Chicken Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

One of my closest friends has been so supportive of my blogging. When I first started, she encouraged me to take the leap and make my blog public on Facebook, which has helped me gain an audience. She listens to all my exciting, or not so exciting blog news, and responds with nearly as much enthusiasm as I have about the news. Even better, she sends me delicious recipes that she thinks I would like so that I can share them here with all of you! She made these for dinner one evening and her family loved them, so she shared the recipe with me. I was excited because I have always been a chicken burger fan, but have found that they dry out so easily and are not very moist. I was hoping that this recipe would be “the one” to keep and use as my go to burger recipe.

I made them last night amongst chaos in my kitchen. My husband was running late, my toddler was throwing a massive tantrum because I wouldn’t let her eat an uncooked raw burger in a bun, and my dog was barking like a mad man at the neighbors. I hastily threw these on and then tried to calm everyone down. I returned a few minutes later to a perfectly golden brown burger ready to be flipped!

As for the topping, the recipe called for a homemade pesto with a pureed tomato in it, which I thought was an interesting idea. Of course I forgot to buy a tomato at the store, so I used a roasted red pepper instead. I don’t know about where you live, but here in the North, fresh basil is outrageously priced right now. It would have cost me 10 dollars just to make the pesto, so I grabbed a 4 dollar container of pesto from the store. I know, I know…I am all about homemade, but at times, it is just not going to happen!

After they were done cooking, I was so eager to taste them and see how they had turned out since I had not given them my full attention. And after one bite, I knew that they would absolutely be my new chicken burger recipe! The chicken was so moist on the inside, but well seared and golden brown on the outside. So thank you Carrie, not only for the recipe, but for your support and friendship! I hope you try these Chicken Burgers with Roasted Pepper Pesto for your next dinner!

Please check out Carrie’s website. She is an absolutely wonderful baker and has a great business going!

Print

Chicken Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

Ingredients

• For the Burger:
• 1 lb. lean ground chicken I used 92/8
• 5 whole wheat burger buns toasted, 1 cut into small pieces
• 4 tbsp. milk or water
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 2 tbsp. olive oil if using a grill pan, use to oil the pan
• 4 oz. sliced mozzarella optional
• For the Pesto:
• 4 tbsp. store bought pesto
• 1 jarred roasted red pepper
• 1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese if your pesto is too runny

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. (These could also be done inside on a grill pan)
2. In a large mixing bowl, put your cut up bun, and then pour either the water or milk over it. Mix to combine. When the bread has soaked up all the excess liquid, it is ready.
3.  When ready, add the ground chicken, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well with your hands to combine. Form mixture into 4 3/4 inch thick patties. ( I actually decided to make mine smaller and got six from this. I am sharing the cook time for the recipe as written for 4 burgers. If you make yours smaller, please decrease cooking time)
4. For the pesto, in a blender or food processor, combine the pesto and the red pepper. If mixture is runny, add Parmesan cheese to thicken.
5. Place burger patties onto your grill. Cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes per side. ( Remember to decrease your cooking time to about 5 minutes per side if you make your patties smaller) For the last minute of cook time, add your cheese on top of your burger if you are using it, and put your buns on the grates, then close the grill to melt the cheese
6. Place your burger on the toasted bun and top with pesto. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Source: Adapted from Food Network Magazine

How to Customize and Elevate Chicken Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper Pesto

Chicken burgers with roasted red pepper pesto offer a bold and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. Juicy, lean ground chicken paired with smoky, sweet pesto creates a gourmet experience that’s still easy to prepare. With a few creative add-ons and ingredient swaps, this dish can be tailored to fit any taste or occasion.

Tasty Ingredient Add-Ons and Mix-Ins

• Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: Mix into the burger patties for a creamy, tangy bite that pairs well with the roasted red pepper pesto.
• Minced Garlic or Shallots: Add to the ground chicken mixture for added depth of flavor.
• Fresh Basil or Oregano: Stir chopped herbs directly into the patty for a fresh, aromatic twist.
• Chopped Spinach or Kale: Mix into the burgers for added moisture, nutrients, and color.
• Roasted Corn or Jalapeños: Fold into the pesto or burger mix for a sweet-spicy flavor profile and extra texture.

Smart Ingredient Alternatives

• Turkey or Plant-Based Patties: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or a meatless patty for different dietary needs.
• Almonds or Cashews in Pesto: Use almonds, cashews, or walnuts instead of pine nuts to vary the texture and flavor of your homemade pesto.
• Whole Wheat or Lettuce Wraps: Serve burgers in whole wheat buns or crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb or fiber-rich option.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
• Greek Yogurt Pesto Base: Replace part of the oil in the pesto with Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed spread.

Ways to Dress It Up for Presentation

• Arugula or Mixed Greens: Add fresh greens to your burger for a peppery contrast and a pop of color.
• Sliced Avocado: Layer on creamy avocado for added richness and healthy fats.
• Pickled Red Onions: Add a tangy crunch that complements the sweetness of the roasted pepper pesto.
• Toasted Brioche or Ciabatta Buns: Upgrade the base of your burger for a more elevated restaurant-style bite.
• Grilled Zucchini or Eggplant Slices: Add a smoky, Mediterranean-inspired layer of flavor and texture.

These simple enhancements and substitutions make it easy to turn your chicken burgers with roasted red pepper pesto into a fully customizable, gourmet meal. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner, hosting a cookout, or prepping healthy weekday lunches, this flavorful recipe can be adjusted to suit your needs while keeping it fresh and exciting every time.