The Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe is a delightful take on the classic chicken burger that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings, this recipe makes a juicy and flavorful burger that'll have you reaching for seconds. Whether you're craving something fresh or want to impress friends at your next cookout, these burgers deliver a satisfying, wholesome experience.
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What Sets This Apart
I love how this recipe balances the sweetness of maple syrup and crisp apples with the tang of Dijon mustard and a smoky touch from bacon. It's more than your usual chicken burger - it's layered with fresh herbs and tender juiciness you wouldn't expect from ground chicken.
- Consistent Results: The panko breadcrumbs and apple juice keep the patties moist, so every burger cooks evenly without drying out.
- Rich, Balanced Flavor: Combining maple syrup, mustard, and fresh orchard apples creates a harmonious blend that hits all the right notes.
- Pantry-First Ingredients: Staple items like Dijon, mayo, and sage come together with minimal fuss, ideal for last-minute meals.
- Weeknight Friendly: Simple prep and a quick grill make this recipe approachable even when time is tight.
Ingredient Snapshot
For the best Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe, choose ingredients that bring freshness and depth. Quality matters here because subtle flavors like sage and apple really shine.
- Ground Chicken: Look for fresh, lean but slightly moist poultry for juicy burgers.
- Red Apple: Opt for a crisp apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp to add sweet crunch.
- Dijon Mustard: Use a smooth, tangy Dijon to balance the sweetness without overpowering.
- Bacon: Smoky, well-cooked bacon pieces add richness and texture to the patties.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These help bind your patties while keeping them light and tender.
- Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup to elevate the sweetness naturally.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by whisking together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and maple syrup until you get a smooth sauce-this will become your cool, tangy spread. While it chills in the fridge, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. You'll know it's ready when the pieces are sizzling and have released their flavorful fat. After draining on paper towels, leave about a teaspoon of that bacon grease in the skillet-that reserved flavor is key for the next step.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the minced red onion and garlic just until softened and fragrant-about 2 minutes. The smell will fill your kitchen and signal you're on the right track. Pour in apple juice and let it simmer, scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom; this adds rich depth. Once the liquid mostly evaporates, stir in the crispy bacon, chopped apple, dried sage, and fresh parsley. Cool this mixture well before mixing it into the ground chicken; this prevents overworking and keeps your burgers tender.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and bacon-apple mixture; don't overmix or the patties may become dense. Shape into six even patties and chill them in the fridge for up to 30 minutes-it helps them firm up and hold together on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat, then cook the patties for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. In the last minute, top each burger with Monterey Jack cheese so it melts right over the juicy patty. Once rested slightly, serve on toasted brioche buns spread with your maple mustard sauce for that glossy, irresistible finish you'll love.
Cook's Notes & Tricks
From my kitchen to yours, a few insider tips will make your Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers truly shine. The key is not rushing through chilling and cooking-patience yields juicy patties infused with flavor. Using fresh herbs like parsley brightens the mix, while bacon grease adds that subtle smoky undertone without overpowering. I've found that resting the burgers once off the grill locks in the juices and enhances texture.
- Doneness Cue: When the burgers feel springy but firm and the juices run clear, they're perfectly cooked.
- Temperature Trick: Use a meat thermometer-165°F internal temp guarantees safe and juicy chicken burgers.
- Make-Ahead Move: Shape patties a day ahead and store covered in the fridge; they hold well and the flavors marry nicely.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don't skip chilling your patties; handling warm or wet mixtures leads to crumbling on the grill.
Serve & Enjoy
Finishing Touches
To finish your Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe, I love using toasted brioche buns for their soft, buttery texture that balances the juicy patties. The chilled maple mustard sauce spread on the bottom bun adds a zesty, glossy layer that keeps every bite exciting. A slice of melting Monterey Jack cheese brings subtle creaminess without overpowering the complex apple and bacon flavors.
Pairs Beautifully With
This burger pairs wonderfully with crisp coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or even a light apple and fennel salad. The acid from pickles or a tart vinegar-based slaw cuts through the richness, while fresh greens add balance. Grab a cold cider or a citrusy iced tea, and you're set for a meal that feels both comforting and fresh.
Simple Plating Wins
For weeknights, I keep plating simple: a burger on a plate with fries or chips on the side. For special occasions, stack the burger with extra arugula or microgreens, add a skewer through the center to keep it neat, and set it alongside a small bowl of maple mustard dipping sauce. It instantly elevates the presentation with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They remain moist though a little denser than freshly made. I recommend removing any melted cheese before storing to avoid dryness, then adding fresh cheese when reheating.
Freezing Tips
This Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe freezes well. Freeze patties flat on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag to save space. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating. Avoid freezing with cheese on top to maintain the best texture.
Reheating Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying, gently warm patties in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, adding cheese in the last minute. If using a microwave, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture but avoid overheating to keep that tender texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will deliver a similarly moist texture when combined with the apple and bacon mixture. Just watch the cooking time and temperature like you would with chicken to ensure it's cooked fully.
I suggest crisp, slightly sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. They hold their texture and add a lovely fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory ingredients.
Yes! Shaping the patties and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours helps the flavors meld and makes grilling easier. Just be sure to keep them covered and cold until cooking.
While not absolutely necessary, bacon grease adds a subtle smoky depth to the sautéed onions and garlic that enhances the burger's overall flavor. If you prefer, use a small amount of olive oil or butter instead.
Final Thoughts
Crafting these Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers is one of my favorite ways to elevate a simple weeknight meal into something flavorful and memorable. You'll appreciate how each ingredient plays its part without overwhelming the palate. With a little preparation and thoughtful cooking, you're rewarded with juicy, flavorful burgers that bring a fresh twist on comfort food. Give it a try, and you might find this becoming your go-to chicken burger recipe.
PrintFull Recipe
Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe
These Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers offer a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors with a perfect balance of juicy ground chicken, crisp bacon, fresh apple, and a tangy maple mustard sauce. Ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
Burgers
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup apple juice
- 1 red apple, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 2 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 6 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 brioche buns, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and maple syrup until well combined. Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon pieces until they're crisp and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving about 1 teaspoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the minced red onion and garlic for about 2 minutes, or until they've softened and become fragrant.
- Simmer apple mixture: Pour in the apple juice and let it simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the delicious browned bits. Once the liquid has mostly evaporated, stir in the cooked bacon, chopped apple, dried sage, and fresh parsley. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
- Form patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and the cooled bacon-apple mixture. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into evenly sized burger patties. Chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat grill and cook patties: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the patties for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Melt cheese: In the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese to melt.
- Assemble burgers: Assemble each burger by placing a grilled patty on a toasted brioche bun and spreading the chilled maple mustard sauce on the bottom bun.
Notes
- Chilling the patties before grilling helps them hold together better and improves texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- If you don't have a grill, cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for similar results.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
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