There’s something about biting into a burger that’s both creamy and tangy at once. Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers deliver exactly thatjuicy ground chicken patties loaded with sharp cheddar and ranch flavor, tucked into a soft bun with your favorite toppings.
I started making these back in 2019 when I was looking for a lighter burger option that didn’t sacrifice flavor. My daughter took one bite and said, “Mom, this tastes like a ranch explosion”and honestly, she wasn’t wrong. The trick is mixing the ranch seasoning right into the meat so every bite is packed with flavor, not just the surface.
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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Recipe Easy and Delicious
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers offer a juicy and flavorful twist on classic chicken patties. These easy-to-make burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts and everyone will love their cheesy ranch goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 3 garlic cloves smashed and minced
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- Buns
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Ranch dressing
- Additional veggies optional
Instructions
- Combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl and mix gently until combined.
- Prepare a surface lined with parchment paper and form the mixture into burger patties, shaping all before cooking.
- Heat a pan over medium heat with some oil and cook the patties for 6 to 8 minutes each side until cooked through.
- Assemble the cooked patties on buns with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, ranch dressing, and any desired extra vegetables.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the burgers while they’re hot and juicy.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the patty ingredients to keep the burgers tender
- If the mixture is sticky, wet your hands to shape patties more easily or chill them before cooking
- You can cook the patties on the stovetop, grill, or in the oven for slight texture variations
- Customize toppings freely with avocado, pickles, or onions
- Store leftovers properly and reheat gently to retain juiciness
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
Why You’ll Love These Burgers
These patties bring everything you want in a weeknight dinnerquick, flavorful, and totally customizable. The ranch seasoning does most of the heavy lifting, so you don’t need a long ingredient list or fancy techniques.
- Juicy and tender: Ground chicken stays moist thanks to the egg and bread crumbs mixed right in.
- Packed with flavor: Ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese make every bite tangy and satisfying.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the mild, familiar flavors, and you can dial up toppings to suit everyone.
- Versatile: Cook them on the stovetop, grill, or even bake themwhatever fits your schedule.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is straightforward and easy to find at your regular grocery store. The magic happens when you mix them togetherranch seasoning and cheddar cheese turn simple ground chicken into something special.
- Ground chicken: The base of your patty. It’s leaner than beef but stays juicy with the right mix-ins.
- Ranch seasoning mix: This is your flavor powerhouse. One packet does all the work.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and a little saltiness that balances the ranch perfectly.
- Plain bread crumbs: Helps bind everything and keeps the patties from falling apart.
- Egg, garlic, and onion: These work together to hold moisture and add depth.
Pro Tip: Finely dice your onion so it melts into the pattyno one wants a big onion crunch mid-bite.
How to Make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
The process is simple: mix, shape, cook. The trick is not to overmix your patty mixture, or you’ll end up with dense burgers. Just combine until everything is evenly distributed, then get them onto your hot pan.
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Mix gently. | 3 min |
| 2 | Shape into 6 equal patties on parchment paper. Wet your hands if the mixture feels sticky. | 5 min |
| 3 | Preheat a pan over medium heat with a little oil. Cook patties 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked. | 12–16 min |
| 4 | Assemble on buns with bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing. Add any other toppings you like. | 2 min |
Note: If you’re grilling, oil the grates well and handle the patties gentlythey’re more delicate than beef.
Tips for Perfect Patties Every Time
After years of testing chicken burgers, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference. The biggest one? Don’t press down on the patties while they cookit squeezes out all the juices.
- Chill before cooking: If your mixture feels too soft, pop the shaped patties in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Use a light hand: Overmixing makes the meat tough. Stir just until combined.
- Check for doneness: Chicken should reach 165°F inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open to checkno pink should remain.
- Let them rest: Give cooked patties a minute or two before assembling so they hold together better.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers.
| Ingredient | Swap Option |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | Ground turkey works great and has a similar texture |
| Cheddar cheese | Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor |
| Plain bread crumbs | Use panko for extra crunch or crushed crackers in a pinch |
| Ranch seasoning mix | Make your own with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt |
| Buns | Lettuce wraps, pretzel buns, or even English muffins all work |
Serving and Storage Tips
These burgers are best served hot and fresh, but they’re also great for meal prep. I like to cook a double batch and freeze half for busy nights when I don’t feel like cooking.
- Serve with: Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple side salad. Pickles and chips are classic too.
- Store cooked patties: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
- Freeze for later: Wrap cooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Uncooked patties: You can also freeze shaped, uncooked patties. Just layer them with parchment paper and cook from frozenadd a few extra minutes per side.
Pro Tip: If reheating, add a splash of water to the pan and cover with a lid to keep the patties from drying out.
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How I Finally Perfected My Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers took me longer than I’d like to admit to get right. My first few attempts were either too dry or fell apart on the grill, but after testing different cheese ratios and mixing techniques, I finally landed on a version that’s juicy, flavorful, and holds together beautifully.
FAQs ( Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers )
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe. Use 93/7 lean ground turkey for the best texture and flavor. The cooking time remains the same, but turkey may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness at 18 minutes.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the boldest flavor that pairs beautifully with ranch seasoning. Medium cheddar works well too if you prefer milder taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly – freshly grated melts better.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Don’t overmix the meat when combining ingredients – this makes patties tough. Chill formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold together. Make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing.
Can I make these on an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, adding cheese during the last 2 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What toppings complement this dish best?
Crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and red onion are classic choices. Avocado, bacon, or pickles add extra flavor layers. A drizzle of additional ranch dressing ties everything together perfectly on a toasted brioche bun.

You’ll love how these Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers turn outgolden on the outside, juicy inside, with that perfect creamy-tangy bite in every forkful. They come together in under thirty minutes, which is a lifesaver on those nights when everyone’s hungry and patience is thin. The aroma alone will have your family hovering around the kitchen before you even finish plating.
If you want to lighten things up, swap the regular bun for a whole wheat one or go bunless with extra veggies on the side. A trick I picked up from meal prepping: freeze the cooked patties flat, then reheat them straight from frozen in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep them moist. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños or swap cheddar for pepper jack if your crew likes a little heat.
I’d love to see how yours turn outsnap a photo and tag us, or leave a comment about your favorite burger topping combo. Did you grow up with backyard cookouts and piled-high burgers, or are you creating new traditions with your own family? Either way, save this recipe for your next gathering or that random Tuesday when you need something easy and satisfying. Here’s to simple, flavorful dinners that bring everyone to the table.










