Cheesy Chicken Smash Burger

Name: Cheesy Chicken Smash Burger
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 60 g red bell pepper, finely diced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; garlic powder, to taste; non-stick cooking spray; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp water; 4 brioche buns, toasted; 1 avocado, mashed; sriracha, to taste

Cheesy chicken smash burgers are ground chicken patties flattened on a hot skillet and topped with melted cheddar, avocado, and sriracha for a surprisingly juicy and flavorful twist on the classic beef burger.

🌍American 🏷️Chicken burger 🏷️Smash burger 🏷️Cheesy 🏷️Chicken Avocado

🏷️

🏷️Sriracha

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TikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

60 g red bell pepper, finely diced
2 green onions, sliced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
non-stick cooking spray
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp water
4 brioche buns, toasted
1 avocado, mashed
sriracha, to tasteoptional

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Finely dice the red bell pepper and slice the green onions.
2
Flatten the chicken breasts, then finely chop them with a knife to create a ground texture.
3
On a cutting board, combine the minced chicken, diced red pepper, sliced green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4
Use your knife to continue chopping and mixing all the ingredients together until well combined.
5
Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and form them into loose balls.
6
Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
7
Place a chicken ball in the hot skillet and use a burger press or spatula to smash it into a thin patty.
8
Cook for 5 minutes on the first side, then flip.
9
Cook for another 3-5 minutes on the second side.
10
Top the patties with shredded cheese. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover with a lid to steam and melt the cheese.
11
To assemble, spread mashed avocado on a toasted brioche bun.
12
Place the cheesy chicken patty on top of the avocado, drizzle with sriracha, add the top bun, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Keep chicken and mixing bowl cold until ready to cook; warm chicken releases moisture and won't smash cleanly.
Use high heat and smash immediately after placing the patty on the skillet to create a crispy, caramelized crust that seals in juices.
Don't flip multiple times; smash once, cook 2–3 minutes undisturbed, flip once, add cheese, then cook another 1–2 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Toast brioche buns in the skillet residue or butter for extra flavor and structural support against wet toppings.

Substitutions

Cheddar cheese → Swiss, pepper jack, or provolone (sharp cheeses add more flavor to lean chicken)
Sriracha → hot sauce, cayenne pepper mixed into mayo, or Dijon mustard (adjusts heat and flavor profile)
Brioche bun → potato bun, ciabatta, or whole wheat (changes texture; brioche is most traditional)
Avocado → sliced tomato, cucumber, or crispy bacon (avocado adds richness; these add freshness or smoke)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked patties in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat on a skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side to retain moisture.

Common Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of mincing breast myself?

Yes, use 1 lb ground chicken, but hand-mincing creates a better texture and allows you to control moisture and fat content for juicier patties.

How do I keep the patties from falling apart when smashing?

Mix the minced chicken gently without overworking it, form loose patties, and smash immediately on a hot skillet so the exterior sets quickly and binds.