Say hello to your new weeknight dinner obsession: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers. This dish takes the juicy tenderness of ground chicken, mixes in a punchy homemade ranch flavor, and finishes with gooey cheddar cheese—then all of this goodness is sandwiched in a perfectly toasted bun. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or broiling in your kitchen, these burgers are guaranteed to surprise and delight you, offering a fun spin on classic comfort food with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a short list of simple, familiar ingredients, making Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers is totally doable—even after a busy day! Each ingredient serves a key role, whether boosting flavor, lending texture, or adding that signature cheesy finish.

Ground chicken: The absolute star, providing juiciness and a mild flavor that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
Panko bread crumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs add extra crunch and airy lift to the patties.
Italian bread crumbs: Bring in herby undertones and help to bind everything together.
Dried onion or fresh onion: Adds subtle sweetness and savory dimension—use fresh if you love added bite!
Seasoned salt: Elevates every flavor in the mix; don’t skip it for full savory impact.
Garlic powder: For aromatic warmth that works quietly in the background.
Dry Ranch dressing mix: The secret weapon that delivers classic ranch flavor inside every bite.
Cheddar cheese slices: Melty sharps of cheddar bring boldness and beautiful color to the burgers.
Butter: For the richest, crispiest burger buns—this step is small but mighty!
Hamburger buns: Go with soft, fresh buns ready to soak up those juices and provide a cloud-like base.
Optional toppings (lettuce, prepared ranch dressing): Layer on as much as you like for extra crunch and creaminess.

How to Make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Broiler

Start by getting your grill to medium-high heat or setting your oven’s broiler to high. A hot surface is the secret to a crisp exterior and perfectly juicy burgers, so don’t rush this part—give your grill or broiler plenty of time to get nice and hot.

Step 2: Mix Together the Patty Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Panko, Italian bread crumbs, onion (either dried or freshly minced), seasoned salt, garlic powder, and that magical dry ranch dressing mix. Don’t overmix, but make sure everything’s evenly distributed—your hands are the best tool for this!

Step 3: Shape and Prep the Patties

Divide the mixture into four even portions and gently form each into a patty. Place the patties on a lightly oiled grill or a greased broiler pan. A quick tip: slightly wet hands make patty-shaping far less sticky!

Step 4: Grill or Broil the Burgers

Cook each patty for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature hits 160 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last minute of cooking, top each burger with a slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a dreamy layer of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Spread butter on the inside of each bun. Place buttered sides down on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes—just until golden and crisp. This step brings a rich crunch and takes the whole burger to a new level.

Step 6: Build and Serve!

Transfer the cooked burger patties onto the toasted buns. Finish with crisp lettuce, an extra dollop of creamy ranch (if you like), or any of your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while the cheese is perfectly melty and the buns are still warm.

How to Serve Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

A handful of fresh, crisp lettuce, a drizzle of extra ranch, and even a juicy slice of tomato make fantastic garnishes for your Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding thin red onion rings or some sliced pickles—these little touches add both crunch and tang.

Side Dishes

These burgers pair beautifully with classic sides like sweet potato fries, potato chips, or crunchy coleslaw. For something lighter, a tangy cucumber salad or simple corn on the cob would be perfect. Don’t forget a side of extra ranch for dipping—because you can never have too much!

Creative Ways to Present

Swap out standard buns for brioche, focaccia, or even crisp lettuce wraps for a fresher twist. For parties, turn these Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers into sliders with mini buns. Or, deconstruct them and serve over a bed of greens for a hearty burger salad with all the toppings on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If possible, store the buns and toppings separately so everything stays fresh and avoids sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers (without cheese or buns) for up to two months. Layer patties with parchment paper in a freezer bag to easily grab one or two at a time for quick meals.

Reheating

To reheat, place thawed burgers in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm through for several minutes. You can also microwave gently, but reheating on the stove keeps them from drying out and refreshes their crispy edges.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in place of chicken. Just choose a blend with a little fat so your burgers stay juicy and full of flavor.

How can I make these Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers gluten-free?

Swap regular Panko and Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free versions and use gluten-free buns. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic!

Is there a way to reduce the sodium in this recipe?

Yes, opt for a low-sodium ranch dressing mix and seasoned salt, and choose reduced-sodium cheddar. Taste before seasoning further to stay in control of saltiness.

Can I prepare the chicken patties in advance?

Definitely. Shape the patties ahead and refrigerate (covered) for up to a day before cooking. This helps the flavors meld and makes dinner prep even faster.

What cheese is best if I want to change it up?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers, but Swiss, pepper jack, or even provolone are delicious choices if you like to experiment!

Final Thoughts

Ready to shake up your burger routine? These Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers deliver big, bold flavor with minimal fuss, and I really think you’re going to love them. Gather your ingredients, invite someone hungry, and let these cheeseburgers steal the show at your next meal!