with more hot marinara sauce and a generous amount of grated mozzarella. Cover the pan for a minute or two to melt the cheese. Serve on the garlic bread buns with an extra drizzle of sauce and fresh parsley.
Watch · 5:41
From Chef John
“Damp hands make smooth balls.”
“The longer we live, the more chicken parm burgers we get to eat.”
“No matter what kind of burger we're going to make, a little bit of extra fat is our friend.”