Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Burgers

Name: Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
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)

These stuffed chicken parmesan burgers are juicy, cheesy, and surprisingly healthy! They’re filled with gooey mozzarella, topped with marinara, and finished with parmesan and fresh arugula. You can air fry, grill, or pan-sear them for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

chicken Parmesan burgers with gooey mozzarella cheese stuffed in the middle

Chicken parm in burger form? Yes, please. I have to admit, these stuffed chicken parmesan burgers are one of my all-time favorite Healthful Blondie recipes.Right up there with my chicken parm stuffed sweet potatoes and chicken caesar pasta salad.

They’ve got gooey mozzarella centers, warm marinara sauce, parmesan, and fresh arugula—basically chicken parm in a lightened-up burger form.

The best part? They take less than 20 minutes and can be grilled, pan-seared, or air fried. Plus, they’re super easy to make gluten-free with one simple swap. We love them all year long and they keep great for meal prepping!

Why you'll love this recipe:

Cheesy: Gooey mozzarella center in every burger.
Flavorful: Tastes just like chicken parm—so delicious!
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
High Protein: 32 grams of protein per patty!
Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily made gluten-free with a simple swap.

Ingredients needed

These chicken parmesan burgers are made with simple, healthy ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:

all ingredients in chicken parm burgers in small bowls including ground chicken, marinara, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, olive oil and buns

Ground Chicken: I recommend 94% lean ground chicken for juicy burgers and a good source of lean protein.
Egg: This helps hold everything together and adds extra protein.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free or regular, depending on your preference, to give the patties some nice texture.
Yellow Onion: Adds flavor and keeps the burgers nice and moist.
Fresh Basil: The classic Italian flavor that makes these burgers taste like chicken parm.
Garlic: Trust me, fresh garlic really makes a difference here!
Seasonings: Dried oregano, salt, and pepper to season the chicken.
Fresh Parmesan: For that rich, salty flavor. Always grate fresh from the block for the best taste.
Whole Milk Mozzarella: The ooey-gooey center of these burgers—don’t skimp on the cheese!
Marinara Sauce: The perfect topping to bring that chicken parm vibe.
Fresh Arugula: Adds a crisp, peppery bite that balances the richness of the burger.
Lemon: A squeeze over the arugula brightens up the whole dish with a citrusy zing.

How to make stuffed chicken parmesan burgers

These mozzarella-stuffed chicken parmesan burgers come together in under 20 minutes—perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. Here’s how to make them:

ground chicken mixture in a bowl with basil, egg, breadcrumbs oregano, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese

Mix ground chicken, egg, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs in a bowl.

Cut the mozzarella into 1-inch slices.

stuffing fresh mozzarella to the center of the ground chicken patty

Flatten each, place mozzarella in the middle, and fold the chicken over to seal the cheese inside.

four raw chicken parm burger patties stuffed with mozzarella

Decide if you want to cook the burgers on the stove, grill, or in the air fryer. All methods take about 10 - 12 minutes.

adding warmed marinara sauce on top of cooked chicken parmesan burgers

Warm marinara sauce in a saucepan or microwave. Then, top the cooked chicken parm burgers with it.

adding fresh arugula salad and parmesan on top of the burgers

Serve the burgers on toasted buns with arugula, marinara, fresh basil, and parmesan.

Top Tips

Use 93% Lean Ground Chicken: Leaner chicken, like 99%, can result in dry burgers. Stick with 93% for juiciness.
Don’t Over-Mix: Mix the ingredients just enough to combine. Over-mixing can make the burgers tough.
Avoid Pressing the Burgers: Pressing down on the burgers while cooking squeezes out the juices. Let them cook naturally for a juicier result!

Equipment Needed

Large Bowl
Mixing Spoon
Knife & Cutting Board
Small Saucepan
Grill, Grill Pan, Satue Pan,or Air Fryer
Measuring Cups

chicken parmesan burger stuffed with mozzarella cheese

Substations & Variations

Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these chicken parm burgers gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
Ground Chicken: Use ground turkey (94% lean) for a lighter option.
Mozzarella: Try provolone, Swiss, or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
Fresh Basil: Swap for dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
Garlic: Use pre-minced garlic, frozen garlic, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Panko: Regular, Italian, or gluten-free breadcrumbs work, or try almond flour.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite marinara, or try vodka sauce, arrabbiata, or garlic sauce for a new flavor.
Buns: Choose any type of bun you like—whole wheat, brioche, or gluten-free!

Storage

Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the buns and arugula separately.

Freezing: Wrap burgers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Toast the buns, add the burger, and top with sauce and arugula.

inside a mozzarella stuffed chicken burger to show the gooey cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken. Use 94% lean turkey for the best results.

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 burgers are done?

Since 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 by using 93% lean ground chicken and avoiding overcooking. This recipe adds extra moisture with the shredded onion and egg, so don't omit those ingredients.

Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns to make them 100% gluten-free.

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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!