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Italian Chicken Burgers with Marinara, Mozzarella, and Pesto Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

These Italian Chicken Burgers blend tender ground chicken with Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and fresh parsley to create flavorful patties. Cooked on the stovetop and finished under the broiler with mozzarella and marinara sauce, these burgers are served on toasted buns with pesto and fresh greens, making a delicious and hearty meal perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Topping and Serving

  • 6 tablespoons marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 tablespoons pesto
  • 1/2 cup spinach or arugula

Instructions

  1. Mix the Seasonings: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, flat-leaf parsley, minced garlic, thinly sliced green onions, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all the seasonings.
  2. Add Chicken and Combine: Add the ground chicken to the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Gently mix with your hands or a spoon until everything is just evenly combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
  3. Form and Chill Patties: Shape the chicken mixture into four equal-sized patties and place them on a plate. Refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up for easier cooking.
  4. Cook Patties on Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet. Cook each side for 4 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  5. Add Marinara and Cheese: Spoon approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each cooked patty, then place a slice of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Melt Cheese Under Broiler: Preheat your oven's broiler to HIGH. Place the skillet with patties under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the mozzarella melts and bubbles. Remove carefully from the oven.
  7. Assemble Burgers: Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the cut side of each top hamburger bun. On each bottom bun, layer fresh spinach or arugula. Place the cooked patty with melted cheese on the greens, optionally add more marinara sauce on top, then cover with the pesto-spread top bun. Serve the burgers warm immediately.

Notes

  • Refrigerating the patties before cooking helps them hold together better during cooking.
  • Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to avoid sticking.
  • Keep a close eye under the broiler to prevent burning the cheese.
  • Additional toppings like sliced tomatoes or red onion can be added for extra flavor.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/italian-chicken-burgers-with-marinara-mozzarella-and-pesto-recipe/