Ingredients
Salsa
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- ½ small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken Burgers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Bang-Bang Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 4 Romaine lettuce slices
- 4 onion buns
- Olive oil or butter, for toasting the buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Salsa: Combine the diced Roma tomato, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors meld while you make the patties.
- Form the Chicken Patties: In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, egg, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined. Form the mixture into one large ball, then divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about ½ inch thick.
- Heat the Grill Pan: Place a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat and allow it to become hot. This ensures a good sear and grill marks on the patties.
- Make the Bang-Bang Sauce: While the pan heats, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Frank’s Red Hot, crushed garlic, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Patties: Lightly spray the grill pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the patties on the grill pan and cook for 4 minutes without moving them. Flip the patties and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add a slice of Swiss cheese to the top of each patty, then cook for 2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly brush the onion buns with olive oil or butter. Place them cut side down onto the grill pan over medium-high heat and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Burgers: On each bottom bun, place a romaine lettuce leaf, then stack a chicken patty with melted cheese. Spoon the prepared salsa over the patties. Spread the Bang-Bang Sauce on the top bun and place it on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you do not have a grill pan, a cast iron skillet works perfectly as a substitute with the same cooking times.
- Alternatively, you can cook the patties on an outdoor grill for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked; ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce to tailor the spice level to your preference.
- For a crispier bun texture, you can toast the buns under a broiler for 1-2 minutes if you don’t have a grill pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
