In the quest for healthier eating habits, many of us have grappled with the idea that tasty food must often be sacrificed for nutrition. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth, especially when it comes to the world of gourmet burgers. Imagine this: a double patty chicken burger that not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with your weight loss goals. While traditional burgers may not always fit the bill for those watching their diet, this crispy delight combines lean protein, vibrant greens, and a zesty sauce to create a meal that’s both nutritious and utterly delectable. In this blog, we will explore the step-by-step process of crafting this culinary masterpiece, offering you a guilt-free indulgence that proves you can have your burger and eat it too!
Preparing the Chicken Patties
To embark on this delightful culinary journey, the first step is to prepare the foundation of our burger: the chicken patties. Using 1 kilo or approximately 2.2 pounds of chicken mince, you’ll have the option to either purchase this from the store or make your own by blending chicken breasts. The key to a flavorful patty lies in seasoning, so let’s dive into the blend of spices.
In a bowl, mix the chicken mince with 2 teaspoons each of onion and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground sage or fennel, and a sprinkle of salt and cracked black pepper—about 15 cracks’ worth should do the trick. Mixing by hand ensures that the spices are evenly distributed; if you choose to grind the chicken yourself, you can add the spices directly into the blender for an even mix.
Once seasoned, form your patties by weighing out approximately 100 grams for each one, resulting in about 10 patties as we’re going for doubles. To ensure a smooth consistency, keep your hands damp as you roll the mince into balls and gently flatten them. This small tip prevents the mince from sticking to your hands and ensures that your patties have a neat shape.
Chilling and Prepping Ingredients
Next, spread the patties out on two lined baking trays and pop them into the freezer for 30 to 40 minutes. This chill time is crucial—it firms up the patties, making them easier to handle and preventing them from falling apart during the crumbing process.
While the patties firm up, prepare the rest of the ingredients. You’ll need 250 grams of lettuce; iceberg lettuce works splendidly here. Slice it thinly to create what’s known in culinary terms as chiffonade, or thin ribbons. A quick wash ensures any hidden dirt is removed.
Crafting the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the magic ingredient: the sauce. Roughly chop three cornichons or baby dill pickles, if you like the tang they bring. In a mixing bowl, whisk together half a cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of mustard (American, yellow, or Dijon), the chopped pickles, 1 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. This concoction is your creamy, tangy burger sauce, destined to bind the flavors of this dish together.
Breading and Baking the Patties
Setting up your breading station is the next crucial step. For this, crack three eggs into a bowl for an egg wash that helps the crumbs adhere to the patties. On a tray, place 120 grams of plain all-purpose flour; this won’t be fully used, so it won’t overly affect the nutrition.
For the crumb, you can explore options like cornflake crumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or panko crumbs. Crush about 200 to 250 grams—again, not all will be used. Begin by gently coating each patty in flour, then dipping them in the egg wash, ensuring no bare spots are left. Finally, press them into the chosen crumbs until they are completely covered.
Lay the crumbed patties back onto the lined baking trays, spray lightly with oil, and bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C or 390°F for 20 to 22 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, an air fryer can be used for that extra crispiness.
Assembling the Burgers
While the patties bake, prepare your buns. Choose five burger buns and decide whether to toast them or not—either way, they will serve as the perfect vehicle for your creation. Spread a layer of sauce on both the top and bottom bun.
Now, stack the double patties on each bun, layer on some optional cheese for those who dare to indulge, and top it all off with the crisp lettuce. Finish it with the top bun, pressing down gently to ensure everything stays in place.
There you have it—a double patty chicken burger that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors: the juicy, spiced chicken patty, the contrasting crunch of the lettuce, and the creamy tang of the sauce. What’s more, this burger can be prepared in advance—freeze the patties for up to three months or store the assembled burgers for up to three days in the fridge.
This culinary delight proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste. So go ahead, relish this guilt-free burger experience that’s bound to become a staple on your menu. Enjoy the journey of flavors, and most importantly, savor the knowledge that you’re treating your body well with each delectable bite.
