Most chicken burgers are dry. This one is not. Ground chicken mixed with curd, lime juice, garam masala, salt, and pepper. The curd keeps the patties moist, and the garam masala gives them a warm, spiced flavour that plain chicken burgers never have. Formed into patties and grilled six to seven minutes per side. Served on toasted buns with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, mayonnaise, and ketchup.
Garam masala in a burger sounds like fusion gone wrong. It is not. The spice mix, warm with cinnamon and cardamom, disappears into the chicken and gives it depth instead of blandness. The lime juice brightens everything. These taste like the chicken burgers you wish existed at every cookout, and they have become our go-to grill night recipe.
Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Burgers
Add the curd to keep the patties moist
Five tablespoons of curd mixed into one pound of ground chicken. The curd binds the meat and keeps it from drying out on the grill.
Form the patties gently. Over-working ground chicken makes the burgers dense and tough. Shape them loosely and press a slight indent in the centre to prevent puffing.
Toast the buns on the grill
Place the burger buns cut-side down on the grill for about thirty seconds until they have light grill marks.
Toasted buns hold up better against the juicy patty. Untoasted buns get soggy before you finish eating.
Grilled Chicken Burger
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This Grilled Chicken Burger features a flavorful chicken patty nestled between soft buns, complemented by fresh veggies and savory sauces for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken, ground
- 5 tablespoons curd
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced onions
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, curd, lime juice, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the patties for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill.
- Assemble the burgers by placing a patty on the bottom half of each bun.
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, and onion slices.
- Spread mayonnaise and ketchup on the top half of the bun.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier burger, increase the amount of red chili powder. You can substitute Greek yogurt for curd if desired. Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85
Frequently Asked Questions
What is curd?
Yogurt or cultured dairy. In Indian cooking, curd is plain yogurt. Greek yogurt works as a substitute. It adds moisture and a slight tang to the chicken.
What is garam masala?
An Indian spice blend typically including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander. One tablespoon for one pound of chicken is a good starting point. Available in most spice aisles.
Can I make the patties ahead?
Yes. Form and refrigerate for up to a day. Cold patties hold their shape better on the grill. Let them sit at room temperature for ten minutes before grilling.
