Kenji Lopez-Alt’s chicken chickpea burgers have been a staple in my kitchen for a while now. They are flavorful, easy to make, and a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. However, I recently decided to remaster his recipe, making a few key changes to enhance the flavor and texture.
I started by finely chopping the vegetables instead of grating them. This creates a more substantial burger with a better bite. I also added a touch of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky heat.
A close-up of a cooked chicken chickpea burger on a bun.
The original recipe calls for breadcrumbs, but I substituted panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. I also pan-fried the burgers instead of baking them, which resulted in a beautifully browned crust. The combination of pan-frying and panko breadcrumbs elevates these burgers to another level.
To further enhance the flavor, I incorporated fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. These herbs provide a bright, fresh counterpoint to the savory chicken and chickpeas.
Several chicken chickpea burgers cooking in a pan.
Finally, I served the remastered chicken chickpea burgers on toasted brioche buns with all the classic fixings: lettuce, tomato, onion, and a dollop of my favorite sauce. The soft, buttery brioche bun complements the crispy burger perfectly.
These remastered chicken chickpea burgers are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. They are easy to customize to your liking and can be served as a main course or as a tasty appetizer.
These burgers are also incredibly versatile. They can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a great option for meal prepping. They are also a fantastic choice for a healthy and protein-packed lunch or dinner.
A plate of chicken chickpea burgers with various toppings.
This remastered recipe takes Kenji Lopez-Alt’s original chicken chickpea burger and elevates it to a new level of flavor and texture. The combination of fresh herbs, crispy panko breadcrumbs, and a perfect pan-fry creates a truly unforgettable burger experience.