Description
Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers are juicy, tender chicken patties seasoned with smoky smoked paprika and cooked to a crispy, caramelized perfection. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavor, a healthy twist with lean ground chicken, and is fully customizable with your favorite toppings and sides — perfect for any weeknight or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh lean ground chicken
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 burger buns (soft yet sturdy)
Toppings and Extras (optional)
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Cheese (such as pepper jack or smoked gouda)
- Spicy mayo or aioli
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until evenly combined to avoid dense patties.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or butter to coat the surface, ensuring a crispy sear.
- Form and Smash the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into equal portions. Place one portion in the hot pan and firmly smash it with a spatula or burger press until about ½ inch thick to maximize browning.
- Cook Until Crispy and Juicy: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes or until fully cooked through.
- Toast Buns and Assemble: While cooking finishes, toast the buns in the same pan until golden. Assemble the burgers with your desired toppings and sauces for a mouthwatering finish.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties juicy and tender.
- Ensure the pan is very hot before adding patties for the best crust and flavor.
- Smash patties quickly but firmly for optimal caramelization.
- Use fresh smoked paprika to enjoy the most vibrant smoky flavor.
- Allow patties to rest a few minutes after cooking for juices to redistribute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and toppings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: smoked paprika chicken smash burgers, smoky chicken burgers, healthy chicken burgers, quick chicken meal, easy weeknight burger