Jamie Oliver Chicken Burgers Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I remember the first time I tried making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something hearty but fresh. I found his recipe and thought, “Why not give it a shot”? From the first bite, I was hooked. The flavors were bright, juicy, and just the right balance of healthy and indulgent. It wasn’t just a burger-it was a whole experience. That day sparked my love for cooking chicken burgers the Jamie Oliver way, and I’ve been tweaking and sharing the recipe ever since.

If you’re looking for a chicken burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into what makes Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers stand out and how you can make them yourself.

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers Recipe

Jamie’s recipe is all about bold, fresh flavors and simple, quality ingredients. It’s not just throwing chicken on a bun-it’s a celebration of taste and texture. The chicken is mixed with herbs, lemon zest, and a little heat, then grilled to perfection. The burger is topped with crunchy slaw and creamy sauce, making every bite a delight.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

• Fresh, zesty herbs and lemon for brightness
• A bit of chili for a subtle kick
• A crunchy, tangy slaw that balances the juicy chicken
• Simple but effective seasoning that lets the chicken shine

This recipe is a perfect weekend project, a family dinner winner, or a casual get-together crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Needed

The best part about Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers is that the ingredients are simple but fresh. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless) – the star protein
• Fresh herbs (like parsley, coriander, or mint) – for that fresh, green punch
• Lemon zest and juice – adds brightness and freshness
• Garlic cloves – for savory depth
• Red chili or chili flakes – a little heat to wake up your taste buds
• Breadcrumbs – help bind and add texture
• Egg – acts as a binder to hold everything together
• Salt and pepper – essential seasoning
• Burger buns – soft but sturdy to hold all the goodness
• Cabbage and carrot – shredded for the slaw topping
• Mayonnaise or yogurt – for creamy sauce
• Optional extras: cucumber slices, tomatoes, or avocado for toppings

Everything is easy to find in your local supermarket or fresh market.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers

Here’s where the magic happens. I love this step because you really get to feel the texture of the chicken mixture and smell those herbs and spices coming together.

1. Prep The Chicken

   • Cut chicken breasts into chunks
   • Blitz in a food processor with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, chili, and a pinch of salt until roughly combined (not too smooth – you want texture)

2. Mix It Up

   • Transfer to a bowl
   • Add breadcrumbs and egg
   • Mix gently but thoroughly until it holds together

3. Form The Patties

   • Shape into burger-sized patties with your hands
   • Pop them in the fridge to firm up for 20 minutes (this helps them keep shape on the grill)

4. Make The Slaw

   • Mix shredded cabbage and carrot with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a spoonful of mayo or yogurt

5. Cook The Burgers

   • Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
   • Let rest a couple of minutes

6. Assemble

   • Toast the buns lightly
   • Spread mayo or your favorite sauce on the bun
   • Add the chicken burger, top with slaw and optional extras
   • Enjoy!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s the science behind why this recipe works so well:

• Lemon Zest And Juice

  • The zest has essential oils that add intense citrus aroma without acidity
  • The juice adds brightness and tenderizes the meat slightly through its mild acidity

• Fresh Herbs

  • Parsley and coriander bring freshness and slight bitterness that balances the richness of the chicken
  • Herbs also contain antioxidants that can help preserve the freshness

• Egg And Breadcrumbs

  • Egg proteins help bind the meat so the patties hold shape
  • Breadcrumbs absorb moisture, keeping the burgers juicy but not falling apart

• Chili

  • Adds capsaicin, which triggers heat receptors on your tongue, enhancing flavor perception and adding a mild adrenaline rush for some zing

Expert Tips

After making these chicken burgers dozens of times, here are some insider tips to get perfect results:

• Don’t over-process the chicken. Stop when the texture is coarse, not paste-like, for juicy, tender patties.
• Chill the patties before cooking. It helps them firm up and prevents shrinking or breaking on the grill.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill. It gives a nice char and locks in flavor.
• Toast the buns on the pan or grill. It adds crunch and prevents sogginess from the juicy chicken and sauce.
• Make the slaw ahead and let it sit for 15 minutes to soften and develop flavor.
• Adjust chili level based on your heat tolerance. Fresh chili is great, but chili flakes or powder work too.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty twists to Jamie Oliver’s classic chicken burger:

• Spicy Asian twist: Add grated ginger, soy sauce, and sesame seeds to the chicken mix. Top with pickled cucumber and sriracha mayo.
• Mediterranean style: Use oregano and sun-dried tomatoes in the patty. Add tzatziki sauce and sliced cucumber.
• Cheese stuffed: Place a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar inside each patty before cooking for a gooey surprise.
• Gluten-free: Swap breadcrumbs with ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free buns.
• BBQ flavor: Mix in smoked paprika and BBQ sauce in the patty mix. Top with caramelized onions and extra BBQ sauce.

Final Words

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers taught me that simple ingredients, handled with care, can create something truly special. It’s a recipe that feels both wholesome and indulgent-fresh, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this burger recipe never fails to impress.

It’s one of those dishes that reminds me why I love cooking: the joy of combining fresh ingredients, the smells in the kitchen, and the smiles at the table.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers?

You’ll need chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and some seasoning.

How Do I Make The Chicken Burgers Juicy?

Make sure to not overcook the chicken, and adding a bit of olive oil or yogurt to the mix can keep them moist.

Can I Use Ground Chicken For This Recipe?

Yes, ground chicken works well. Just make sure it’s not too lean to keep it tender.

How Long Should I Cook The Chicken Burgers For?

Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).

Can I Make These Chicken Burgers Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prep the patties ahead and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

What Type Of Buns Should I Use?

Any soft, sturdy bun works well. Brioche or a simple whole wheat bun are great choices.

Can I Add Cheese To These Burgers?

Definitely! A slice of cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese works perfectly.

What Sides Go Well With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Burgers?

You can serve them with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Can I Make The Burgers Spicy?

Yes, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for some heat.

Can I Freeze The Chicken Burger Patties?

Yes, freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.