If you want to bring a fresh twist to burger night, these simple bruschetta chicken burgers are the recipe you'll be making on repeat. They're juicy and flavorful, with ground chicken mixed with Italian flavor, topped with melty provolone, and a scoop of tomato bruschetta! Every bite is a mix of savory, tangy, and fresh.
There's something about bruschetta that just feels like summer to me, thanks to all that fresh, in-season produce. As a dietitian, I like to take those fresh ingredients and combine them with lean, juicy chicken for a burger that's filling but still light. It's one of those fun, creative burger combos that makes dinner feel a little more exciting.
If this recipe gets you in the mood for more unique burgers, try my chipotle cheeseburger or mini meatball sliders next time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Big, fresh flavor: Basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic glaze make every bite pop without being too heavy.
- Quick and easy: Thanks to the air fryer, these burgers cook fast with minimal cleanup!
- Flexible to serve: Enjoy them on a toasted bun, wrapped in crisp lettuce, or sliced and tossed over a fresh salad!
Ingredients
This bruschetta burger recipe keeps things simple but still packs in plenty of flavor.
- Ground chicken: Choose a package with a little fat for the juiciest burgers. Very lean ground chicken can dry out quickly, so look for one labeled 93% lean or similar.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use the kind packed in olive oil for the best flavor and softer texture. Pat them dry slightly before chopping so they blend evenly into the patties.
- Fresh basil: Adds bright, herbal flavor that makes bruschetta stand out. Use whole leaves and chop just before adding for the freshest taste.
- Egg & breadcrumbs: The egg binds the mixture, while breadcrumbs help hold in moisture and keep the patties from falling apart.
- Roma tomatoes: Firm and meaty with fewer seeds, which keeps your bruschetta topping from being too watery.
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze: Brings a sweet-tangy finish that ties all the flavors together. A store-bought glaze works for convenience, but you can also make your own such as my spicy balsamic glaze or fig balsamic glaze versions!
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Craving fresh caprese flavors? Try my caprese bruschetta or peach tomato salad for more bright, juicy, and herb-packed bites.
Substitutions & Variations
It's easy to customize these chicken bruschetta burgers to match your taste and the ingredients you have.
- Swap in ground turkey for chicken, choosing one with some fat so the burgers stay juicy.
- You can switch up the flavor by swapping the cheese for mozzarella, burrata, or smoked gouda.
- Change up the texture and flavor by using brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, or crisp lettuce wraps.
- For a little spice, try adding heat with crushed red pepper flakes or diced pickled jalapeños.
- If basil isn't available, you can swap in other herbs like fresh oregano or parsley.
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Burgers
Follow these simple steps to make juicy, flavorful bruschetta chicken burgers in the air fryer.
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 4 patties and place them in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then cook the chicken patties for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: While the patties cook, prepare the bruschetta topping by combining all the bruschetta ingredients in a bowl and stirring well. Set aside.
Step 5: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone on each patty and close the air fryer to melt the cheese.
Step 6: Serve the patties on buns, topped with a generous scoop of bruschetta, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
No air fryer? You can also cook these in the oven or on the grill. For the grill, heat to medium and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, adding cheese at the last minute. For the oven, heat to 400°F and bake on a lined sheet for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, and add cheese in the last minute or two.
Tips For the Best Bruschetta Chicken Burgers
A few small tricks can make a big difference in how these burgers turn out.
- The flavor will be brighter if you use fresh basil instead of dried. If you need to use dried herbs instead, the typical rule is 1 tablespoon fresh = 1 teaspoon dried.
- Burgers will cook evenly if you arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- The texture will stay crisp and the buns won't get soggy if you toast the bread before assembling the burgers.
- You can save time on busy nights by shaping the patties ahead and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Storage
With the right storage, these burgers will be your favorite leftovers!
- Leftover burgers will stay fresh for up to 3 days if you refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container.
- The best way to keep the texture and flavor is to reheat patties gently in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.
- To keep the burgers tasting fresh, store the buns, bruschetta topping, and glaze separately until you are ready to assemble.
- For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Ready to bring all the fresh bruschetta vibes to burger night?
Head to the recipe card to whip up this quick and tasty meal. Don't forget to tag @healthdownsouth when you share your burger masterpiece!
FAQ
They're delicious with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, sweet potato fries, or a strawberry pasta salad for that perfect summer cookout vibe.
You can lightly wet your hands with cold water or rub a little olive oil on your palms before shaping to make the process much easier.
Yes, you can swap in almond flour, crushed crackers, or rolled oats as a binder, though the texture might be a little different. If you skip the binder completely, the patties will be more delicate, so just handle them gently while cooking.
Yes, jarred bruschetta works well and is a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain off any excess liquid so your burger doesn't get soggy.
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Jessie
Bruschetta Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1 large egg scrambled
- ¼ cup italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 provolone cheese slices for serving
- 4 hamburger buns for serving
- 4 balsamic glaze for serving (optional)
Bruschetta
- 5 roma tomatoes chopped
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh basil sliced into ribbons
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties and place them in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then cook the chicken patties for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the patties cook, prepare the bruschetta topping by combining all the bruschetta ingredients in a bowl and stirring well. Set aside.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone on each patty and close the air fryer to melt the cheese.
- Serve the patties on buns, topped with a generous scoop of bruschetta, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the buns, bruschetta topping, and glaze separate until ready to assemble.
- Reheat patties in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, or freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months with parchment between them.
- For a lighter option, skip the bun and serve the burgers in crisp lettuce cups with the bruschetta topping and balsamic glaze.
- Grill directions: Heat your grill to medium. Cook the patties for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until they reach 165°F. Add the cheese during the last minute so it melts.
- Oven directions: Heat your oven to 400°F. Place the patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F. Add the cheese in the last minute or two.
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