Apple Cheddar Chicken Burgers Are an Unexpected Game-Changer
Upgrade your burger game with our Apple Cheddar Chicken Burgers. Juicy chicken patties, melted cheddar, and a hint of sweetness from the apples. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
If you’re craving a juicy chicken burger with a little sweet-and-savory twist, these apple cheddar chicken burgers. They are such a fun recipe to add to your weeknight dinner or backyard cookout lineup. The crisp apple keeps the patties tender. The sharp cheddar adds that melty, cozy flavor every good burger needs. Try serving them piled onto toasted buns with crispy buttermilk onion rings on the side and a creamy dill pickle dip for dunking. They turn this easy chicken burger recipe into a full, crave-worthy meal you’d find at a pricey burger joint.
This was the October burger challenge recipe. The October challenge included creating a burger with apples, squash, ancho chile pepper, and buttermilk. Yeah. It’s a motley assortment of ingredients. But, then again, they’re all a motley assortment of ingredients. That’s kind of the point of the group.
I was late posting it because I didn’t get the squash part of the challenge taken care of. Initially, I planned on making pumpkin buns. Me and bread don’t have such a great working relationship. I love to eat it but it hates when I try to make it. One of these days I will take a bread baking class and figure it all out. Or just decide that it’s a problem I want to solve and just keep trying until I figure it out.
Where do burgers come from?
Burgers are a staple in American cuisine and have been for decades. Their origins date back to the late 19th century. A doctor named Salisbury suggested people with digestive issues eat cooked ground beef patties. These “Salisbury steaks” became popular with other physicians.
While there are some controversies over who invented the hamburger, how it became popular is not controversial. The St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904 introduced this new fangled food. It became a popular choice for fast, satisfying meals. There was a slight dip in popularity with the publication of The Jungle which detailed the less than savory parts of meat packing during that time.
However, over the years, the burger has bounced back. It has even evolved to include a variety of proteins, from turkey and fish to meatless veggie patties. This makes for endless possibilities of flavor combinations. This evolution has led to unique flavor combinations like the apple cheddar chicken burger.
What does combining chicken and apples taste like?
Some cuisines pair apples and pork together. So, I thought why not apples and chicken? Chicken is light in flavor like pork. It makes a burger delicious especially if you include added moisture to the ground meat. That’s what makes the apples perfect for chicken; it adds moisture to the burger.
The sweetness of the apples also complements the savory chicken. This combination creates a delicious balance that tantalizes the taste buds and is a refreshing twist to the classic burger. This new flavor sensation is a a must-try combination for anyone looking to experience unique and delicious burger.
Ingredients for these apple cheddar chicken burgers
Ground chicken
Produce – apples, Vidalia onion, zucchini
Pantry ingredients – garlic powder, black pepper, ancho chile pepper powder, poultry seasoning, bread crumbs, hamburger buns
Dairy – buttermilk, cheddar cheese
Instructions to make this burger recipe
If you don’t have ground chicken you can easily make some by pulsing some chicken breasts or, in this case, chicken thighs. Pulse until the chicken a few times until it’s in large pieces. Add the apple, onion, and spices to the chicken mixture and pulse a few more times until the chicken is coarsely ground then put the mixture into a mixing bowl.
This burger has additional moisture from moistened breadcrumbs. Combine the breadcrumbs with the buttermilk and let them soak for 5 minutes before stirring in some shredded cheddar cheese. Fold this mixture into the chicken mixture making sure not to overmix everything. Form the chicken into 4 patties and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook and serve the burger.
Preheat your grill to high heat and add the burgers, cooking 5o to 7 minutes on each side. Make sure to turn them a quarter turn halfway through the cooking time on each side. This creates those epic burger grill marks. When the burgers are almost done, put more shredded cheddar cheese on top and let the cheese melt. Remove the burgers to a plate and tent with foil to let them rest.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Burger
When it comes to cooking the perfect burger, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your burger game to the next level. First, make sure your grill or skillet is preheated to the right temperature and that it’s coated with oil so the burgers don’t stick. Resist the urge to press down on the patties while they cook. It’s okay to press them right after putting them on the heat, but don’t press down as they’re cooking because this can cause the juices to escape and make for a dry burger.
Avoid flipping the burgers too frequently. This can prevent the burger from caramelizing which seals in the juices. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice sear and lock in the flavor. Don’t overcook your burgers. If you’re not sure, check the temperature with a thermometer. These chicken burgers should be pulled at 165 because carryover cooking while they rest will bring it to 170 F.
How to Elevate Your Burger Experience
This burger already is elevated with the combination of apples and chicken all topped with homemade zucchini chips. But if you want to elevate it even more, try adding some caramelized onions, avocado slices, or spicy aioli. With the ancho chili powder, some guacamole or even a lime crema would be the perfect topping for this burger.
Try changing up the bun. A sweet brioche bun would highlight the sweetness of the apple. Or maybe a onion bun to bring out the Vidalia onions in the mixture. Or a fun pretzel bun that can stand up all the toppings of this burger. I’m always fond of potato buns for burgers because they have a denser texture which stands up to this burger. Another favorite of mine is a ciabatta bun like the one I used in this lamb burger.
What do apple cheddar chicken burgers taste like?
For those that say chicken burgers are dry I’m here to tell you these are not dry. The moistened breadcrumbs, the apples, and the onions make sure of that. They all combine for this sweet and savory flavor in your mouth that is just delicious. And I’m not a huge sweet and savory person. But these burgers were on the menu at least twice. They were that good.
The ancho chile pepper adds a nice little kick you’re not expecting. So does the Cabot seriously sharp Cheddar cheese. You don’t expect flecks of cheese throughout the burger like that. It does make for a rather intoxicating aroma as they’re cooking, though. Finally, the zucchini chips bring an earthiness to the burger you’re not quite expecting. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re microwave zucchini chips.
Apple Cheddar Chicken Burgers
Upgrade your burger game with our Apple Cheddar Chicken Burgers. Juicy chicken patties, melted cheddar, and a hint of sweetness from the apples. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in 2 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped Gala apple
- 1/3 cup chopped Vidalia onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ancho chile pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 cup Cabot Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 large zucchini (at least 2 inches in diameter and 7 to 8 inches long)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Toppings of choice
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor, add the chicken and pulse a few times.
- Add the apple and next five ingredients (Vidalia onion through poultry seasoning) to the chicken mixture. Pulse a few more times until it is coarsely ground. Put in a mixing bowl.
- Combine the bread crumbs with the buttermilk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Using a spatula, fold in bread crumb mixture and 1 cup of the Cabot Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.
- Form the mixture into 4 patties and refrigerate.
- Slice the ends off the zucchini. Using a mandolin, slice the zucchini into 1/8-inch-thick rounds.
- Spray a large microwave safe plate with cooking spray. Place one layer of the zucchini slices onto the plate.
- Microwave on high 4 1/2 to 6 minutes (depending on the wattage of your microwave). Watch the zucchini carefully after the 4-minute mark to make sure they don’t burn.
- Carefully remove the plate from the microwave and remove the zucchini slices to rack to cool. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.
- Preheat a grill on high heat.
- Remove the burgers from the refrigerator and place on the grill. Cook on high heat 5 to 7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160.
- Using a jar lid, pile 1/4 cup cheese on top of the 4 burgers. Cover and let the cheese melt 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the burgers to rest.
- While the burgers are resting, prepare the buns with your choice of toppings. I prefer mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
- Place the burgers on the tops and top with the zucchini chips before serving.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 863Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 25gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 251mgSodium 1279mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 3gSugar 8gProtein 63g
Awesome Apple Recipes
- Apple Cheddar Chicken Burgers from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Apple Fritter Bites from That Recipe
- Caramel Apple Sago from Magical Ingredients
- Cinnamon Fried Apples from Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
- How to Make Apple Pie Spice from Jen Around the World
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you’re at it, join our Pinterest board, too!
More Delicious Burger Recipes
Juicy Lucy Thanksgiving Sliders
Leftover cranberry sauce and cheese from your charcuterie board combines to make Juicy Lucy Thanksgiving Sliders! A fun and delicious lunch for the family.
Carolina Chicken Burgers
Carolina Chicken Burgers have all the flavors of delicious Carolina mustard barbecue sauce in the burger. It’s a deliciously mustard kick to a regular chicken burger.
ULTIMATE Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt
Not just any patty melt, this ULTIMATE Mushroom Swiss Patty Melt has a different twist on the traditional sandwich with shallots, oyster mushrooms, baby Swiss, and Parmesan coated, extra crispy bread.
French Onion Soup Burger
The caramelized onions make this French Onion Soup Burger over the top. It's a labor of love but makes for one killer burger.
Chalupa Burger
Looking for a burger that's anything but basic? Try the Chalupa Burger. It's bold, flavorful and will take your taste buds on an adventure.
Barbecued Pork Burgers
Barbecued Pork Burgers not only have barbecue sauce, but also a Smoky Honey seasoning bland that makes them smoky and sweet.
Hamburger and Hotdog Spiedini Hoagies
Tired of the same old burgers and hotdogs at your cookouts? Switch things up with our Hamburger and Hotdog Spiedini Hoagies and elevate your grilling game!
Truffle Smashburger
Truffle Smashburgers are quick and easy to whip up any time. The American classic gets glammed up with truffle Cheddar cheese.
Hot Brown Burger
The Hot Brown Burger is a double decker turkey burger topped with bacon, tomato, and a rich cheddar Mornay sauce. Grab a bib because this burger is deliciously messy.
Double Decker Brunch Burger
Double Decker Brunch Burger is just that. Brunch on a bun. It starts with two smashed patties topped with cheese. The top layer has a fried egg and bacon and there’s a waffle in the middle making it an epic double decker burger.
Chorizo and Mushroom Wagyu Burger
Chorizo and Mushroom Wagyu Burger are decadent, topped with rich mushrooms and chorizo with melted Emmental cheese on top. There’s a kicked up mushroom Swiss burger for sure!
Carne Asada Burger with Chipotle Guacamole
Upgrade your next BBQ with this flavorful Sink Your Teeth Into a Carne Asada Burger with Chipotle Guacamole. Say goodbye to bland patties and hello to juicy and flavorful!
Spicy Bulgogi Burger
Spicy Bulgogi Burger is packed with garlic and ginger flavor, spicy Asian sauce, and topped with thinly sliced carrots and radishes. It’s a flavor and texture packed yum on a bun!
Garbage Plate Burger
The Garbage Plate Burger is my homage to the college town I lived in for 5 years. The Garbage Plate is an icon in that area, and for good reason!
Other White Meat Burgers
Since chickpeas, black beans, and lentils are common in veggie burgers, I took mine a different route. These Other White Meat Burgers are made with delicious and delicate cannelini beans.
Italian Sausage Parmesan Burger on Texas Toast
Italian sausage and ground pork come together in this Italian Sausage Parmesan Burger. It's packed with Italian flavors, topped with cheese, and sits on top of spaghetti and Texas toast garlic bread. #BurgerMonth
Mozzarella Stuffed Mushroom Burger
Inspired by the Shake Shack mushroom burger, this Mozzarella Stuffed Mushroom Burger is moist, delicious, and stuffed with the perfect amount of cheese.
Rabbit Sausage Burger
Rabbit Sausage Burger with Carrot Horseradish Aioli packs some serious flavors! Inspired by a burger challenge, this is one stellar burger that tastes amazing. @igourmet
Corned Beef Hash Burger
Corned Beef Hash Burger is just what you’re thinking. Corned beef laced burger topped with crispy potatoes and a friend egg. Not to mention the sautéed cabbage and stout mustard seed dijonnaise.
Chicken Piccata Burger with Roasted Radish Aioli
Chicken Piccata Burgers have a hint of lemon, fresh spinach, grated onion, and capers. Yes, capers are in the burger. It’s topped with a delicious roasted radish aioli.
Asian Inspired Short Rib Burger
Asian Inspired Short Rib Burger has soy, ginger, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce. It's topped with braised short ribs marinated with lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce and crispy fennel chips. It's packs mouthful after delicious mouthful of flavor.
Mole Burger with Avocado Salsa
Give burger night a bold new twist! This juicy mole spiced burger layers smoky ancho chile, cocoa, cumin, and cinnamon with a bright, chunky avocado salsa. It is fresh, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight. Serve it with crisp toppings and your favorite fries or slaw.
Kentucky Burger with Bourbon Onions and Pimento Beer Cheese
Kentucky Burger with Bourbon Onions and Pimento Beer Cheese is an homage to my family and childhood memories. From the pimento cheese combined with beer cheese to the bourbon onions and pickled okra topping everything on this burger reminds me of home. #BurgerMonth
Turkapple Burgers with Yumback Sauce
Take a bite of heaven with Turkapple Burgers and our mouth-watering Yumback Sauce. The ultimate summer grilling combo.
Greek Lamb Burgers with Blistered Tomatoes and Tzatziki Spread
Greek Lamb Burgers have all the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean in one bite! Plus, the blistered tomatoes and Tzatziki spread take them to the next level!
Bacon Cheeseburger Mini Meatloaf Patties
Attention all bacon enthusiasts! These Bacon Cheeseburger Mini Meatloaf Patties are a must-try. Full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any gathering. Don't miss out on this perfect combination of cheeseburger and meatloaf.
Greek Style Burgers
Greek Style Burgers are packed with flavor and perfect for your next BBQ. Filled with Mediterranean flavors including sun-dried tomatoes, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Fajita Burgers
Packed with fajita seasoning and tasty vegetables, these Chicken Fajita Burgers are not only tasty, but healthy, too!
Chipotle Chicken Burgers
Satisfy your cravings and spice up your meal with our mouth-watering Chipotle Chicken Burgers! They're bold and flavorful, guaranteed to shake up your burger game!
Green Chile Quinoa Burgers
Looking for a healthier burger option? Try Green Chile Quinoa Burgers, packed with protein, flavor, and all the spicy goodness of green chiles.
Chicken Apple Brat Burgers
Step up your burger game with our Chicken Apple Brat Burgers - a delicious twist on a classic dish. Juicy, flavorful and perfect for any summer BBQ or tailgate party.
Thai Red Curry Shrimp Burger with Blueberry Chutney
Thai Red Curry Shrimp Burger is a perfect blend of fresh shrimp and fragrant Thai red curry. This burger is sure to please seafood lovers with its combination of bold flavors and tender texture.
Authentic Loco Moco Hawaiian Burger
This Authentic Loco Moco Hawaiian Burger sits on top of a rice patty and traditional Hawaiian macaroni salad and is topped with the rich beef gravy and a sunny side up egg.
Mushroom Swiss Mushroom Swiss Burgers
Burgers are the epitome of the welcome mat to summer. Just walk right on in, grab a bun, some chips or potato salad, a burger, and have a seat at the picnic table.
Courgette and Ricotta Falafel Burgers
Falafel meets zucchini fritter in this recipe mash up. Courgette and Ricotta Falafel Burgers are healthy, delicious, and perfect for a meatfree meal!
Satay Burger with Tamarind Fig Peanut Sauce
Satay Burger with Tamarind Fig Peanut Sauce has a juicy pork patty topped with a complex tamarind fig satay sauce that's irresistible! The sweet tamarind and fig is paired with the salty soy and oyster sauces with a kick of ginger.
Pork Taco Burgers with Red Hot Pickled Mangoes
What do you make with pork, avocado, mango, and red hots? Pork Taco Burgers with Red Hot Mango Pickles topped with avocado crema. @redduckfoods @CabotCheese
Hot Hamburger
Experience the rich flavors of Hot Hamburger (Salisbury Steak) with this simple and satisfying dish. Each patty is cooked to perfection and topped with flavorful gravy, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals or special occasions.
Hot Hamburger Hoagie
Forget about boring old burgers. Step up your burger game with a hot hamburger hoagie! Stuffed with satueed ground beef, gooey cheese, and loaded with all your favorite toppings. Trust us, you won't be able to put it down
This Pizza Burger Bomb is layered with pizza flavors
This Pizza Burger Bomb combines a fun dinner roll with a delicious hamburger. A seared burger gets a topping of pizza sauce, pepperoni, and cheese and a wrapping of delicious pizza dough for a fun twist on a burger.
This is a tasty and lovely meal! That zuchchini crisp on top is inviting.
Thank you! The zucchini crisps were so fun to make.
Yum! I love the apple, cheddar, and chicken combination for a sandwich!
Thank you!
Love that the apple and cheese are mixed into the burger, and the zucchini chip garnish is absolutely awesome!
Thank you! They give the chicken so much flavor and moisture.
What a delicious burger! I love the addition of apple and of course the Cabot’s Seriously Sharp Cheddar is a perfect pairing!
Thank you! The sweet apples and sharp cheese have been a family tradition. Apple pie and their Vermont sharp cheddar was always put together.
The flavor combo of apple and Vidalia onions can’t help but to be delicious! Your burger recipe is unique and sound yummy.
Thank you! I have a weakness for Vidalia onions. They’re so mild and delicious.
I remember you posting this in the group and I’m so excited to finally see the recipe!
I tried to share the burgers I didn’t post but mostly make burgers for the months I missed. These were so delicious! Even as leftovers.
Those chips are fabulous and the cheese oozing over the burger is calling my name. Gorgeous bun too.
Thank you! I didn’t make the bun. But I’m inspired to try your kaiser rolls!
I’ve realized with all these Burger Month burgers that I forget that chicken can be turned into a burger. Thank you for reminding me and giving me a recipe to sink my teeth into!
You’re welcome! I’ve made shrimp, chicken, turkey, pork, and beef burgers. I attempted a cod one but the cod wasn’t that great. It was a fail. But it’s a challenge I need to complete.
Those squash chips I am sure are awesome with this burger! Great idea!
Thank you! They add great crunch and flavor to the burger.
Oh my! Apples and cheddar with chicken has me swooning! And those zucchini chips are the perfect topper. So great!! ?
Thank you!