Chicken Kebab Burger

Chicken kebab burger isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. A journey through layers of taste and textures. Spicy kebab patty, soft buns, crunchy salad and smooth mayo adds a delightful fusion of flavors that leave you craving more.

What Is A Chicken Kebab Burger?

A chicken kebab burger is a fusion recipe that combines the elements of a traditional burger with the flavors of chicken kebabs. It typically features pan fried chicken patty cooked with spices and herbs, served on a burger bun.

The chicken is often grilled that gives a distinct taste and tenderness. It’s then assembled with traditional burger accompaniments like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sauces. This chicken burger offers a unique twist on the classic burger by incorporating the savory, seasoned flavors of kebabs.

What is chicken kebab made of?

Usually we make kebab with boneless chicken pieces or slices of chicken meat. These pieces are cooked with spices, herbs and oil to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.

Common ingredients in the marinade can include garlic, ginger, white pepper powder and salt. After marination, cook these chicken pieces till soft and tender. Once the chicken pieces turn soft, leave them to cool. Then using a blender, pulse and shred the chicken pieces.

Shape into a patty with rest of the ingredients. Dip the patty in egg mixture and bread crumbs and pan fry until nice golden brown on both the sides.

Chicken Kebab Burger Main Ingredients

Boneless Chicken: Serves as the main protein. It’s essential for the chicken kebab patty, providing the base for the burger. When shredded, it creates the patty texture.

Ginger Garlic Paste: Adds a punch of flavor. This blend of ginger and garlic is a common seasoning in many dishes, offering a zesty and aromatic taste to the chicken.

Green Chili: These add heat and depth to the chicken mix. Finely chopped, they infuse a spicy kick without overwhelming the overall flavor.

Onion: Onions bring a sweet, savory taste to the chicken mixture. Slicing them allows for even distribution within the patty, enhancing its overall taste. Also adds crunch in the burger.

White Pepper Powder: A milder alternative to black pepper. It contributes a subtle heat and a slightly earthy flavor to the chicken mix.

Bread Crumbs: These act as a binding agent, helping the chicken mixture hold its shape when forming the patties. They also add texture to the patty.

Egg: Another binding agent, the egg helps in holding the patty together. It adds moisture and acts as a glue for the ingredients, aiding in the formation of a cohesive patty.

Burger Buns: The vessel for the burger! Soft, yet sturdy enough to hold the patty and toppings together, buns are a crucial part of assembling the final burger. Depending on the availability of burger buns, you can either use small or big size buns.

Variations In Making Chicken Patty Burger

There are numerous variations to explore when making a chicken kebab burger, offering diverse flavors and textures. Here are some exciting variations:

• Spice Blends: Experiment with various spice blends for the chicken mixture. Try Middle Eastern, Indian, or Mediterranean-inspired seasonings like za’atar, tikka masala, or a blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and paprika.
• Cheese Stuffed: Create a surprise element by layering the chicken patty with cheese slice. Cheddar, mozzarella, or feta can add a delightful gooey center to the patty.
• Marinades: Play around with different marinades for the chicken. Yogurt-based marinades with lemon, garlic, and herbs can infuse depth and tenderness.
• Toppings and Sauces: Customize your toppings and sauces. Explore options like tzatziki, hummus, tahini, or a spicy harissa mayo to complement the kebab flavors.
• Bun Varieties: Swap traditional burger buns for alternatives like brioche, ciabatta, or even pita bread to create diverse textures and tastes.
• Accompaniments: Add crunch and freshness with toppings like pickled cucumbers or a vibrant coleslaw to elevate the overall burger experience.
• Grilled Additions: Consider grilling additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to layer into the burger, enhancing its depth and smokiness.

Tips To Follow

• Quality Ingredients: Start with good quality chicken—preferably boneless and skinless—for the best flavor and texture.
• Balanced Seasoning: Ensure a balance of spices and herbs in the marinade to create depth without overpowering the chicken’s taste.
• Texture Binding: Use breadcrumbs, egg, or a combination of both to bind the chicken mixture. This helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.
• Uniform Patties: Shape the patties evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Aim for a thickness that allows even cooking without drying out. Depending on burger bun size, shape the patties accordingly.
• Cooking Technique: Grill, pan-fry, or bake the patties based on your preference. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor, while pan-frying offers a crispy exterior.
• Proper Temperature: Cook the chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to retain juiciness.
• Bun Prep: Toast the burger buns lightly before assembling. This prevents sogginess and adds a nice texture contrast to the burger.
• Layering Ingredients: Arrange toppings thoughtfully for a balanced bite—consider textures, flavors, and the order of placement.
• Resting Time: Let the assembled burger rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents a messy eating experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serving chicken burgers for iftar during Ramadan or as part of lunch or dinner is a great choice. Here’s why:

Iftar:

Replenishing Energy: Chicken burgers offer a blend of protein and carbs, ideal for restoring energy after a day of fasting.

Quick and Fulfilling: They’re easy to prepare and provide a satisfying meal that’s not too heavy after a day of fasting.

Customizable: Guests can customize their burgers with various toppings and sauces according to their preferences.

Dinner:

Family-Friendly Option: Chicken burgers are generally loved by all ages, making them a family-friendly dinner choice.

Quick Meal: Perfect for busy evenings as they can be prepared relatively quickly without compromising on taste.

Versatile: They can be served with sides like salads, fries, or grilled vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal.

This recipe is by Sadaf F K of Chef in Frame is part of Global Ramadan Event – Joy From Fasting To Feasting.