Grilled chicken burger

Why a chicken breast burger makes a healthy alternative

There are times when only a burger will do, but why not make it a healthier meal by choosing a grilled chicken fillet burger over a traditional beef burger? The leanest cut, chicken breast is high in protein, rich in B vitamins and selenium, and naturally lower in fat than beef. It also creates a lighter, more delicately flavoured burger that is super easy to prepare.

Grilling chicken keeps most of the nutrients intact and creates a wonderful, slightly smoky flavour that stands alone. For even more taste, sprinkle it with paprika or garlic salt. Choosing pre-cut fillets – such as RSPCA-approved chicken breast fillets – makes prepping your chicken breast burgers a cinch. All you need to do is split and grill.

Along with numerous nutritional benefits, chicken breast is extremely versatile and family-friendly. It’s so easy to whip up a chicken breast recipe for a stress-free weeknight meal solution.

Breaking down your healthy chicken burger recipe

It’s not only the chicken that makes this grilled chicken burger recipe a healthy alternative. Fresh salad toppings include vitamin-rich cos lettuce, and carrots – an excellent source of vitamin A, which is great for the skin. A tangy low-fat yoghurt sauce replaces mayo and can double as a dip for the sweet potato wedges. A wholesome substitute for regular fries, sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, minerals and fibre, and are particularly tasty when baked with a drizzle of olive oil.

Grilling your chicken to succulent perfection requires just a few steps, starting with the chargrill, which needs to be nice and hot. You want it to sizzle when you place the chicken on it – this will help seal in the flavours. The chicken is cooked when you insert a knife and the juices run clear. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle for a more flavourful burger.

Structure is important to make the most of every bite of your healthy chicken breast burger. The key to avoiding soggy buns and sliding-out toppings is the stacking – and there is an art to it. Thickly spread yoghurt sauce on the bottom bun to act as a mortar. Lettuce leaves come next, they will act as a barrier and prevent the chicken juices from soaking into the bun, then add the chicken and remaining toppings. Finish with more sauce or a condiment of your choice on the top bun.

More topping ideas for your chicken fillet burgers

Wondering how to make a chicken burger even more healthy? Superfoods, such as avocado and baby spinach, pair beautifully with chicken. You can also swap canned beetroot for fresh grated beetroot, or slice and roast the beetroot with a touch of olive oil. Cucumber and alfalfa sprouts are tasty additions, too. 

The beauty of homemade burgers is that you can choose any of your favourite toppings, whether cheese, onions, pesto, pickles, sauerkraut or your go-to mustard. Plus, they are fun to put together and a sure way to get kids to eat protein. 

If you enjoy these healthy chicken burgers you may want to try some of our delicious plant-based recipes, like sweet potato chickpea burgers or satay tofu burgers.