When you’ve got a craving for a juicy burger with a twist, there’s nothing quite like Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers. These delightful creations combine the juiciness of seasoned ground chicken, the crispy goodness of bacon, and the creamy richness of ranch, all nestled between soft brioche buns. Imagine biting into a mouthwatering burger where each layer perfectly complements the others. The crunch of fresh lettuce adds texture while the cheese oozes deliciously over the patties, completing this comfort food gem.
I first stumbled upon this culinary delight during a casual cookout with friends. As we flipped burgers, someone suggested we try a chicken version, and boy, did it turn heads! The combination of familiar flavors but in a fun, casual format makes Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers not just a meal, but an experience. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, feeding the family on a busy weeknight, or simply treating yourself, these smashburgers will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire. You’ve got to give them a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 70 minutes, with most of the time spent cooking the bacon!
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch is impossible to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Each burger is stacked high with fresh ingredients; they look as good as they taste!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual gatherings, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Use gluten-free buns or skip the cheese for lighter variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 slices bacon: The crispy bacon adds texture and salty richness that enhances the overall flavor of the burger. Use thick-cut for extra crunch.
- 1 pound ground chicken: A leaner alternative to beef, making these burgers a great choice for a lighter meal without sacrificing taste.
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning: This spice mix brings that beloved ranch flavor right into the chicken. You can substitute with homemade ranch spice if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: Healthier than other cooking oils, it also has a high smoke point perfect for searing. Can be swapped with olive oil if necessary.
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese: Creamy and melty, this cheese complements the chicken beautifully. Feel free to replace it with your favorite cheese.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh crispness to each bite. Iceberg or romaine works well, but use whatever you love!
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling: A key flavor component that ties the whole burger together. Use homemade for the best taste or your favorite store-bought brand.
- 4 to 8 brioche buns: Soft and slightly sweet, these buns cradle the flavors perfectly. For gluten-free options, seek out quality gluten-free buns.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Bake the Bacon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the bacon strips. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and then bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. The aroma is intoxicating!
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: While the bacon is cooking, season the ground chicken with ranch seasoning. If your ranch seasoning isn’t salty enough, feel free to add some salt and pepper for extra flavor. Divide the chicken into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Heat the Skillet: In a cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, which should take just a minute.
- Smash the Burgers: Place each chicken ball in the skillet, and press down with the back of a glass or jar sprayed with non-stick spray to flatten it as thin as you can. Repeat this with 2-3 more balls, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet.
- Cook the Patties: Allow each patty to cook for 2-3 minutes before flipping gently, and then press this side down with the clean glass. Cook for another 2 minutes to get a good sear.
- Melt the Cheese: Place a slice of white cheddar on top of each patty and let it melt for another 1-2 minutes. Once melted and gooey, transfer the burgers to a plate and repeat the process for the remaining chicken.
- Assemble the Burgers: Begin with a handful of shredded lettuce on the bottom half of a brioche bun. Stack on 2 patties (or just 1 if you’re feeling moderate), add 1 to 2 slices of crispy bacon, drizzle ranch dressing generously, and crown with the top half of the bun. The perfect bite awaits!
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option—allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop in the microwave for about 30 seconds, though the texture may lose some of its crispiness. To refresh, consider adding a quick crisp in the skillet after microwaving.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding your skillet when cooking the patties; work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for food safety.
- For an even better flavor, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes after seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld.
- If grilling outside, consider using a grill mat to keep your patties from falling apart on the grates.
- Want a kick? Mix some hot sauce into your ranch dressing or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the ranch seasoning!
With these Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers at your fingertips, there’s no reason to settle for basic patties again. The flavor packs such a punch that your taste buds will be dancing! Feel free to experiment with various toppings or sides. You might find that the combination of flavors easily becomes your new favorite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a wonderful substitute for the ground chicken. Just be sure to check that it’s seasoned well, as turkey tends to be milder in flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers gluten-free, simply use gluten-free brioche buns and ensure that the ranch dressing and seasoning you’re using are also gluten-free.
Can I grill these burgers instead of using a skillet?
Yes! These smashburgers can be grilled for added flavor and that lovely char. Just be sure to handle them carefully, as they can be delicate.
How can I customize the toppings?
The beauty of smashburgers is their versatility! Feel free to add tomatoes, pickles, or even avocado for extra creaminess. You could also switch the ranch for a barbecue sauce if you feel like mixing things up.
Give these Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers
Treat yourself to these Chicken Bacon Ranch Smashburgers featuring juicy ground chicken, crispy bacon, and a delightful ranch dressing. Simple to prepare, these burgers offer an irresistible flavor and are perfect for a quick dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- ranch dressing, for drizzling
- 4 to 8 brioche buns
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the bacon on top.
- Bake the bacon for 10 minutes, then flip and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
- While the bacon cooks, prepare the chicken burgers by seasoning the ground chicken with ranch seasoning.
- Divide the seasoned chicken into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
- Heat avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Press each chicken ball into the skillet to form a thin patty using a glass sprayed with non-stick spray.
- After 2 to 3 minutes, carefully flip the burger and press the other side. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each burger and let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes more before removing from the skillet. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- To assemble, place shredded lettuce on the bottom of a brioche bun, add 2 chicken patties (or 1), top with 1 to 2 slices of bacon, drizzle with ranch dressing, and finish with the top bun.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to your taste.
For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the burger assembly.
These burgers can be served with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
