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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Chicken

Baked Chicken Burger with Basil Sauce

Oct 26, 2020 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 46 Comments

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Baked chicken burger with a text title overlay.

Crispy breaded chicken breast with a smoky seasoning, sandwiched between a brioche burger bun with our epic creamy lemon and basil sauce. You don't need to fry chicken to get it nice and crispy and this Baked Chicken Burger with Creamy Lemon and Basil Sauce is a healthier alternative to fast food and 10 times tastier too. A delicious twist for burger night.

Two chicken burgers with fries and dip on a wooden serving board.

If you love crispy KFC burgers, then you are going to LOVE these. (Have you tried our Healthier KFC recipe?) Instead of deep fried breaded chicken, we have baked ours and it is still crispy perfection.

Succulent lean chicken breast in a seasoned breading and all your favourite burger toppings. But, this chicken burger is a next level burger with our creamy lemon and basil sauce.

Jump to:
  • Why you will love it
  • Ingredients needed
  • Step by step
  • Breading flavours
  • Burger toppings
  • Serving suggestions
  • FAQs
  • Extra tips
  • More burger recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why you will love it

  • Baked instead of fried
  • A healthier twist for burger night
  • A delicious way to eat lean chicken breast
  • Easy to adapt with all your favourite burger toppings

Ingredients needed

All the ingredients needed to make this recipe each with text overlay labels.
  • Chicken breast - this is what keeps the burgers nice and lean. You could swap breast for thigh, and that would make it juicier. Use skinless and boneless chicken thigh if you are going to swap it. If a whole chicken breast is too big for you for the burger (these are pretty epic), then you can cut one in half to use for both burgers.
  • Breadcrumbs - this is what helps the chicken burgers to get nice and crispy. We used slices from a wholemeal loaf, however if you want to get these burgers even crispier then you can use panko breadcrumbs. When using wholemeal bread, try to use slightly stale bread, as it makes better breadcrumbs.
  • Flour - you don't have to use flour in the dredging process, but we find it helps. The flour will stick to the chicken, allowing the egg to then stick to the flour and therefore the breadcrumbs can hold better to the egg.
  • Egg
  • Cheese - this is kind of a must when it comes to a burger topping. We used a mature cheddar, however you could use mozzarella, Gouda or even some goats cheese. You could add lots of extra flavour with some pepperjack cheese.
  • Greek yogurt - this is the base of the creamy sauce. Using a reduced fat Greek yogurt on our baked chicken burgers is an easy way to lighten them up a little, rather than using a mayo heavy sauce. You could always use half yogurt and half mayo, if you wanted something a little more indulgent.
  • Garlic - this sauce is pretty garlic heavy, but we like it that way. Feel free to use less garlic.
  • Lemon - a great way to lighten the whole burger up a bit with a zesty twist. Add even more of a lemony flavour to it by using zest as well as the juice.
  • Basil - lemon and basil are a delicious flavour combo. However, you could swap the basil for another fresh herb like dill or chives.
  • Burger bun - as tempting as it might be just to use any ole' bread roll, it's worth using something really good quality. It does hold the whole burger together after all. We used a seeded brioche burger bun, which is nice and buttery.
  • Lettuce and tomato - we love a bit of crunch in our burger bun and this is an easy way to do it. Go for a really ripe and juicy beef tomato and crunchy little gem lettuce. You can use other lettuce, but something with plenty of crunch is good for adding texture.

A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Step by step

Prep: Preheat your oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas 7.
One: Put the chicken on to a chopping board and gently pound until they flatten a little. Coat the chicken in flour then dip in the egg and then in the breadcrumbs to coat.

Bowls of flour, whisked egg and breadcrumbs next to coated chicken breasts.

Two: Put on a lined baking tray and put in your oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.

Two breaded chicken breasts on a lined baking tray.

Three: In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, salt and pepper, lemon and basil.

A bowl of yogurt and herb sauce.

Four: 5 minutes before the chicken is ready, top with cheese and put back in the oven to melt it.

Two breaded chicken breasts with cheese slices on them.

Five: Build your burger with sauce, lettuce, tomato, the chicken and cheese and more sauce.

A chicken burger built with bun, lettuce, tomato, chicken, cheese and sauce.

Breading flavours

We love adding some herbs and spices to the breadcrumbs to give it extra flavour. We used just a little paprika and garlic powder, however you can use your favourite flavour combination.

Why not give these burgers a Mexican twist with some fajita seasoning, or you could use a spicy Cajun seasoning. Prefer something herby? They a mix or dried basil and oregano will work.

Burger toppings

What is a burger without toppings? Boring, that's what! Toppings don't have to add loads of calories though, so we have some healthy burger topping options, and some not so healthy (or nutrient dense) toppings.

  • Lettuce - This adds lots of crunch to the burger. We used little gem lettuce, as it adds colour too, but you could use iceberg, rocket or even spinach.
  • Tomato - A juicy addition to a burger. We used a beef tomato, however you could swap it for sundried tomatoes for an intense tomato burst.
  • Red onion - This adds some nice crunch to a burger. If you don't like raw onion, then you could fry it a little first, to soften in.
  • Coleslaw - Why serve coleslaw on the side when you could have it right there in the burger. Not only does it add lots of crunch and flavour, but it could act as the sauce too.
  • Bacon - Do we really need to say any more? Chicken and bacon is such an amazing combination when it comes to burgers.
  • Hash browns - Take this burger to the next level with some hash browns. Why not make our Oven Baked Hash Browns.
  • Mushrooms - We love mushrooms in a burger. Either fry up some chopped brown mushrooms, or grill a whole portobello mushroom to add.
  • Fries onions - Caramelised balsamic onions on a burger are amazing. Cook them low and slow - it's worth the wait.
  • Avocado - This adds so much creaminess and a little freshness to the chicken burgers.
  • Jalapenos - If you love a kick of spice on your burger, then add some sliced pickled jalapeños.

Serving suggestions

Burgers and fries are just the perfect match. Why not try our Garlic Baked Potato Wedges, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges or The Best Air Fryer Fries. If you want something a little lighter, then our Baked Carrot Fries are a great choice.

Other great burger sides include No Mayo Coleslaw, Baked Polenta Fries, The Best Greek Potatoes, Mustard Potato Salad, Oven Baked Hash Browns, Grilled Corn with Herb Butter.

If the creamy lemon and basil sauce isn't your thing, then why not try our Homemade Healthy Tomato Ketchup or our Healthy BBQ Sauce.

Breaded chicken topped with cheese in a sesame seed brioche bun with lettuce and tomato.

FAQs

Are chicken burgers healthy?

Healthy is such a subjective word, however these chicken burgers are definitely healthier than the fried chicken burgers that you would get from a takeaway. We have baked them rather than fry them and also used Greek yogurt to make the creamy sauce.

How many calories in a baked chicken burger?

The burger patty itself is just 240 calories. When you add the bun, toppings and sauce then it is 420 calories. The total calories for your burger will really depend on what toppings you are using.

Can you use chicken thighs as a burger?

Yes, you could swap chicken breasts for thighs and you would get a much juicier burger, although thighs tend to be used more when frying. Use boneless and skinless chicken thigh and you might not need as much breading. This will change the nutritional information though.

Do I have to pound the chicken breast first?

Yes, you should definitely pound the chicken breast first. Not only does this ensure that the chicken is an even size and therefore cooked evenly, it also tenderises the meat and helps it to not be tough and chewy. We did this with a rolling pin, however you could use a mallet or just a heavy pan.

Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can definitely fry these burgers if you want them extra juicy and crispy. This will change the nutritional information considerably though. It will take around 6 minutes to fry, flipping half way through. 

How long to cook chicken burgers for?

We baked ours in the oven for 30 minutes, however it will depend on your oven. The best way to check if it is cooked all the way through is to use a meat thermometer at the thickest part. Chicken breast should have an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F

Can you serve chicken burgers without the bun?

If you want a low carb version of this, then you could leave out the bun. You could serve it as it is, or use a giant lettuce leaf to wrap around it.

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Extra tips

• You could make a low carb version of these by skipping the bun and using a giant lettuce leaf to hold the burger and toppings together.
• You can get an even crispier burger, and still bake it, by using Panko breadcrumbs.
• Swap chicken breast for boneless and skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier burger.
• Make sure you pound the chicken first, as this tenderises it and ensures that it cooks evenly.
• If you want a more indulgent burger sauce, then you can swap the Greek yogurt for mayo.

More burger recipes

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    Chicken Pesto Burgers
  • Spiced Lamb Burger on a serving board with fries.
    Spiced Lamb Burger with Tzatziki & Chilli Jam
  • Pork and apple burger in a sesame seed bun with lettuce and pickles.
    Pork and Apple Burgers
  • Greek Turkey Burgers on a wooden serving board
    Greek Turkey Burgers

If you’ve tried this baked chicken burger recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Baked chicken burger in a brioche bun with lettuce and tomato

Baked Chicken Burger with Basil Sauce

By: Dannii Martin
You don't need to fry chicken to get it nice and crispy. This Crispy Baked Chicken Burger is a healthier alternative to fast food and 10 times tastier too.
5 from 39 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 30 minutes mins
Total: 40 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten
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Meat

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 200 g (7 oz) Chicken breast
  • 2 tablespoon Plain flour
  • 1 Egg - whisked
  • 2 slices Whole wheat bread - blitzed into breadcrumbs

For the sauce

  • 4 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 2 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 1 Lemon - (juice only)
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh basil - finely chopped
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper

To serve

  • 2 burger buns - lightly toasted
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • 2 cheese slices

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C(fan)/425°F/Gas 7.
  • Put 200 g Chicken breast on to a chopping board and gently pound until they flatten a little. Coat the chicken in 2 tablespoon Plain flour then dip into 1 Egg (whisked) and then into the breadcrumbs (made from 2 slices Whole wheat bread to coat.
  • Put on a lined baking tray and put into your oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.
  • In a bowl, mix together 4 tablespoon Greek yogurt, 2 Garlic clove, 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper, 1 Lemon (juice only) and 2 tablespoon Fresh basil.
  • 5 minutes before the chicken is ready, top with 2 cheese slices and put back in the oven to melt it.
  • Build your burger with sauce on 2 burger buns, lettuce, tomato, the chicken and more sauce.

Recipe Tips

  • You could make a low carb version of these by skipping the bun and using a giant lettuce leaf to hold the burger and toppings together.
  • You can get an even crispier burger, and still bake it, by using Panko breadcrumbs.
  • Swap chicken breast for boneless and skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier burger.
  • Make sure you pound the chicken first, as this tenderises it and ensures that it cooks evenly. 
  • If you want a more indulgent burger sauce, then you can swap the Greek yogurt for mayo.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1burger, bun, cheese and sauce | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 686mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 648IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 324mg | Iron: 4mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. shannon ritchie says

    July 08, 2017 at 3:17 pm

    I do not eat chicken but these look delicious! I will share this with my friends who do!

    Reply
  2. Louise says

    July 08, 2017 at 2:18 pm

    This looks super tasty. I love a good chicken burger, but get fed up of the same old fillings, so I'll definitely have to give this one a try :)

    Louise x

    Reply
  3. Jemma says

    July 08, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    I totally agree about the sauce making the burger, this chicken looks so delicious :) I love chicken burgers in summer!

    Reply
  4. Angela Milnes says

    July 08, 2017 at 1:36 am

    I was craving KFC before I read this and now I want it even more.

    Reply
  5. Cindy Gordon says

    July 07, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    5 stars
    This is one delicious looking burger! I would sub the chicken for tofu to for a vegetarian option!

    Reply
  6. Melanie says

    July 07, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    Did not know that there was a national fried chicken day. This recipe looks lush...feeling hungry:)x

    Reply
  7. Anna nuttall says

    July 07, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    5 stars
    Yum a perfect sandwich to have in this summer weather. I really want one now. xx

    Reply
  8. jane @ littlesugarsnaps says

    July 07, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    5 stars
    Loving that you've gone to the effort of coating the chicken - that's one of the best things about a chicken burger.

    Reply
  9. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

    July 07, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    5 stars
    These sandwiches would make my family happy, that's for sure! Love that sauce, too!

    Reply
  10. Tara says

    July 07, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! Chicken sandwiches are a favorite of mine. I love that coating on yours. Especially for being baked. It looks so delicious.

    Reply
  11. Deanna says

    July 07, 2017 at 11:41 am

    Oh my! I love all the flavor and that lemon sauce YUM!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  12. Stephanie Merry says

    July 07, 2017 at 10:57 am

    5 stars
    Chicken is always a firm favourite in my house so I'll have to give this a go x

    Reply
  13. Alexis says

    July 07, 2017 at 10:01 am

    I just bought a load of turkey steaks, and I think this would work with them too? That sauce does sound incredible.

    Reply
  14. Amie says

    July 07, 2017 at 10:00 am

    5 stars
    I have never had KFC before either, but my kids seem to like it. I think they would like this too (not sure I could convince them to never have KFC again though). Thanks for the healthier alternative - I love these kind of recipes of yours.

    Reply
  15. Jim says

    July 07, 2017 at 2:30 am

    5 stars
    This loooks soo good! I wish I could make it. Sadly, I cannot eat breads, chicken, or lemons. :(

    Reply
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My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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