Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon
The Smash Chicken Burger with Spicy Mayo & Bacon delivers a crispy, juicy chicken patty smothered with smoky bacon and zesty spicy mayo. This recipe features smashed ground chicken patties with a crunchy exterior and tender interior, complemented by creamy homemade spicy mayo, fresh toppings, and toasted buns. Perfect for a quick dinner or weekend treat, this burger is bursting with bold flavors and textures.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free buns)
Chicken Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken (preferably fresh)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
Bacon & Toppings
- 4 strips of bacon
- Pickles, sliced, to taste
- Leaf lettuce, fresh, to taste
- Tomato slices, fresh, to taste
- Cheese slices (optional: cheddar or American)
Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of smoked paprika
Buns
- 4 hamburger buns (soft and lightly toasted; gluten-free buns optional)
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then keep warm for assembly.
- Season and Form Chicken Patties: In a bowl, gently mix ground chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Divide into equal portions and loosely place each on a hot griddle or skillet. Quickly press down firmly with a spatula to smash into thin patties with crunchy edges.
- Cook the Patties: Cook smashed chicken patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden crust forms and chicken is fully cooked. If desired, add a slice of cheese on top during the last minute to melt.
- Toast the Buns: Slice hamburger buns and toast them lightly in a dry pan or on a grill until slightly golden to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Burger: Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom bun. Layer with a chicken patty (with melted cheese if using), crispy bacon strips, pickles, lettuce, and tomato slices. Top with the bun and press gently to combine.
Notes
- Keep ground chicken cold before smashing to ensure juicy, tender patties with a better texture.
- Handle meat gently when mixing seasonings; overworking can make patties tough.
- Use a very hot pan and press patties quickly to get crispy, caramelized edges.
- Customize the spicy mayo by varying hot sauce amounts or adding lime juice for extra zing.
- Place crispy ingredients like bacon and pickles between the mayo and patty to prevent buns from getting soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: smash chicken burger, spicy mayo, bacon burger, crispy chicken burger, quick chicken burger, comfort food burger, homemade spicy mayo