Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, juicy burger, especially when it’s a Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers. I remember the first time I decided to combine two of my favorite things: burgers and bruschetta. It was a sunny afternoon, and the grill was fired up, the air filled with the enticing aroma of grilled chicken. As I mixed together the fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, I could already imagine the explosion of flavors. This dish quickly became a family favorite, perfect for summer gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

Main Ingredients for Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers

When it comes to cooking, the ingredients are the heart of every dish. For Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers, each component plays a vital role in delivering unforgettable flavors. The star players like ground chicken and mozzarella cheese provide a rich and satisfying base, while fresh basil and cherry tomatoes add that burst of freshness we all love.

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon diced shallot (optional)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ½ inch chunks, plus more for topping
• balsamic glaze for drizzling
• 4 to 6 buns for serving

Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers Instructions

Making Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers is a straightforward process that yields scrumptious results. Follow these detailed steps for a delicious dinner. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your burgers while grilling!

1. First, note that you can size the burgers according to the size of your buns! This gives you the flexibility to create larger burgers or smaller sliders, whatever you prefer.
2. Next, combine the cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the burgers. This waiting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Preheat your grill to high. It’s essential to have a hot grill so that you get that nice sear on the burgers.
4. In a separate bowl, place the ground chicken and mix in the fresh basil, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes until well combined. The mixture should look cohesive and smell fragrant.
5. Divide the chicken mixture into 6 or 8 equal pieces, or scale them to match the size of your buns. It’s important to get even sizes for uniform cooking.
6. Now, form each piece into a patty and press a cube of mozzarella into the center. Form the patty around the mozzarella so it’s completely covered. This step is crucial for ensuring the gooey cheese stays inside.
7. Repeat this process with the remaining patties and cheese cubes, ensuring they are all equally shaped.
8. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes. When you flip them, they should have a lovely golden-brown crust. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes more until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to check the temperature of the meat, not the cheese!
9. Once the burgers are nearly done, place a slice of mozzarella on top of each patty and let it melt for a minute or so. This extra cheesiness is what makes these burgers so irresistible.
10. Finally, once the burgers are cooked, place them on the bun and top with the tomato bruschetta mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve with extra tomatoes on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.

Ways to Customize

There are so many ways to make Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers your own! Here are some fun tips to jazz up your burgers:

• Switch the Protein: Use ground turkey if you want a lighter option or even a veggie burger for a meatless meal.
• Add Spices: Try adding some smoked paprika or cumin to the ground meat for an extra kick of flavor.
• Top with Other Veggies: Consider adding avocado slices or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
• Change the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda to change the flavor profile.
• Use Different Breads: Instead of traditional buns, serve on a toasted ciabatta or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Make It a Meal: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.

Serving This Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers

When it comes to serving Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers, the options are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Perfect Pairings: These burgers pair wonderfully with a side of crispy fries or a light salad to balance out the meal.
• Summer BBQs: Ideal for summer gatherings, these burgers are sure to impress your guests at barbecues or cookouts.
• Casual Dinners: Serve these burgers for a relaxed family dinner; they are easy to prepare and always satisfying.
• Picnic Treat: They are also great for picnics! Prepare the burgers in advance and grill them on-site.
• Versatile Serving: Add a variety of toppings like sautéed onions, pickles, or jalapeños to let everyone customize their burger.
• Seasonal Flavors: In the fall, try adding roasted pumpkin or sage for a seasonal twist!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers are a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. The combination of juicy chicken, gooey mozzarella, and fresh bruschetta topping creates a burger experience like no other. I encourage you to try making this recipe for your next meal; it’s simple, satisfying, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers

The ultimate comfort food for summer cookouts, Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and topped with a fresh tomato basil mixture that elevates every bite. With gooey mozzarella hidden inside and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this easy weeknight dinner will quickly become a family favorite. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 37 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon diced shallot (optional)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Pinch salt
• Pinch pepper
• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into ½ inch chunks, plus more for topping
• balsamic glaze for drizzling
• 4 to 6 buns for serving

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Note: size the burgers according to the size of your buns! You can make large burgers or smaller sliders. Also, you only need as many mozzarella cubes as you have burgers.
2. Combine the tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the burgers.
3. Preheat your grill to high.
4. Place the chicken in a bowl and mix in the fresh basil, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes until combined. Divide the chicken into 6 or 8 equal pieces (or honestly, pieces that match the size of buns you have!). Form the pieces into a patty and press a cube of the mozzarella into the center. Form the patty around the mozzarella so it’s completely covered. Repeat with remaining patties and cheese cubes.
5. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. You want to make sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees F - and make sure you’re taking the temp of the meat and not the cheese in the center! Once the burger is almost done, place a slice of mozzarella on top and let it melt for 1 minute or so.
6. Once the burger is done, place it on the bun and cover it with the tomato bruschetta mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze! Serve with the extra tomatoes on the side.
7. P.S. this is slightly messy to eat because the tomatoes do start to fall out of the sides of the sandwich - but it’s so good!

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked burgers for later enjoyment. Just wrap them well and store them.
• Pairing: Serve with sweet potato fries or a refreshing salad.
• Variations: Try adding different toppings or spices to customize the flavor.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs or extra cheese make great garnishes!

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