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Pesto Chicken Burgers – Elevate your grilling with these juicy chicken burgers infused with pesto. Topped with melted Mozzarella and fresh tomatoes, these burgers are a summer must-try. Perfect for a quick meal or a party, they’re ready in just 20 minutes!
Kick off your summer grilling with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! These Pesto Chicken Burgers blend the savory goodness of ground chicken with the fresh, herby notes of pesto—perfect for those who love a touch of gourmet in their comfort food.
I love to use homemade Spinach Pesto for this recipe, but store bought is delicious, too. And what better way to enhance this summery dish than with creamy, melted fresh Mozzarella and slices of ripe tomatoes nestled between the buns? It’s a true celebration of summer’s bounty in every bite.
These pesto-infused delights are not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both a quick family dinner or serving up at your next backyard bash. And if you’re expecting a crowd, easily transform them into sliders for a fun, grab-and-go option.
For the ultimate summer feast, I recommend pairing these burgers with a refreshing Greek Pasta Salad and cooling off with White Claw Slushies. Ready in just 20 minutes, these Pesto Chicken Burgers offer a fantastic way to shake up your grilling game and bring everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Love Pesto Chicken Burgers
- Quick and Convenient – Ready in just 20 minutes, these burgers are ideal for those busy evenings or impromptu gatherings. They provide a fast yet impressive meal option without compromising on taste.
- Versatile Serving Options – Perfect as full-sized burgers or cute sliders, these burgers adapt to any party size or dining occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a larger social gathering, these burgers are sure to fit right in.
- Crowd Pleaser – The unique flavor of pesto combined with the familiar comfort of a grilled burger makes this recipe a universal favorite, appealing to children and adults alike.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Ground Chicken
- Pesto – homemade or store bought works great
- Salt & Pepper
- Hamburger Buns
- Tomatoes
- Mozzarella Cheese
How To Make Pesto Chicken Burgers
- Preheat the Grill. Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat.
- Mix Burger Ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken and pesto, mixing thoroughly to ensure the pesto is evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
- Form Patties. Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. This ensures uniform cooking and perfect portion size.
- Grill the Patties. Place the patties on the hot grill and cook them for about 6 minutes on each side.
- Add Cheese and Toast Buns. In the last two minutes of grilling, top each patty with a slice of fresh Mozzarella cheese to let it melt. You can also place the hamburger buns on the grill to toast lightly.
- Assemble the Burgers. Once cooked, place each patty on a toasted bun, add extra pesto if desired, and top with fresh tomato slices to complete the burger.
- Serve and Enjoy. Serve the burgers hot and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Opt for High-Quality Pesto: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own. Fresh, homemade pesto can elevate the taste significantly.
- Even Patties: Ensure your patties are of even thickness so they cook uniformly. A burger press can help achieve perfect shape and consistency.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates before heating to prevent the chicken burgers from sticking and ensure they turn over smoothly.
- Add Greens: Add a layer of arugula or spinach beneath the tomato slices for an extra touch of freshness. The peppery taste of arugula complements the pesto beautifully.
- Variety of Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or smoked mozzarella.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick, mix a small amount of crushed red pepper into the chicken and pesto mixture before forming the patties.
- Bun Choices: While traditional hamburger buns work great, consider ciabatta or focaccia for a more rustic feel that pairs well with the Italian flavors of the pesto.
Yes, if grilling isn’t an option, you can cook the burgers in a skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is well-oiled and cook the patties for about 6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. You can also follow the instructions for my Air Fryer Chicken Burgers if you want to cook them that way.
To prevent the burgers from falling apart, make sure the grill is hot before placing the patties on it, and avoid flipping them too soon. On each side, let them cook undisturbed for at least 5-6 minutes. If the meat sticks when you try to flip it, chances are it needs more time to cook. It should release easily once cooked.
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pesto mixture, form it into patties, and refrigerate them covered for up to a day ahead. This helps the flavors meld together and can make your meal prep easier on the day of cooking.
More Summer Grilling Ideas
Pesto Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup pesto, (store bought or homemade)
- salt and pepper
- Hamburger Buns
- Sliced fresh tomatoes
- Sliced fresh Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium high heat.
- In a bowl combine ground chicken and pesto. Mix until well combined.
- Form into 4 equal sized patties.
- Place patties into hot grill, and cook for about 6 minute per side, until fully cooked.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with Mozzarella cheese to melt. Toast buns if desired.
- To serve top each bun with a chicken burger, additional pesto if desired, and fresh tomatoes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love chicken burgers, the pesto really brings something else to this recipe and it’s amazing!
I tried your Pesto Chicken Burgers for dinner, and my family loved them! The combination of the juicy chicken and the vibrant pesto was amazing.