Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger

The Inspiration

The idea for the Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger came to me during a summer BBQ. I wanted to create something that combined my love for Thai flavors with the classic American burger. Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger, with its juicy chicken patty, tangy pickled veggies, and vibrant cabbage slaw, was born out of this inspiration. The thought of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one bite excited me.

The Preparation

Preparing the Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger is a delightful experience. First, I mix ground chicken with scallions, ginger, soy sauce, and basil to form the patties. The aroma of fresh ginger and herbs is truly intoxicating. As the patties sizzle on the pan, I start preparing the pickled veggies. The combination of cucumber and Fresno chiles with lime juice and brown sugar creates a refreshing contrast to the savory patties.

The Assembly

Assembling the Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger is the most satisfying part. I spread a generous amount of sweet chili mayo on the toasted brioche buns, followed by the perfectly cooked chicken patties. Then, I add a heap of vibrant cabbage slaw and the pickled veggies. The layers of flavors and textures come together beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.

The Taste

When I finally take a bite of the Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger, I am transported to a world of vibrant flavors. The juicy chicken patty, the crunch of the cabbage slaw, and the tangy pickled veggies create a perfect harmony. The sweet chili mayo ties everything together, adding a hint of sweetness and spice. It’s a burger that never fails to impress, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive grill-out party.

Chef’s Notes- Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger

• Mixing the Chicken Patties: When mixing the ground chicken, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, tamarind puree, and basil, ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Overmixing can result in tough patties, so combine the ingredients just until mixed.
• Forming the Patties: To ensure even cooking, make sure the patties are of uniform thickness. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking while shaping the patties.
• Cooking the Patties: Use a nonstick pan to avoid the patties sticking and breaking apart. Cooking on medium heat helps achieve a golden-brown crust while ensuring the inside is cooked through without burning the outside.
• Pickled Veggies and Slaw: Let the pickled veggies sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a crunchier slaw, prepare it just before assembling the burgers.
• Add Spice: If you like a spicier burger, add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mixture or the sweet chili mayo.
• Flavor Boost: A dash of fish sauce in the chicken mixture can add an umami depth that enhances the overall flavor.
• Texture Variation: Top the burger with crispy fried onions or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with additional fresh cilantro or basil leaves to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.

Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger

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Elevate your burger game with this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger! Packed with vibrant flavors from ginger, garlic, and scallions, and topped with a refreshing cabbage slaw and pickled cucumbers and chiles, this burger is a delightful twist on the classic. Perfect for a grill-out party or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. Get ready to savor every bite!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, ThaiDifficulty: Medium

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Servings

4

burgers

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

574

kcal

Resting Time

5

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Chicken Patties

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 scallion, finely chopped

• 1 (1″) piece ginger, peeled and grated

• 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tsp tamarind puree (optional)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

• Pickled Veggies

• 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 Fresno chile, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• Cabbage Slaw

• 2 1/2 cups shredded green or purple cabbage

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated

• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves

• Sweet Chili Mayo

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tbsp sweet Thai chili sauce

• For Serving

• 4 toasted brioche buns

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Ground Chicken Substitute: Ground turkey or ground pork

• Mayonnaise Substitute: Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a dairy-free option

• Fresno Chile Substitute: Jalapeño or serrano pepper

Directions

• Prepare the Pickled Veggies – In a small bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and Fresno chile with lime juice and brown sugar. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to pickle.
• Make the Cabbage Slaw – In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and fresh cilantro leaves. Set aside.
• Mix the Chicken Patties – In another bowl, combine ground chicken with chopped scallion, grated ginger, soy sauce, tamarind puree (if using), and chopped basil. Mix until well combined.
• Form and Cook Patties – Shape the chicken mixture into four equal patties. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and cook the patties for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through.
• Prepare Sweet Chili Mayo – In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sweet Thai chili sauce until smooth.
• Assemble the Burgers – Spread sweet chili mayo on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Place a chicken patty on top, followed by a generous amount of cabbage slaw and pickled veggies. Top with the other half of the bun.
• Serve – Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Nonstick Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 574kcal
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 30g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 60mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 15mg

FAQ- Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties up to a day in advance. Keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to cook.

What can I use instead of tamarind puree?

If you don’t have tamarind puree, you can substitute it with a little bit of lime juice or rice vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to finely chop the scallions and grate the ginger so they blend well with the ground chicken. Additionally, avoid overmixing the ingredients.

Can I grill the patties instead of pan-frying them?

Absolutely! You can grill the patties on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through.

What sides go well with this burger?

Sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or even some Thai-style fried rice would pair wonderfully with this Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Burger.