Juicy Chicken Burgers: Saffron & Caramelized Onion Ricotta
because chicken is the new beef (not really) and we have free will
Let’s be honest, chicken burgers have a reputation for being dry, bland, and just kind of… there. But these? These are juicy, luxurious, and packed with flavor in a way that will make you wonder why you ever settled for less.
We’re talking whipped ricotta for creaminess, saffron for a little touch of luxury, and a hands-off caramelized onions recipe with balsamic, honey, and thyme for that deep, jammy sweetness. They’re easy to make, but they taste like you put in way more effort than you actually did. (And that’s the best kind of recipe, isn’t it?)
Some topping ideas for those that asked in the IG comments:
• Brioche bun, toasted (because soft + crispy = perfect)
• Garlic aioli (or just mix mayo with a little grated garlic and lemon juice)
• Tomato confit (or sub in sun-dried tomatoes for a shortcut)
• Crispy onions for extra crunch
• Pickles (because acidity balances the richness)
• Swiss, Provolone, + any Smoked or Sharp Cheese
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Juicy Saffron & Caramelized Onion Ricotta Chicken Burgers Recipe
Servings: 10 burgers
Prep: 30 minutes | Chill: 15 minutes | Hands On Cooking: 30 minutes
Total Cook Time: 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients:
For the Burgers
• 3 lb ground chicken (a mix of dark and white meat works best)
• 1 ½ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for max creaminess)
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp saffron threads (soaked in 1 tbsp cold water for 5 minutes)
• 1 batch caramelized onions (recipe below)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ⅕ cup panko breadcrumbs (to hold everything together)
For the Oven Caramelized Onions
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
drizzle of honey (approx 1/2 tbsp)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
A few sprigs of fresh thyme (leaves only)
How to Make the Caramelized Onions (Oven Method)
Because caramelizing onions on the stove takes forever, and we don’t have time for that.
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the sliced onions with balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, olive oil, and thyme.
3. Spread them out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until they’re deep golden brown and jammy.
5. Let them cool slightly before mixing into the burger mixture.
How to Make the Burgers:
Step 1: Mix (but don’t overmix)
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta, heavy cream, saffron (including its soaking liquid), caramelized onions, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and panko. Gently mix until just combined—overmixing will make the burgers dense instead of juicy.
Step 2: Shape & Chill
Form the mixture into 10 equal patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes, this helps them firm up and hold their shape when cooking.
Step 3: Cook Like a Pro
Heat a grill or pan over medium heat. Cook each patty for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. If I’m serving these for a group, I’ll let them sit in a oven safe dish at 170 F with a little bit of water in the bottom of the dish so they don’t dry out.
Closing Thoughts
These aren’t your average chicken burgers. They’re juicy, slightly indulgent, and packed with layers of flavor that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about ground chicken.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, impressing your friends, or just treating yourself, these are guaranteed to steal the show.
So go ahead, get a little fancy. You deserves it.
