These stuffed chicken parmesan burgers are filled with mozzarella, topped with marinara, and garnished with parmesan and arugula. You can air fry, grill, or pan-sear them for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Cheesy mozzarella stuffed chicken burgers
I have to admit, this is one of my all-time favorite Healthful blondie recipes, next to these chicken parm stuffed sweet potatoes and this chicken caesar pasta salad. It is one of my first recipes. I am just updating the pictures and instructions for you!
These chicken parmesan burgers have gooey mozzarella centers and are topped off with warmed marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, and a fresh arugula salad. It’s like a classic chicken parm, lightened up and in burger form. I am in love!
One of the best parts about these burgers is that they take less than 20 minutes to make, and you can cook them on the grill, pan, or in your air fryer. I love giving endless cooking options so you can choose which way to enjoy these burgers.
Anyway, I cannot wait to hear what you think. If you love chicken parm, then you’ll LOVE these burgers. My boyfriend, who has celiac, loves these so much because you can easily make them gluten-free with one simple ingredient swap.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Cheesey: Each burger has a gooey mozzarella center.
- Flavoful: These chicken burgers taste like chicken parmesan; they are so flavorful!
- Quick and Easy: Prepare these burgers effortlessly with simple steps in under 20 minutes.
- High Protein: Each chicken parm burger has 32 grams of protein per patty!
- Endless Cooking Methods: You can grill, air fry, or sear these chicken parm burgers.
- Healthier: These burgers are made with lean ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free: Make them 100% gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- Meal Prep: Perfect for your weekly meal prep since these burgers keep for 5 days.
- Try these chicken parm stuffed sweet potatoes and these air fryer chicken burgers next!
Ingredients needed
These chicken parmesan burgers are made with simple and healthy ingredients. You’ll need ground chicken, fresh mozzarella, onion, basil, garlic, marinara sauce, and a few other ingredients. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Ground Chicken: I recommend using 94% lean ground chicken for the juiciest chicken burgers—a great source of lean protein.
- Egg: Adds protein and also holds the burgers together.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs to give the patties some texture.
- Yellow Onion: For flavor and to keep these chicken burgers so moist.
- Fresh Basil: This brings that classic Italian chicken parm flavor to the burgers.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, trust me!
- Seasonings: You’ll need dried oregano, salt, and pepper to season the minced chicken.
- Fresh Parmesan: Parmesan adds a rich, salty goodness that’s crucial for that chicken parmesan flavor. I highly recommend fresh parmesan grated from the block.
- Whole Milk Mozzarella: For those ooey-gooey cheesy middles in the center. Melty mozzarella is the heart of these chicken parm stuffed burgers.
- Marinara Sauce: Each burger is topped with sauce rather than ketchup and other condiments.
- Fresh Arugula: The crisp and peppery sidekick. Arugula adds a fresh, green element, balancing the richness of the burger.
- Lemon: A squeeze of lemon over the arugula adds a bright, citrusy kick, enhancing the overall freshness.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of kitchen utensils you’ll need to make these 20-minute chicken parmesan burgers stuffed with mozzarella:
- Large Bowl
- Mixing Spoon
- Knife + Cutting Board
- Pan or Grill or Air Fryer
- Small Saucepan
- Measuring tools
How to make chicken parmesan stuffed burgers
These mozzarella-stuffed chicken parmesan burgers come together in under 20 minutes. It’s an easy weeknight dinner and meal prep recipe everyone will love. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them; scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
Mix ground chicken, egg, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Gently combine with hands.
Step 2:
Divide the mixture into four portions. Flatten each portion, place a piece of mozzarella in the middle, and fold the chicken over, ensuring the cheese is completely covered. Patties should be about 1 inch thick with no cheese showing.
Step 3:
This is the best recipe because you can cook the burgers on the stove, grill, or in the air fryer. Keep reading for air fryer instructions if that’s your preferred cooking method.
Stove: Heat a large pan with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add burgers, cook for 5 minutes, flip, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Grill: If using an outdoor grill, preheat to medium (350-375°F), lightly grease the grill with oil, and cook burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the marinara sauce medium-low on the stovetop. Or use the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
Step 5:
Toss the arugula with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a crack of salt & pepper.
Step 6:
Serve burgers on toasted buns topped with arugula, marinara sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your cheese-stuffed chicken parmesan burgers!
Expert recipe tips:
- Gentle Stuffing: When forming the patties, create a slight well in the center for the cheese. Add the cheese and carefully seal the edges, ensuring no cheese peeks out. This helps prevent leakage during cooking for a perfectly stuffed and gooey center. Always go for less cheese rather than more.
- Opt for 93% Lean Ground Chicken: Higher lean percentages, like 99%, may result in less juicy burgers.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Carefully combine ingredients to prevent a tough, dry burger.
- Skip the Pressing: Unlike beef burgers, pressing down on ground chicken patties while cooking releases natural juices, potentially resulting in dry burgers. Preserve that juicy goodness!
- How to Check if Burgers Are Ready: The burgers have cheese inside, so checking the internal temperature is tricky. For simplicity, air fry or grill the burgers until they look fully cooked and the cheese melts. Trust your eyes and shoot for 5 minutes on each side!
- Air Frying the Burgers: You can also air fry these burgers! I left instructions in the section below and in the recipe card.
- Toasted Buns Matter: Elevate the experience by toasting buns with butter or olive oil – a game-changer for better burgers.
How to air fry the chicken burgers:
Here’s a simple guide on how to air fry your chicken parmesan stuffed burgers:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Burgers: Place the stuffed chicken burgers in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded, allowing proper air circulation.
- Cooking Time: Air fry the burgers for approximately 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Check for Doneness: Measuring the internal temperature of these burgers can be challenging since there is cheese stuffing. So, look for visual cues; the burgers should have a golden-brown exterior, and the cheese inside should be melted.
- Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the burgers from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve on toasted buns and enjoy your air-fried stuffed chicken parmesan burgers!
Easy ingredient substitutions:
Since this is one of my first recipes on the internet, I’ve made them hundreds of times. Here’s a list of the best, easy ingredient substitutions.
- Ground Chicken: You can use ground turkey instead. Opt for 94% lean ground turkey.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses for stuffing, such as provolone, Swiss, or cheddar.
- Fresh Basil: Feel free to use dried basil instead of fresh.
- Garlic: Use pre-minced garlic, frozen garlic, or 1 tsp of garlic powder instead.
- Panko: Opt for regular, Italian, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. You can even use almond flour if needed.
- Marinara Sauce: Any quality store-bought or homemade marinara sauce works. Experiment with different brands or flavors. You can also use varieties like vodka sauce, arrabbiata, or garlic.
- Buns: Choose your favorite type of buns – whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free, based on your dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Totally! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute. It has a similar texture and will pair well with the other flavors in the recipe.
Can I air-fry the burgers?
Yes, you can quickly air fry these stuffed chicken parmesan burgers. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach 165°F internally.
How do I know when the stuffed chicken burgers are cooked through?
Because measuring the internal temperature is challenging with cheese in the middle, a visual check is crucial. Make a small cut in one of the burgers to ensure there’s no pink, and that the cheese inside is fully melted. This method guarantees both safety and optimal texture for the stuffed chicken burgers.
How do I keep chicken burgers from drying out during cooking?
Keep chicken burgers juicy using 93% lean ground chicken and avoid overcooking. This recipe adds extra moisture with the shredded onion and egg, so don’t omit those ingredients.
Can I use a different type of cheese for stuffing?
While mozzarella is typical of chicken parmesan, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone cheddar or fontina for a unique twist.
What sides go well with chicken parmesan burgers?
We love classic sides like a simple salad, sweet potato fries, or even a side of roasted veggies are great choices. Keep it balanced, and enjoy!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
These chicken parm burgers are gluten-free if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free burger bun.
Can I prepare the patties in advance and cook them later?
Yes, you can! Make the patties, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, and cook when ready.
How to store, freeze, and reheat stuffed chicken burgers:
Storing: To store stuffed chicken parmesan burgers, use an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns and arugula separate during storage.
Freezing: For longer storage, individually wrap the burgers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When reheating, employ a microwave for convenience or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Assemble by toasting the buns, adding the heated burger, and topping with red sauce and arugula.
If you loved this recipe, try these next!
- Chicken Parm Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Burgers
- Healthy Alfredo Pasta
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Chicken Bolognese
- Healthy Chicken Penne Alla Vodka
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken, 93% lean is best
- 1 large egg
- 1 small yellow onion, shredded on box grater
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parmesan, grated
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free or regular
- 3 ounces whole milk mozzarella, cut into 4 equal-sized circular pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce, I love Rao’s
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 1 large lemon
- 4 buns, brioche, whole-wheat, regular, or gluten-free
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs. Gently combine with hands.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Flatten each portion, place a piece of mozzarella in the middle, and fold the chicken over, ensuring the cheese is completely covered. Patties should be about 1 inch thick with no cheese showing.
- Stove: Heat a large pan with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add burgers, cook for 5 minutes, flip, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Grill: If using an outdoor grill, preheat to medium (350-375°F), lightly grease the grill with oil, and cook burgers for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, add the stuffed burger patties to the basket (NO OVERLAPPING), and air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a small saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium-low on the stovetop. Or use the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Toss the arugula with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a crack of salt & pepper.
- Serve burgers on toasted buns topped with arugula, marinara sauce, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Chandler S says
ACTUALLY INSANE HOW GOOD THESE ARE!!!! I mean they do not tasty healthy what so ever. My boyfriend and I are obsessed and will be making these again this week.
Tati Chermayeff says
YAY!!!! I am so happy to hear this, wow! Thank you for such an amazing review!
Jessica coppola says
Delicious, and super easy to make!! You gotta try this fun,delicious & healthy burger!
Tati Chermayeff says
So happy to hear this, Jessica!! Thank you for your amazing review!
Marc Fremmi g says
I made these last night and loved them! So much flavor! Very easy to put together and will be making them again very soon. So glad I stumbled upon your page, can’t wait to try more!
Tati Chermayeff says
I am so thrilled to hear this Marc!! This is one of my favorite recipes 🙂
Emily W says
By far one of the best meals I’ve had in a LONG time!! Will for sure be making this at least once a week! Can’t wait to try more of your recipes 🙂
Tati Chermayeff says
Emily, so happy to hear this! This is one of my favorite dinners everrrr!
Nan Parrish says
These burgers were so easy to make and so tasty! This recipe idea was SO intriguing and makes healthy eating fun and exciting. Will definitely be making these again in the future and trying more of Tati’s recipes!