Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken Burgers Recipe

Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken Burgers Recipe: Smoky, Cheesy & Flavor-Packed Dish

I’ll be honest – I was skeptical about adding potatoes to my burger mix until I made these incredible Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken Burgers last weekend. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I’d discovered something special.

The shredded potato creates the most amazing texture, keeping the chicken incredibly moist while adding a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy BBQ sauce.

I’ve made regular chicken burgers countless times, but these blew me away with their juiciness and flavor depth. Trust me when I say these will become your new go-to summer grilling recipe!

Ingredients Section

• 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean) – Don’t go leaner than this or your burgers will be too dry. The small amount of fat is crucial for juicy results.
• 1 medium russet potato, finely shredded – I prefer russet potatoes for their starchy content, which helps bind the burgers while adding moisture. Squeeze out excess liquid after shredding.
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated – Always grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and binding.
• 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce – Choose a thick, quality BBQ sauce. I love using a smoky variety, but any favorite works well.
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced – The smaller the dice, the better it incorporates and cooks evenly throughout the burger.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential here. Garlic powder won’t provide the same aromatic punch.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – This adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip this! It enhances all the other flavors and helps bind the mixture.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best for maximum flavor impact.
• 4 hamburger buns – Choose sturdy buns that won’t fall apart when loaded with toppings.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously with one burger each, perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons) or your favorite vegan cheese shreds. Cashew-based varieties work exceptionally well.
• Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute regular potato with sweet potato for added natural sweetness and beta-carotene. The flavor profile becomes more complex and pairs beautifully with spicy BBQ sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1 finely minced jalapeño or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mixture. Balance the heat with a sweeter BBQ sauce.
• Herb Enhancement: Mix in 2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a fresher flavor profile.
• Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute, while lean ground beef creates a heartier version.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Box grater or food processor – For shredding the potato evenly and efficiently
• Large mixing bowl – To combine all ingredients without making a mess
• Clean kitchen towel – Essential for squeezing excess moisture from shredded potato
• Grill or grill pan – For cooking the burgers with perfect char marks
• Meat thermometer – Ensures burgers reach safe internal temperature of 165°F
• Spatula – Wide, sturdy spatula prevents burgers from breaking during flipping

How to Make Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken Burgers

Prepare the Potato

Start by washing and peeling your russet potato, then shred it using the largest holes on your box grater. Place the shredded potato in a clean kitchen towel and twist it tightly to form a bundle. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible – this step is crucial for preventing soggy burgers.

Mix the Burger Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed potato shreds, and grated cheddar cheese. The potato should be well-distributed throughout the mixture for even texture. Gently fold these ingredients together with your hands, being careful not to overmix which can make the burgers tough.

Add Seasonings and Sauce

Add the BBQ sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Mix everything together until just combined – the mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be overworked. The BBQ sauce acts as both a binder and flavor enhancer.

Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than your buns. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb – this prevents the burgers from puffing up during cooking. The patties should be about 3/4 inch thick for even cooking.

Preheat and Oil the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) and clean the grates thoroughly. Lightly oil the grates with a paper towel dipped in neutral oil to prevent sticking. This step is especially important with chicken burgers, which can be more delicate than beef.

Cook the Burgers

Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them to develop a good crust. Flip carefully and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The potato creates steam that keeps the meat incredibly moist throughout cooking.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

• I always make a small test patty first – Cook a small portion of the mixture to taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly before forming all the patties.
• My secret is chilling the patties – I refrigerate formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking, which helps them hold together better on the grill.
• I’ve learned that patience pays off – Don’t press down on the burgers while cooking, as this squeezes out all those delicious juices we worked hard to keep in.
• Double-check your potato prep – I can’t stress enough how important it is to remove moisture from the shredded potato. When I skip this step, my burgers turn out soggy.
• I always toast my buns – A quick toast on the grill adds texture and helps prevent the bottom bun from getting soggy from the burger juices.

How to Serve Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken Burgers?

These burgers shine when served on toasted brioche buns with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and red onion rings. The rich, smoky flavors pair beautifully with classic sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob. For an elevated presentation, add a dollop of garlic aioli or avocado slices.

Create a burger bar setup by offering various toppings like pickles, different cheese options, and multiple BBQ sauce varieties. The burgers also work wonderfully in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Serve alongside cold beer, lemonade, or iced tea for the perfect summer meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per burger (without bun and additional toppings):

• Calories: 285 calories per serving
• Protein: 28 grams of high-quality protein
• Carbohydrates: 12 grams from potato and vegetables
• Fat: 15 grams, mostly from cheese and natural chicken fat

Make Ahead and Storage

• Refrigerator Storage: Formed raw patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Place them on a plate with parchment paper between each patty and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
• Freezer Storage: Raw patties freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking, which takes about 24 hours.
• Reheating Cooked Burgers: Leftover cooked burgers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The potato helps maintain moisture even when reheated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are the top reasons this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen:

• Perfect for weeknight dinners – With just 27 minutes from start to finish, these burgers fit easily into busy schedules while delivering restaurant-quality flavor that impresses everyone at the table.
• Incredibly juicy and flavorful – The potato addition creates the most tender, moist chicken burgers I’ve ever made, while the cheddar and BBQ sauce provide layers of savory, tangy goodness in every bite.
• Easily customizable – Whether you need dairy-free options, want to add heat, or prefer different proteins, this recipe adapts beautifully to various dietary needs and flavor preferences without losing its amazing texture.
• Budget-friendly ingredients – Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground chicken and potatoes makes this an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
• Great for meal prep – The ability to make patties ahead and freeze them means you can always have a delicious, homemade dinner option ready in your freezer for those busy nights.