Have you ever stared at those chicken patties on your grill, wondering if they’re done yet? Trust me, I’ve been there! Grilling chicken burgers can be tricky – cook them too little and you’ve got a health hazard, cook them too long and you’re chewing on cardboard. After years of trial and error (and some embarrassing barbecue failures), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect timing for grilled chicken burgers.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling times for chicken burgers, plus some juicy tips to make sure they turn out amazing every single time Let’s fire up those grills!
Quick Answer: Chicken Burger Grilling Times
For those who just want the facts, here’s the quick answer:
- ½-inch thick patties: Grill for 6-7 minutes per side
- 1-inch thick patties: Grill for 8-10 minutes per side
- Internal temperature goal: 165°F (74°C)
- Grill temperature: Medium-high heat (375°F-450°F)
But there’s so much more to getting perfect chicken burgers! Keep reading for all my best tips
Why Chicken Burgers Deserve a Spot on Your Grill
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s talk about why chicken burgers are awesome. As someone who tries to eat a bit healthier (while still enjoying good food), I love that chicken burgers are:
- Leaner than beef burgers
- Super versatile with seasonings
- A nice change from the usual BBQ fare
- Perfect for people who don’t eat red meat
Plus, they’re pretty economical! Ground chicken is often cheaper than good quality beef, which means your wallet stays happy too.
Factors That Affect Grilling Time
I learned the hard way that several factors can mess with your chicken burger grilling time. Here are the biggies:
Patty Thickness
This is probably THE most important factor In my experience
- Thin patties (½ inch): These cook faster (about 6-7 minutes per side) but can dry out quicker
- Thick patties (1 inch): These need more time (8-10 minutes per side) but stay juicier
I personally prefer making slightly thicker patties because they’re more forgiving if you get distracted by your beverage for a minute or two!
Grill Temperature
Your grill needs to be hot enough to cook the chicken thoroughly without burning the outside. Aim for:
- Medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F)
- If using a charcoal grill, wait until coals are covered with white ash
- For gas grills, preheat for 10-15 minutes
Too hot, and you’ll have burnt outsides with raw insides. Too cool, and your burgers will take forever and dry out. I’ve messed up both ways, trust me!
Starting Temperature of the Meat
This one caught me by surprise a few times! If your chicken is:
- Straight from the fridge: Add 1-2 minutes to cooking time
- Room temperature: Standard cooking times apply
I usually let my patties sit out for about 15 minutes before grilling. It helps them cook more evenly.
Best Practices for Perfect Chicken Burgers
Over the years, I’ve developed some tricks for consistently good chicken burgers. Here’s what works for me:
Preheating Is Non-Negotiable
Seriously, don’t skip this step! A properly preheated grill:
- Prevents sticking
- Creates better grill marks
- Helps seal in juices
I usually preheat my grill for 10-15 minutes. If you’re impatient like me, set a timer on your phone so you don’t cheat!
The Hand Test for Temperature
No fancy thermometer? No problem! Use the hand test:
- Hold your hand about 5 inches above the grates
- If you can keep it there for 3-4 seconds, it’s medium-high heat (perfect!)
- Less than 2 seconds? Too hot! More than 5 seconds? Too cool!
This old-school method has saved my butt when cooking at friends’ houses with unfamiliar grills.
Checking for Doneness
This is where many of us go wrong. Here’s how to know your chicken burgers are done:
- Use a meat thermometer: Insert into the thickest part of the patty – you want 165°F
- Visual check: Juices should run clear, not pink
- Feel test: The burger should feel firm but not rock hard
I always use a thermometer cuz I’m paranoid about undercooked chicken. Food poisoning ain’t no fun, folks!
Step-by-Step Grilling Guide
Alright, let’s put it all together with a step-by-step approach:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F-450°F)
- Form your patties to an even thickness (½ to 1 inch)
- Season generously on both sides
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking
- Place patties on the grill and don’t touch them for a few minutes!
- Flip once halfway through cooking time
- Check temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F)
- Rest for 3-5 minutes before serving
That resting period is crucial! It lets the juices redistribute instead of spilling out when you take that first bite.
Special Tips for Extra Juicy Chicken Burgers
Let’s be honest – chicken burgers can be dry if you’re not careful. Here are my secret weapons:
Add Moisture-Boosting Ingredients
Mix into your ground chicken:
- Fresh bread crumbs (about ½ cup per pound)
- Grated onion or zucchini (adds moisture without strong flavor)
- A tablespoon of olive oil or mayo
- Finely chopped mushrooms
My personal fave is adding about ¼ cup of grated parmesan per pound of chicken – it adds moisture AND flavor!
Don’t Overwork the Meat
I used to squish and squeeze my burger mix like I was taking out my frustrations on it. Big mistake! Gentle mixing keeps the texture nice. Just combine ingredients until mixed – no more, no less.
Use the “Dimple Trick”
Press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb before grilling. This prevents the “puffball effect” where your burgers bulge in the middle.
Different Types of Chicken Burgers
Not all chicken burgers are created equal! Let’s look at some variations:
Basic Chicken Burgers
- Standard ½-inch patties: 6-7 minutes per side
- Made with just ground chicken and seasonings
- Perfect for beginners
Stuffed Chicken Burgers
- Need extra cooking time (7-8 minutes per side for ½-inch outer thickness)
- Require more attention to ensure the center reaches 165°F
- Worth the extra effort for that surprise inside!
I once made blue cheese stuffed chicken burgers that were AMAZING, but I had to watch them like a hawk to get the timing right.
Veggie-Loaded Chicken Burgers
Like the recipe from Allrecipes that includes onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, tomato, and mushrooms:
- The extra moisture from veggies can extend cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side
- These tend to be less prone to drying out
- They might need slightly lower heat to prevent burning the vegetables
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with perfect timing, things can go wrong. Here’s how to fix common problems:
Burgers Falling Apart
If your chicken burgers are crumbling on the grill:
- Add an egg and more breadcrumbs to your mix next time
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated
- Consider using a grill mat or foil for delicate burgers
Burning Outside, Raw Inside
This classic problem usually means your heat is too high:
- Move burgers to indirect heat to finish cooking
- Lower the temperature on your grill
- Make thinner patties next time
Dry, Tough Burgers
Nobody wants hockey pucks for dinner:
- Don’t overcook! Use that meat thermometer
- Add moisture-enhancing ingredients to your mix
- Let the meat rest after cooking
Storage and Reheating Tips
Made too many? Lucky you! Here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (microwaves tend to dry them out)
- You can also freeze cooked chicken burgers for up to 3 months
I actually think chicken burgers taste better the next day sometimes. The flavors have time to meld together!
My Favorite Chicken Burger Recipe
Let me share my go-to recipe that always gets compliments at cookouts:
Juicy Herbed Chicken Burgers
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (like Old Bay)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients gently in a bowl
- Form into 8 patties about ¾-inch thick
- Grill over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side
- Check temperature (165°F)
- Rest for 5 minutes
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings
Final Thoughts
Grilling chicken burgers doesn’t have to be stressful! With these timing guidelines and tips, you’ll be turning out perfectly juicy burgers every time. Remember that the most important things are:
- Watch your temperature (both grill and internal)
- Don’t overcook (but definitely reach 165°F)
- Add ingredients that boost moisture
- Let them rest before serving
Now get out there and show those chicken burgers who’s boss! And if you mess up the first batch, don’t worry – we’ve all been there. That’s why hot dogs were invented as backup!
What’s your favorite way to top a chicken burger? I’m partial to avocado, bacon and a little sriracha mayo myself. Drop me a comment below!
Happy grilling!
Tips for Best Results
Here are my most helpful tips for a grilled chicken burger everyone will love.
- Shape patties bigger than the bun: The burgers will become smaller while cooking, so make sure you’re starting with a patty that is slightly bigger than the bun.
- Make a divot in a patty: Once the chicken burger hits the hot grill a dome may form, but making a divot will help avoid a bumpy center.
- Flip once: The more times you flip, the more dry the meat gets and more likely the patty will fall apart. Don’t peek under it! Use a good grill spatula and only flip once.
- Use meat thermometer: Avoid the guessing game and insert a meat thermometer in the center of the patty. When the internal temperature reaches 165 F your burgers are ready.
- Don’t press on grilled chicken patties: Keep all the juices and flavor in while they cook, pressing down will release all that goodness.
There are many ways to be creative, here are some easy variations to try.
- Using ground chicken: You can save time and get ground chicken from the store. Use 2 pounds.
- Bread instead of breadcrumbs: Like in my ground chicken burgers recipe technique. Use a slice of bread soaked in water for a few seconds and then squeezed.
- Add seasonings: Add anything you like! Smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, all purpose seasoning.
- Add cheese: My personal favorites to pair with chicken are cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and gouda cheese.
- Greek chicken burger: Add tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
- Teriyaki chicken burger: Add teriyaki sauce, pineapple rings, and mayo.
- Buffalo chicken burger: Frank’s red hot sauce with crumbled blue cheese.
- To cook them on the stove: Pan fry chicken burgers on an oil coated large skillet or grill pan for about 4-5 minutes per side. Flip once when white edges appear and burger is brown on the bottom. Check doneness with a meat thermometer.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Burgers?
Our favorite way to enjoy a grilled chicken burger is on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce, tomato, onion and an array of condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayo, aioli, or healthy BBQ sauce. Sometimes we’ll add bacon too!
Then I’ll make crock pot corn on the cob and an easy salad for the ultimate simple dinner.
The Art of Grilling: How to Grill a Burger
FAQ
How long to grill chicken burgers?
In conclusion, when it comes to grilling chicken burgers, an approximate cooking time of 5-6 minutes per side will result in perfectly cooked and flavorful burgers. Remember to use a meat thermometer for accuracy and follow proper food safety guidelines. Enjoy your delicious chicken burgers straight off the grill!
How long do you cook chicken burgers at 165?
Many home cooks struggle with timing, and undercooked chicken can be a real concern. Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Grilling Time: Grill ½-inch patties for 6-7 minutes per side and 1-inch patties for 8-10 minutes per side at medium-high heat.
How long should chicken burgers rest after grilling?
Allow the patties to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This resting period helps redistribute juices, enhancing flavor and moisture. Grilling chicken burgers to perfection involves specific times that ensure safety and juicy results. Below are the suggested grilling times for different types of chicken burgers.
How long should chicken burgers be cooked per side?
If they appear pink or the juices are bloody, continue cooking until they are fully done. In conclusion, when it comes to grilling chicken burgers, an approximate cooking time of 5-6 minutes per side will result in perfectly cooked and flavorful burgers.
Can you cook chicken burgers on a gas grill?
Gas grills are excellent for cooking chicken burgers. Just preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the burgers directly on the grates. 3. Can I cook chicken burgers on a charcoal grill? Yes, you can certainly cook chicken burgers on a charcoal grill. Arrange the hot coals in an even layer, and grill the burgers directly over the heat.
How long do you cook a stuffed chicken burger?
Stuffed chicken burgers require extra attention due to the filling, which can affect cooking time. ½-Inch Thickness: Grill for 7 to 8 minutes per side. Verify an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), especially in the center. 1-Inch Thickness: Grill for 10 to 12 minutes per side. The stuffing also needs to reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
How long does it take to grill chicken burgers?
How do you know when a chicken burger is done?
The best way to tell if a chicken burger is cooked is to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, you can look for clear or white juices running from the thickest part of the burger and ensure the meat is no longer pink in the center.
How long to cook fully cooked chicken, burgers?
Appliances vary, adjust accordingly. Conventional Oven Heat patties on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes.
How long to grill burgers at 400 on a propane grill?