There’s something deeply satisfying about biting into a juicy, flavorful sandwich—especially when it’s made with ground chicken. Whether you’re looking for a healthier twist on a classic burger, a quick weeknight dinner, or a flavorful meal for game day, ground chicken sandwiches are a delicious and versatile option.
This collection of ground chicken sandwich recipes is inspired by comfort food favorites, cultural classics, and healthy innovations. Perfect for warm summer evenings, casual weekend gatherings, or meal-prepping during the week, these recipes will quickly become household staples. Ground chicken, with its lean yet tender profile, absorbs flavor beautifully, making it a fantastic base for bold seasonings, sauces, and toppings.
Let’s dive into the best ground chicken sandwich recipes that you can whip up today.
Why Choose Ground Chicken for Sandwiches?
Ground chicken is a lighter alternative to beef or pork, offering a leaner protein that doesn’t sacrifice taste. It’s affordable, easy to find, and incredibly versatile. You can shape it into patties, crumble it for Sloppy Joes, or spice it up for international flavors.
Here are a few key benefits:
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Lean and nutritious: Lower in fat but high in protein, ground chicken is a great choice for balanced meals.
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Flavorful base: Absorbs marinades, spices, and sauces wonderfully.
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Quick cooking time: Ideal for busy weeknights.1. Classic Ground Chicken Burger
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Burger buns
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Lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite condiments
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Form into 4 patties and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
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Grill or pan-fry over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
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Assemble on buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauces of your choice.
Tips:
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Toast the buns for extra texture.
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Add a slice of cheese while the patty is hot to melt it perfectly.
2. Spicy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 small onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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2 tbsp ketchup
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Sandwich rolls or brioche buns
Instructions:
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In a large skillet, cook ground chicken until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft.
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Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Spoon the mixture onto sandwich rolls and serve hot.
Tips:
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Add shredded cheese or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
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This mixture also works well for meal prep.
3. Mediterranean Chicken Pita Sandwich
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp coriander
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Pita bread or flatbread
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Tzatziki sauce
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Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion
Instructions:
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Brown ground chicken in a skillet with garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
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Warm pita bread and fill with seasoned chicken.
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Top with tzatziki sauce and chopped vegetables.
Tips:
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Add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy finish.
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This is a perfect option for light lunches and picnics.
4. Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 egg
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
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2 tbsp butter
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Burger buns
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Ranch or blue cheese dressing
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Lettuce
Instructions:
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Mix ground chicken with egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into patties.
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Cook the patties in a skillet until done.
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In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in hot sauce.
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Coat patties in the buffalo sauce and serve on buns with lettuce and ranch or blue cheese.
Tips:
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Add celery slaw for crunch and contrast.
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Great for game day or tailgate menus.
5. Thai-Inspired Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp grated ginger
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tsp brown sugar
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1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Cabbage slaw
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Cilantro
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Sriracha mayo
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Toasted sandwich buns or baguette
Instructions:
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Cook ground chicken with garlic and ginger until browned.
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Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
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Assemble sandwiches with slaw, cilantro, chicken mixture, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Tips:
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Use pickled carrots or radish for added zing.
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For a low-carb option, serve in lettuce wraps.
6. BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Slaw
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/2 small onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
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Sandwich buns
Instructions:
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Cook ground chicken and onion in a skillet until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stir in BBQ sauce and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
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Pile onto sandwich buns and top with coleslaw.
Tips:
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Toast buns to avoid sogginess.
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Use spicy or smoky BBQ sauce to suit your taste.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Ground chicken sandwich fillings are highly meal-prep friendly. Here are a few ways to maximize your efforts:
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Refrigeration: Cooked ground chicken mixtures can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze patties or cooked fillings in individual portions. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
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Batch cooking: Double your recipe and freeze half for future meals.
Toppings and Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
Take your sandwiches to the next level with these additions:
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Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, feta
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Sauces: Mayo, chipotle aioli, pesto, honey mustard
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Greens: Arugula, spinach, romaine, microgreens
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Crunch: Pickles, crispy onions, roasted red peppers
Mix and match to find your perfect combo.
Pairing Suggestions
A great sandwich deserves equally great sides. Consider serving these alongside your ground chicken sandwiches:
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Sweet potato fries or classic French fries
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Roasted vegetable medley
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Pickle spears
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Pasta or potato salad
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Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp lager
Tips for Cooking Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is lean, so it requires a few special handling techniques to ensure optimal flavor and texture:
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Don’t overcook: It dries out quickly. Cook until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
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Use a binder: For patties, breadcrumbs and eggs help with structure.
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Enhance with fat: Olive oil, butter, or a touch of mayo adds moisture.
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Season boldly: Ground chicken has a mild flavor that benefits from generous seasoning.
Irresistible Ground Chicken Sandwich Recipes for Every Occasion
A flavorful and juicy ground chicken burger perfect for a healthier spin on a classic. Ideal for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or casual family meals, this burger is easy to make and packed with savory spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 burger buns
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Lettuce leaves
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Tomato slices
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Red onion slices
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Condiments of choice (mayo, mustard, ketchup, etc.)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
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Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
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Place patties on a plate or tray, cover, and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
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Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface.
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Cook the patties for about 5–6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden brown.
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While the patties cook, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a pan for 1–2 minutes.
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Assemble each burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and your favorite condiments. Add the patty and top with the bun.
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Serve immediately with sides like fries or a fresh salad.
Notes
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For extra moisture, mix in 1 tablespoon of mayo into the ground chicken.
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Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking for a melted topping.
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Customize with toppings like avocado, pickles, or caramelized onions.
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These patties can be made ahead and frozen for quick meals.