These Italian Chicken Burgers combine everything you love about chicken parmesan into one incredibly juicy, flavor packed patty. Simmered in marinara and smothered in melty mozzarella, this easy recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner!

Italian Chicken Burgers topped with mozzarella

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A Note from Kim

Why Burger Night Just Got Better

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of turkey and chicken burgers, especially when they’re done right. Honestly, I sometimes like them even more than classic beef burgers. And these Italian chicken burgers? They’re next-level good.

Worried they might be dry? Don’t be. Even though chicken is leaner, the secret to keeping the moisture in these burgers is all the flavorful ingredients like cheese, marinara, and onion, which keep them perfectly juicy and tender.

They’re not just delicious, they’re also super easy to make with a simple cooking process. Add these to your weekly menu and get ready for a dinner everyone will love.

With love (and lots of good eats), - Kim

Made this a few nights ago! We all loved them. The left over sauce was wonderful with pasta with another meal! Will definitely be a part of a regular go to meal.

— Joanne

What are the ingredients in a chicken burger?

This chicken burger recipe is simple and straightforward to make, and includes ingredients that add SO much flavor. Here’s what you’ll be needing:

You can find the measurements for this recipe in the recipe card below.

  • Ground chicken. You’ll need one pound of ground chicken to make 4 burgers. Ground turkey would totally work too. I think ground beef or ground bison would have too strong of a flavor and would not work well for this particular burger recipe.
  • Parmesan cheese. I recommend using freshly grated parmesan instead of the parmesan that comes out of the green jar, which often has caking agents in it. Fresh parmesan will also have the best flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs. Use any favorite panko bread crumbs for the binder (no egg needed). I like to use the ones already seasoned with Italian seasoning.
  • Marinara sauce. You can definitely go all out and make homemade marinara sauce, but to save time use a tasty jarred marinara.
  • Onion, garlic, parsley, salt & black pepper. These simple ingredients add tons of flavor and really bring the burgers to life. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can sub with 1/4 to 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  • Mozzarella cheese. A slice of mozzarella cheese on top for that classic Italian taste.
  • Hamburger buns. Feel free to use any favorite buns. I love thick, fluffy brioche buns!

Kim’s Recipe Tips

  • Do not over mix. When combining the ground chicken with the other ingredients, be careful not to over mix. You don’t want to end up with tough burgers.
  • Making patties. When forming the ground chicken mixture into patties, it helps to run your hands under water before you touch the meat. This prevents it from sticking to your hands.
  • Don’t press down the patties while cooking them. When you press down on burger patties while they are cooking, it presses out the natural juices and could make them dry.
  • Meat thermometer. It’s a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer, so you know exactly when your chicken burger is fully cooked. Temperature of the center should reach 165ºF.
  • Make ahead. You can make the patties up to 8 hours in advance and feel free to double the recipe, if you’re serving a crowd.
  • Grilled burgers. If you’d prefer, you can use the grill for cooking. Grill about 4 minutes on each side and until they are cooked through. Heat up the sauce in the skillet separately. Once the burgers are cooked, add them in with the sauce and add the cheese or you could just assemble the burger with all the fixings.
  • Toast buns. It’s an extra step, but it makes all the difference! I highly recommend buttering and toasting the hamburger buns before assembling the burgers.

How to Make Italian Chicken Burgers

Here are the visual instructions, jump down to find the full, printable recipe card.

Ground chicken in a bowl with parsley, breadcrumbs, cheese and marinara.

Step 1: Mix. In a medium to large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, onion, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and stir with a large spoon (or mix w/ your hands) until evenly combined.

Raw ground chicken patties on a parchment-lined plate.

Step 2: Form patties. Use slightly damp hands to evenly form 4 burger patties.

Burger patties cooking in an iron skillet.

Step 3: Cook. In a large pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Place patties in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, 4 to 5 minutes. 

Burger patties in marinara and topped with cheese in a skillet.

Step 4: Simmer. Flip and pour marinara around them in the pan. Bring to a simmer, reducing heat if the sauce starts bubbling too rapidly. Top each patty with mozzarella, then cover the pan and cook until cheese melts and the center of each patty is cooked through.

Italian chicken burger topped with mozzarella and garnished with basil.

Step 5: Assemble. Spoon extra sauce from the skillet onto the bottom halves of the toasted burger buns and place cooked chicken patty on top. Garnish with basil and top with remaining bun halves. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

You have the perfect Italian burger, now what are you going to serve with it? Here are some side options that pair wonderfully with this dish:

Storage Recommendations

  • Storing leftovers. Transfer leftover patties to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  • Reheating. For best results, reheat the patties in a hot skillet for a couple minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave because they’ll lose that wonderful texture.
  • Make ahead. Form patties ahead of time and store on a plate lined with parchment paper or a baking sheet in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
Italian burgers with marinara, mozzarella and basil.

More Italian Recipes to Try

spaghetti and meatballs served with garlic and bread and topped with fresh basil

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Spaghetti topped with a meat sauce on a white plate with a fork.

Italian Sausage Pasta
Mini pizzas on a wire rack topped with mini pepperonis and other assorted toppings.

Mini Pizzas
Baked chicken parmesan served over pasta and garnished with fresh basil.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

If you try this Italian chicken burgers recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, subscribe to our mailing list to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Italian Chicken Burgers topped with mozzarella.
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Italian Chicken Burgers

Yield: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
These Italian Chicken Burgers combine everything you love about chicken parmesan into one incredibly juicy, flavor packed patty. Simmered in marinara and smothered in melty mozzarella, this easy recipe is a guaranteed weeknight winner!
Author: Kim

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, (I used panko breadcrumbs w/ Italian seasoning)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or avocado oil
  • 4 slices Mozzarella cheese, (you can use grated instead, if preferred)
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • basil for garnish, optional

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Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper and stir with a large spoon (or mix w/ your hands) until evenly mixed. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Place patties in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, 4 to 5 minutes. Alternatively, grill the burgers for 4 minutes per side or until no longer pink.
  • Flip the patties, then immediately pour remaining marinara around them in the pan. Bring marinara to a simmer, reducing heat if the sauce is bubbling too rapidly. Top each patty with mozzarella, then cover pan and cook until cheese melts and chicken burger is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes more.
  • While the chicken is finishing cooking, gently toast buttered hamburger buns in a 350°F oven until buns are warmed through and lightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
  • To assemble the burgers, spoon extra sauce from the skillet onto the bottom halves of the burger buns and place burgers on top. Garnish with basil and top with remaining bun halves. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

*This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd. 
Gluten free option: Be sure to use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and hamburger buns. 
Make it lighter: Use light mozzarella cheese or leave the cheese off. Serve without buns and over a salad or alongside a ton of roasted veggies.
Make it dairy free: Be sure to use a dairy-free cheese option.
 Photos by Sasha at Eat Love Eats.
Author: Kim
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 1burger patty, Calories: 296kcal, Carbohydrates: 13.3g, Protein: 28.7g, Fat: 13.8g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 116.2mg, Sodium: 621.5mg, Potassium: 237.9mg, Fiber: 0.8g, Sugar: 4.4g, Vitamin A: 610IU, Vitamin C: 6.4mg, Calcium: 223mg, Iron: 2.7mg

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This recipe was first published July 2018 and was updated with new content and republished February 2021 and again on April 1, 2026.