Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce

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Let’s talk chicken. Not just any chicken—Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce. If that name alone doesn’t make your mouth water, just wait till you smell these beauties sizzling on the grill.

Whether it’s a Tuesday night dinner scramble or your weekend BBQ lineup, this burger is your new secret weapon. It’s zesty, a little spicy, and absolutely packed with flavor—without any of the fuss. Oh, and did I mention it comes with a fresh homemade salsa and a creamy, spicy Bang-Bang Sauce that’s basically addictive? Yeah. You need this in your life.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce

Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re tired but still want something wildly satisfying.
It’s got layers of flavor: juicy chicken, sweet-and-spicy sauce, fresh salsa, and melty Swiss cheese.
Chicken patties that actually stay juicy—because dry burgers are a no-go.
And did I mention how pretty they are? Because these burgers could totally model for a summer menu.

This recipe is a hit with picky eaters and spice lovers—somehow it pleases everyone at the table. It became a staple in my kitchen after a backyard party where the burgers disappeared before the buns did. And that never happens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salsa

1 Roma tomato, diced
½ small red onion, diced
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Chicken Burgers

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 large egg
½ small red onion, diced
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
4 slices Swiss cheese

For the Bang-Bang Sauce

⅓ cup mayo
3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tsp Frank’s Red Hot
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp salt

For Serving

4 romaine lettuce leaves
4 onion buns
Olive oil or butter (for toasting buns)

How to Make Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce

Step 1: Start with That Zesty Salsa
Mix the diced tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and pepper in a small bowl. Set it aside so the flavors can get friendly while you work on the rest.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Patties
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko, egg, onion, cilantro, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until just combined (don’t overdo it or the patties get tough).

Shape the mixture into four patties, about ½-inch thick. Pro tip: Wet your hands with water first—way less stickiness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Bang-Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Frank’s Red Hot, garlic, and salt. Taste and swoon. Then resist the urge to eat it with a spoon. You’ll want to save this magic for the burgers.

Step 4: Cook the Patties
Heat a grill pan over medium-high. Spray it with nonstick spray and cook patties for 4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, then top each with Swiss cheese and cook 2 minutes more. Chicken should hit 165°F—always good to check!

Step 5: Toast the Buns (Yes, It Matters)
Brush the cut sides with a little olive oil or butter. Toast in the same pan until golden. A good bun makes a big difference—don’t skip this!

Step 6: Assemble & Serve
Layer a romaine leaf on the bottom bun. Add your hot, cheesy chicken patty. Spoon on a generous heap of that fresh salsa. Slather the top bun with Bang-Bang Sauce. Smash it all together.

Boom. Dinner is served.

Quick Tips for the Best Chicken Burgers Ever

Use fresh ground chicken—it holds together better and tastes richer.
Don’t skip the panko. It’s the secret to keeping the burgers juicy yet firm.
Customize the spice. Want more heat? Add extra Frank’s or a jalapeño to the salsa.
Make extra sauce. Seriously. It’s amazing on fries, veggies, or even as a salad dressing in a pinch.

My Bang-Bang Burger Story

I first made these burgers on a whim during a “what’s-left-in-the-fridge” moment. It was one of those evenings where you’re too tired to be creative, but too hungry to settle for a peanut butter sandwich. I threw some things together, added hot sauce (because, why not?), and BOOM—my husband asked if I’d write this one down.

Now, it’s a regular in our rotation, and it even made it into our summer potluck lineup last year. People were coming back for seconds before trying dessert. I call that a win.

Grilled Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce served on a toasted bun with fresh greens and tomato. — Flavor-packed Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce, topped with fresh greens, tomato, and a creamy spicy kick—perfect for any meal!

FAQs About Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce

Can I make these ahead of time?

Totally. Form the patties a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. Cook when you’re ready to eat!

What’s a good substitute for Swiss cheese?

Provolone, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you want more kick!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use GF buns. The rest is naturally gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture. Store the sauce and salsa separately.

Conclusion

These Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce are everything you want in a meal—easy, flavorful, and satisfying with a little punch of spice and personality. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (hello, self-care dinner!), this burger brings the flavor without the stress. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers every single time, with juicy patties, creamy sauce, and fresh salsa all coming together in perfect harmony.

Plus, it’s versatile—perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or even meal prep lunches that make your coworkers jealous. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly favorite. Keep that Bang-Bang Sauce recipe handy—trust me, you’ll be putting it on everything.

So next time you’re craving something fun, bold, and seriously delicious—this is your go-to. Fire up that pan, grab those buns, and let’s make some chicken magic.

More Chicken Magic You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Chicken Burgers with Bang-Bang Sauce, you’re going to want to keep the flavor train rolling with some more crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipes. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight or impress guests with something a little unexpected, these dishes will have your back (and your taste buds dancing):

Craving that sweet heat combo? You’ll love our ultra-crispy, flavor-packed Crispy Bang-Bang Chicken—it’s basically the crunchy cousin to today’s burger recipe and perfect for serving with rice or noodles.
If you’re a fan of zesty and satisfying meals, don’t miss the Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl—a perfect weeknight dinner packed with textures, bold flavors, and just the right amount of flair.
For those who love that creamy-meets-comfort vibe, our Creamy Asiago Chicken is a must-try. It’s rich, indulgent, and pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or a side of garlic bread.
Want to keep the chicken burger love going? Mix it up with a twist on tradition: White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers. They’re hearty, wholesome, and make the perfect meal prep staple or BBQ alternative.

No matter which recipe you try next, you’ll be adding more magic to your mealtime in the most delicious way possible. Happy cooking, friend!