Forget everything you thought you knew about grilled chicken burgers. Often unfairly labeled as dry or bland, these Carolina grilled chicken burgers are here to revolutionize your grilling experience. Prepare for a burst of flavor in every bite—super juicy, incredibly tender, and remarkably easy to create. This recipe ensures you’ll never shy away from grilling chicken burgers again, transforming them into a succulent centerpiece for any meal.
Why These Carolina Chicken Burgers Will Be Your New Favorite
At the heart of any great dish is its taste, and these Carolina chicken burgers truly deliver. Unlike traditional beef burgers, which often dominate the grill, chicken offers a delightful alternative that is both lighter and incredibly versatile. For those seeking to enjoy a delicious burger without the higher saturated fat and cholesterol often found in red meat, these chicken burgers are an ideal choice.
Chicken’s mild flavor profile acts as a perfect canvas, eagerly absorbing the vibrant seasonings and sauces you introduce. This recipe showcases just how incredible chicken can be when grilled to perfection. We’ve crafted detailed instructions to guide you through the process, ensuring your chicken patties remain moist and tender, defying the common pitfalls of grilling ground chicken.
Beyond the flawless chicken patty, this recipe introduces a sensational homemade Carolina BBQ sauce—tangy, sweet, and with just the right amount of kick—alongside a crisp, refreshing ancho slaw. These components aren’t just toppings; they are integral to the burger’s identity, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that elevate it to a gourmet level.
We take our burgers seriously, and this recipe stands as a testament to our commitment to flavor and quality. To complete your meal, consider pairing these amazing burgers with our creamy Macaroni Salad, the zesty Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites), or classic Grilled Corn On The Cob. If simplicity is key, a bag of your favorite potato chips makes an effortlessly satisfying companion. Who doesn’t love the crunch of chips with a perfectly grilled burger?
Essential Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor
Crafting these extraordinary Carolina grilled chicken burgers requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, none of which are out of the ordinary but combine to create something truly special. While the Carolina barbecue sauce and ancho slaw are highly recommended for their complementary flavors, feel free to personalize your burger with your preferred sauce and toppings. The core chicken patty recipe is robust enough to stand on its own or adapt to your culinary whims.
For a complete list of ingredients and their precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this article.
Crafting the Perfect Carolina Barbecue Sauce
This Carolina BBQ sauce is truly exceptional. Its signature tanginess perfectly complements the rich, grilled chicken burger, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. You can even make this sauce up to two weeks in advance, storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it, which makes meal prep a breeze.
To begin, gather your ingredients: ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, finely diced shallot, a touch of brown sugar, and red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat. Combine all these delightful components in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld and awaken. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let it cook and thicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even consistency. The vinegar base is characteristic of Carolina-style BBQ, providing a sharp contrast to the sweetness and spice, making this sauce incredibly addictive.
Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, give it a taste test. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, the goal is a perfectly balanced sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. Set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly, until you’re ready to generously slather it onto your grilled chicken burgers. The rich aroma filling your kitchen will be a promise of the deliciousness to come.
Mastering the Delicious Ancho Slaw
This ancho slaw is more than just a topping; it’s a star in its own right. Its clean, vibrant, and crunchy texture, coupled with a subtle hint of earthy heat from the ancho chili, provides the perfect counterpoint to the tender chicken burger and the tangy barbecue sauce. It’s so good, you might find yourself eating it straight from the bowl!
Start by preparing your vegetables. Thinly slice (or finely chop) the fresh cabbage and celery, aiming for uniform pieces that will contribute to the slaw’s delightful crunch. Place these into a large mixing bowl along with the convenient matchstick carrots. This colorful trio forms the crisp foundation of your slaw. Set this bowl aside for a moment while you prepare the dressing.
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the creamy mayonnaise, bright apple cider vinegar, aromatic ancho chili powder, and a touch of sugar. The ancho chili powder lends a smoky, mild heat rather than an overpowering spice, adding depth without overwhelming the other flavors. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined, ensuring all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Now, pour this enticing wet mixture over your prepared vegetables. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece of cabbage, celery, and carrot is evenly coated in the rich, flavorful dressing. This step is crucial for distributing the taste throughout the slaw. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, aiming for a perfect balance that tantalizes your palate.
Once mixed, allow the slaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This brief chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the crispness of the vegetables. While this slaw is fantastic when freshly made, it’s best assembled closer to serving time. Over time, the cabbage will naturally release moisture, potentially making the slaw watery. For optimal crunch and flavor, enjoy it soon after preparation, though it can still be tasty for a few days later—we can attest to that!
pro tip
As far as this slaw goes, you will want to make this right before putting on the burgers. Over time, the cabbage will release moisture and the slaw will become more wet. This is something that should not be prepared way ahead of time. I will say I was eating on it three days later, though 🙂
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Preparing the Perfect Chicken Patties: A Guide to Juiciness
If there’s one key takeaway from this entire recipe, it’s the method for preparing these chicken patties. Ground chicken, due to its lean and tender nature, can sometimes be challenging to grill without drying out or falling apart. But with these precise directions, you’ll consistently achieve a juicy, flavorful, and perfectly structured chicken burger every single time. This technique also allows for incredible versatility; once you master the basic patty, you can easily adapt it with various spices and flavorings to suit any craving.
Begin by adding the ground chicken to a large mixing bowl. To this, incorporate the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The mayonnaise is a secret weapon here; it acts as a binder, helps retain moisture, and contributes to the patty’s tenderness, ensuring it doesn’t become dry during grilling. Gently combine all the ingredients. The key word is “gently”—overmixing can lead to a tough burger, so aim to just bring everything together.
pro tip
For easier handling and to keep your hands clean, we highly recommend using some disposable nitrile gloves during this step. The chicken mixture will feel looser and wetter than traditional ground beef, but this is exactly what contributes to that desirable super moist texture in your final burger. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Divide the mixture into six equal portions and gently shape them into patties. Place these formed patties onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spread apart to prevent sticking. The mixture will indeed feel quite loose compared to ground beef, but trust the process—this is the secret to a chicken burger that is incredibly moist and tender, not dry. This looser consistency, combined with the mayonnaise, is what makes these burgers so uniquely juicy.
Once shaped, refrigerate these ground chicken patties for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it allows the patties to firm up, making them much easier to handle and preventing them from sticking or falling apart on the grill. Just before you’re ready to grill and your grill is preheated, remove the patties from the fridge. For a seamless transfer to the hot grill, use a pair of kitchen scissors to carefully cut the parchment paper so that each patty rests on its own individual piece. This ingenious trick provides a stable base, preventing the delicate patties from smashing or slipping through the grill grates.
Grilling Your Chicken Burgers to Perfection
Grilling chicken burgers successfully hinges on proper heat management. Start by setting up your grill for two-zone cooking. This means you’ll have a direct heat zone with charcoal (or burners) set to a medium-high temperature on one side, and an indirect zone with no charcoal or heat on the other. This allows you to cook the burgers gently to temperature before achieving a beautiful sear.
Once your grill is preheated, liberally oil the grates, especially over the indirect heat zone. The oil prevents sticking, which is particularly important for the tender chicken patties. Carefully place as many burgers as comfortably fit onto the grill grate over the indirect heat (we found three at a time worked well). Then, rotate the entire grill grate so the burgers are now positioned over the direct heat. This method helps to cook the chicken through without over-browning too quickly.
Grill the burgers until their internal temperature reaches a safe and juicy 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This should typically take roughly 5 to 6 minutes per side, but always rely on an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. If you can’t fit all burgers at once, grill them in batches to maintain consistent heat and ensure even cooking. The key is to achieve that perfect internal temperature while developing a delicious, slightly crispy exterior.
note
When it’s time to flip the burgers, approach with confidence and precision. Really press your spatula close and hard to the grill grates to get completely under the burger. This firm, swift motion will help you lift and turn the patty without tearing its tender sear, preserving those beautiful grill lines.
Once the chicken burgers are perfectly cooked, remove them to a clean platter or cutting board. Now’s the ideal time to quickly toast your hamburger buns on the grill, adding another layer of flavor and texture. A lightly toasted bun provides a delightful crunch and prevents it from getting soggy from the sauce and slaw.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: The Carolina Chicken Burger
Now for the most anticipated part: building and devouring your incredible Carolina grilled chicken burger! This is where all the delightful components come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Begin by generously spreading some of that tangy, homemade Carolina barbecue sauce onto the bottom half of your freshly toasted hamburger bun. This foundational layer sets the tone for the entire burger. Next, carefully place your perfectly grilled, super juicy chicken patty right on top of the sauce. Its tender texture will be beautifully contrasted by the bold flavors surrounding it.
To crown your burger, pile on a generous helping of that crispy, crunchy ancho slaw. The refreshing coolness and subtle spice of the slaw cut through the richness of the chicken and the tang of the BBQ sauce, creating an explosion of flavors. For an extra touch of classic burger goodness, consider tossing on a couple of zesty dill pickles. Finally, place the top half of the bun firmly in place, completing your culinary creation.
Serve immediately and prepare for a truly exceptional dining experience with your favorite sides. We guarantee that first bite will be met with raised eyebrows and a surprised smile. Each component of this burger—the tender chicken, the vibrant BBQ sauce, the crisp slaw, and the soft, toasted bun—works in perfect synergy, making every subsequent bite even better than the last. These burgers are so good, you might find yourself happily enjoying the leftovers for days. Get ready to add a whole new column of exciting possibilities to your grilling adventures. Mix up the flavors, experiment with toppings, and have an absolute blast!
Top Tips for Carolina Grilled Chicken Burgers Success
- Gloves for Patties: When shaping the chicken patties, disposable gloves are a game-changer. The meat mixture is intentionally loose and moist, and gloves will make the process much cleaner and easier to manage.
- Confident Flipping: To preserve the beautiful sear and prevent your tender chicken burgers from tearing on the grill, use a swift, firm motion with your spatula. Ensure you get the spatula completely underneath the patty before lifting.
- Fresh Slaw is Best: For optimal crunch and flavor, prepare the ancho slaw just before you plan to serve the burgers. The cabbage naturally releases moisture over time, which can lead to a less crisp texture.
- Ancho Chili Substitute: If you don’t have ancho chili powder on hand, you can substitute regular chili powder. Keep in mind that regular chili powder might be a touch spicier, so adjust the quantity to your preferred level of heat.
- Invest in a Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer, like a Thermo-Pen, is one of the best tools for grilling and BBQ. It guarantees your chicken is cooked safely to 165°F without drying it out, ensuring consistently perfect results. It also makes a fantastic gift for any grill enthusiast!
Exciting Variations to Customize Your Burger
The beauty of these Carolina grilled chicken burgers lies in their adaptability. While the core recipe is a winner, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on them!
- Spice Up Your Patty: The chicken patty itself provides a mild base, allowing the sauce and slaw to shine. For a more pronounced flavor in the patty, feel free to incorporate additional spices into the ground chicken mixture. Think smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
- Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: While our homemade Carolina BBQ sauce is a standout, if you have a cherished store-bought or family-recipe barbecue sauce, absolutely use that instead. The goal is deliciousness, however you achieve it!
- Onion Lovers Unite: Adding thinly sliced raw red onions or beautifully caramelized grilled onions would be an amazing textural and flavor enhancement to these burgers. The sharp bite of raw onion or the sweet depth of grilled onion both offer fantastic contrast.
- Cheese Please: A slice of your favorite cheese melted onto the chicken patty during the last minute of grilling would be a fantastic addition. Provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack would work wonderfully.
- Bun Alternatives: Explore different bun options! Brioche buns offer a rich, slightly sweet complement, while a hearty whole wheat bun can add a wholesome touch.
Other Delicious Burgers and Sandwiches You’ll Love
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Turkey Burger Recipe
Carolina Grilled Chicken Burgers Recipe
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Ingredients
Chicken Burgers
- 2 lbs Ground Chicken
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Ground Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 6 Hamburger buns
Carolina Barbecue Sauce
- 3/4 cup Ketchup
- 1/3 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup Ground Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Shallots diced fine, about 1 shallot
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes less, to reduce heat, if you like.
Ancho Slaw
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp Ancho chili powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 3 cups Napa cabbage Shredded or chopped thinly
- 1/2 cup Carrots Matchstick sized
- 1 rib Celery sliced thin
Instructions
Carolina Barbecue Sauce
- Add all ingredients into saucepan. Bring to a boil3/4 cup Ketchup, 1/3 cup Apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup Ground Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Brown sugar, 2 tbsp Shallots, 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
Ancho Slaw
- Slice, or chop, cabbage thinly and add to a large bowl3 cups Napa cabbage
- Slice the celery rib thinly and add to same bowl.1 rib Celery
- Add the carrot matchsticks to the same bowl. Set aside1/2 cup Carrots
- In another bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, ancho chili powder and sugar.1/2 cup Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 tsp Ancho chili powder, 1 tsp Sugar
- Add the mayonnaise mixture to the vegetables and mix to coat well. Set aside.
Chicken Burgers
- Add ground chicken, mayonnaise, stone ground dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper to a bowl and gently combine well.2 lbs Ground Chicken, 1/3 cup Mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Ground Dijon mustard, 2 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp Black pepper
- Shape into 6 patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
Grilling / Assembly
- Cut the parchment paper in such a way that there is a separate piece of parchment for each burger patty.
- Set the grill going with a medium high heat with charcoal on one side of the grill.
- Liberally oil the side of the grill grate not over direct heat and gently place burgers on. Rotate the grill grate over direct heat.
- Grill until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F. Cook in batches if not all burgers can fit.
- Toast the burger buns on the grill, optionally.6 Hamburger buns
- Add Carolina BBQ sauce to the bottom of the bun. Add a chicken patty and top with slaw. Optionally, add any additional toppings. Top with the top part of the bun and enjoy!