Craving burgers but want something a little more exciting than the usual beef patty? These shredded chicken burgers are the answer. Tender, juicy chicken is pulled into bite-sized shreds, tossed with flavorful sauces and seasonings, and tucked into soft burger buns for an easy dinner everyone can customize.
The best part is that you can make one batch of chicken and turn it into several completely different burgers. Go spicy with buffalo sauce, keep it smoky with barbecue sauce, or add a creamy garlic twist when you want something extra comforting.
Shredded Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional
- ½ cup chicken stock or water
For the Burgers
- 4 soft burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced onions
- Pickles optional
- Cheese slices optional
- Mayonnaise or your favorite burger sauce
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add the chicken breasts, paprika, black pepper, salt and chili flakes. Pour in the chicken stock or water.
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Cover the skillet and cook for about 15–18 minutes, turning the chicken once, until it is fully cooked and tender.
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Transfer the chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and toss it with the flavorful cooking juices. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes.
1. Smoky BBQ Shredded Chicken Burger
For a sweet, smoky and slightly tangy burger, mix one portion of shredded chicken with 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce.
Pile it onto a toasted bun with lettuce, sliced onion and pickles. Add a slice of cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent.
Flavor tip: A little smoked paprika can make the BBQ flavor even deeper.
2. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Burger
Want dinner with a kick? Toss one portion of chicken with 2–3 tablespoons buffalo sauce and a small spoonful of melted butter.
Place the chicken on a toasted bun with crunchy lettuce and a drizzle of ranch or mayonnaise. Add jalapeños for an extra spicy finish.
Flavor tip: Keep a few pickles on the side to balance the heat.
3. Creamy Garlic Chicken Burger
This version is perfect for anyone who loves a rich, creamy burger. Mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper.
Add the chicken to a toasted bun with lettuce, cucumber slices and cheese.
Flavor tip: A little grated Parmesan in the garlic sauce adds a delicious savory note.
4. Peri-Peri Chicken Burger
Give your shredded chicken a fiery twist by mixing it with 2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serve it with lettuce, tomato, red onion and a spoonful of mayo or garlic sauce.
Flavor tip: For a milder burger, combine the peri-peri sauce with mayonnaise before mixing it into the chicken.
5. Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Burger
For a gooey, cheesy dinner, place the shredded chicken in a skillet with 1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise, sliced jalapeños and a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella. Heat gently until the cheese melts.
Spoon the mixture onto a toasted bun and top with more jalapeños if you dare.
Flavor tip: Add crispy fried onions for a crunchy contrast to the soft, cheesy filling.
Tips for the Best Shredded Chicken Burgers
Don’t overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts can become dry if cooked for too long. Remove them as soon as they’re cooked through and shred them while they’re still warm.
Toast the buns. A quick toast gives the buns a slightly crisp surface and helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
Don’t skip the sauce. Shredded chicken benefits from plenty of moisture, so sauces aren’t just for flavor—they help keep the filling juicy.
Add something crunchy. Pickles, lettuce, onions, jalapeños or crispy fried onions can give the burgers a much better texture.
Make extra chicken. The seasoned shredded chicken can also be used in wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas, salads or loaded fries the next day.
Easy Dinner, Five Different Moods
The beauty of shredded chicken burgers is that there is no need to make five completely different recipes. Start with one simple batch of juicy chicken, then let your favorite sauces transform it into something new.
Whether you’re in the mood for smoky BBQ, fiery buffalo, creamy garlic, spicy peri-peri or cheesy jalapeño, these burgers are an easy way to make an ordinary weeknight dinner feel a lot more exciting.
