These ROSEMARY CHICKEN BURGERS are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs and spices for the perfect bite. With a blend of Dijon, Worcestershire, and fresh rosemary, they bring a delicious twist to a classic burger while keeping things light and healthy. Whether grilled or pan-seared, they’re an easy go-to for a quick, satisfying meal!
There’s something special about a meal that brings back childhood memories. Growing up, my mom used to make the most incredible rosemary-infused chicken burgers, and every time she did, the whole house smelled amazing. It was one of those meals that felt comforting yet elevated—simple ingredients coming together in a way that made every bite delicious. When my wife and I were looking for a lighter burger option to add to our weeknight rotation, I knew we had to recreate that familiar taste from my childhood.
After some experimenting, we landed on this version, and it has become a go-to in our kitchen. Fresh rosemary adds a bold, herby kick, while Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of mayo keep the patties incredibly juicy and flavorful. The combination of onion, garlic, and jalapeño brings just the right amount of heat and depth without overpowering the star of the show—the chicken itself. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these burgers turn out tender, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly satisfying.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can keep it classic with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or take it up a notch with avocado, caramelized onions, or even a slice of melty cheese. We love serving them on a toasted bun, but they’re just as good wrapped in lettuce or over a bed of greens for a lower-carb option. No matter how you enjoy them, these Rosemary Chicken Burgers are proof that simple, home-cooked meals can be just as special as the ones you grew up with.
IN THIS RECIPE...
What do I need to make this recipe?
- GROUND CHICKEN – Lean yet flavorful, ground chicken is the perfect base for these burgers. Ground turkey works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- YELLOW OR SWEET ONION – Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the patties while enhancing the overall flavor.
- JALAPEÑO PEPPER – Brings a subtle heat to balance the richness of the burger. Feel free to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor.
- GARLIC – Freshly minced garlic infuses the patties with bold, aromatic flavor.
- BREADCRUMBS – Helps bind the mixture together while keeping the burgers light and tender. Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra seasoning.
- EGG – Acts as a binder to hold everything together, ensuring the burgers don’t fall apart while cooking.
- MAYONNAISE – Adds richness and keeps the patties incredibly moist. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE – A touch of umami that deepens the overall flavor.
- DIJON MUSTARD – Brings a subtle tanginess that enhances the rosemary and garlic.
- KOSHER SALT & BLACK PEPPER – Essential seasonings that bring out the best in all the other ingredients.
- FRESH ROSEMARY – The star of the show! This herb adds a bold, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- HAMBURGER BUNS – Soft, toasted buns provide the perfect vessel for these juicy burgers.
- OPTIONAL TOPPINGS – Classic choices like lettuce, tomato, and mayo work great, but feel free to add avocado, cheese, or caramelized onions for an extra boost of flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. PREPARE THE BURGER MIXTURE
Start by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic and jalapeño. You want these ingredients to blend seamlessly into the burgers, so chopping them finely is key. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the onion, jalapeño, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. Mix everything thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Add the ground chicken to the bowl and use your hands or a spatula to gently mix everything together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture—overmixing can make the burgers tough instead of juicy. To test for seasoning, take a teaspoon of the mixture, microwave it for 15-20 seconds until fully cooked, and taste. If needed, adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings before shaping the patties.
2. SHAPE THE PATTIES
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently shape them into burger patties. Press a small divot into the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps them cook evenly without puffing up in the middle. If the mixture is sticking to your hands, wet them slightly with cold water before forming the patties.
3. COOK THE BURGERS
Preheat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. If using a pan, lightly grease it with a little oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, place the patties in the pan or on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on the first side without pressing down on them—this allows a nice crust to form. Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each patty during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Cover the pan or close the grill lid to help the cheese melt perfectly.
4. ASSEMBLE AND SERVE
Toast your burger buns for extra flavor and texture. Spread a little mayonnaise on the bottom bun, then place your rosemary chicken burger on top. Add your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, or even some caramelized onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, like sweet potato fries, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Common Mistakes to Avoid!
1. Overmixing the Burger Mixture
It’s tempting to mix the ingredients until they are completely uniform, but overworking the ground chicken can lead to dense, tough burgers. Gently combine everything until just mixed—this keeps the patties tender and juicy.
2. Skipping the Seasoning Test
Since ground chicken can be a little bland on its own, seasoning is key. Before shaping all your patties, take a teaspoon of the mixture and cook it quickly in the microwave or on a small pan. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
3. Not Making a Small Indentation in the Patties
Pressing a small divot in the center of each patty helps them cook evenly without bulging in the middle. This ensures a flat, perfectly shaped burger that fits nicely on your bun.
4. Pressing Down on the Patties While Cooking
It’s tempting to press down on the burgers with a spatula to hear that satisfying sizzle, but doing so squeezes out the juices, leading to drier burgers. Let them cook undisturbed on each side for the best results.
5. Skipping the Resting Time
Let the cooked patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, keeping every bite flavorful and moist.
Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll have perfectly juicy, flavorful rosemary chicken burgers every time!
Related Recipes
Rosemary Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken ground turkey works as well
- ½ medium yellow or sweet onion finely diced
- ½ jalapeño pepper minced
- 4 garlic cloves minced or crushed
- ¼ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg whisked
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or other mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary minced
- 4 hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: cheese lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, and/or mustard
Instructions
- Place the onion, jalapeño, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and rosemary in a medium mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. Add the ground chicken and stir to combine until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix or you could get tough burgers.½ medium yellow or sweet onion, ½ jalapeño pepper, 4 garlic cloves, ¼ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, 1 pound ground chicken
- Place about a teaspoon of the mixture on a plate and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds until cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Shape the chicken mixture into 4 patties, pressing a small divot in the center of each patty so the burgers don’t shrink as they cook.
- Place the patties in the preheated pan and cook for 4-6 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes or until completely cooked through and the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If you are adding cheese, place it on top of your patties in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Once fully cooked, place the burgers on the buns, adding toppings as desired, serve, and enjoy!Optional toppings: cheese, 4 hamburger buns