Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon
This Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon blends crispy, juicy smashed chicken patties with smoky bacon and a creamy, zesty spicy mayo. Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, it offers rich textures and bold flavors that are customizable and perfect for any meal.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling/Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps are used)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean but moist ground chicken
- 6 thick-cut bacon strips
- 4 hamburger buns, soft
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil (for toasting buns and cooking)
Fresh Toppings
- Lettuce leaves (4 large leaves)
- Tomato slices (4 slices)
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo: Mix the mayonnaise with sriracha or your preferred hot sauce in a small bowl, adjusting the heat level to your taste. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while you cook.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook thick-cut bacon strips until crispy. Drain on paper towels and keep warm for layering on the burger.
- Form and Smash the Chicken Patties: Season ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into 4 portions and place each ball on a hot, lightly greased griddle or cast-iron pan. Using a sturdy spatula or bacon press, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty to create crispy edges.
- Cook the Patties: Cook each smashed patty for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until edges turn brown and crispy. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked. Avoid pressing down after smashing to retain juiciness.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them face down in a skillet or grill until golden and slightly crisp, enhancing the texture of the burger.
- Assemble the Burger: Spread a generous layer of spicy mayo on each half of the toasted buns. On the bottom halves, layer fresh lettuce and tomato slices, followed by the juicy smashed chicken patties and crispy bacon strips. Cover with the top buns, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a heavy spatula or flat metal press for best smashing and crispy edges.
- Cook patties in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
- Let cooked patties rest for a minute before assembling to redistribute juices.
- Customize the spicy mayo heat to suit your preference.
- Choose fresh, soft buns that hold the fillings well without falling apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Smash chicken burger, spicy mayo burger, bacon chicken burger, crispy chicken patty, homemade chicken burger