BBQ Chicken Burgers
I realize that ground chicken has a reputation for being dry when cooked but even with the addition of cornmeal to the chicken, these burgers retain plenty of their moisture while on the grill. If you’re worried, you can add a little extra bbq sauce; they will be almost too wet to put on the grill so be sure you oil the grates well and have faith that they’ll be great!
Ingredients
For the bbq sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tbsp very finely chopped (or grated) onion
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Hot sauce, to taste
For the burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup crumbled cornbread or ¼ cup cornmeal
- 1 scallion, minced
- 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- Pinch cayenne
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2/3 cup chopped pulled pork (optional)
- 5 tbsp bbq sauce, divided
For serving:
- Grilled red onion slices
- Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
- Additional bbq sauce
- Hamburger buns
Instructions
- To make the sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook the sauce about 7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be reduced down to approximately 1 cup. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce will keep, refrigerated, for about 1 week.
- To make the burgers: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornbread, scallion, cilantro, paprika, garlic, mustard, salt, cayenne, brown sugar, pork, and 2 tablespoons of the bbq sauce. Lightly but thoroughly mix with your hands to incorporate all the ingredients. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of bbq sauce to a small bowl.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Brush the grates of the grill with olive oil. Place the burgers and onions on the grill, and cook the burgers 5-6 minutes, then flip. Turn the onions as well. Brush the cooked sides with half the reserved bbq sauce. After 3-4 minutes, flip the burgers again. glazing the other side with the remaining bbq sauce. Place a slice of cheese on each patty, and lay the buns, cut side down, on the grill. Close the lid and allow the cheese to melt and the buns to toast.
- Remove all the food from the grill, assembling the burgers as desired. Serve with additional bbq sauce if desired.
