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Italian Chicken Burger with Mozzarella and Pesto

Italian Chicken Burger combines seasoned ground chicken with Parmesan and herbs.Cook the patties until juicy and top with marinara and melted mozzarella.Serve on buns with pesto and fresh spinach or arugula.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American / Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • ¼ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons marinara sauce plus more for serving
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 tablespoons pesto
  • ½ cup baby spinach or arugula

Instructions
 

  • Add the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic, green onions, salt, and black pepper to a medium mixing bowl.
  • Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Add the ground chicken and gently combine with the other ingredients. Avoid excessively mixing or compressing the meat.
  • Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty.
  • Arrange the patties on a clean plate, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm the patties and allows the seasonings to develop.
  • When ready to cook, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken patties, leaving enough space between them for even browning.
  • Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip.
  • Continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, or until browned and the center of each burger reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Spoon approximately 1½ tablespoons marinara sauce over each Italian Chicken Burger patty.
  • Place one slice of mozzarella over the marinara on each burger.
  • Set the oven broiler to high. If your skillet is broiler-safe, carefully transfer it beneath the broiler. Otherwise, transfer the patties to a broiler-safe baking sheet first.
  • Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the mozzarella is melted and bubbling.
  • Spread approximately 1 tablespoon pesto over the cut side of each top bun.
  • Arrange spinach or arugula over each bottom bun.
  • Place a cheesy chicken patty over the greens.
  • Spoon additional warm marinara over the patty if desired.
  • Add the pesto-covered top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Ground turkey can replace ground chicken if desired.
For a spicier burger, add crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Baby spinach has a mild flavor, while arugula provides a more distinctive peppery bite. Either works well with mozzarella, marinara, and pesto.
If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, cook the patties completely on the stovetop, transfer them to a baking sheet, add the sauce and cheese, and then broil.