The Ultimate Chicken Burger: To Cheese Or Not To Cheese?

Whether or not to put cheese on a chicken burger is a highly debated topic. Some people believe that a fried chicken sandwich is a sacred object of culinary worship, and adding cheese would be blasphemous. Others believe that cheese belongs on a chicken burger, and that it enhances the flavour of the chicken. There are many different types of cheese that can be added to a chicken burger, including cheddar, American cheese, and pimiento cheese. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to put cheese on their chicken burger, and there is no right or wrong answer.

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Chicken burgers with cheddar and parsley

There are varying opinions on whether cheese belongs on a chicken burger. Some people believe that it does not qualify as a burger unless the patty is ground up and not a whole filet of grilled or fried chicken. However, others believe that adding cheese to a chicken burger is a delicious option. In fact, some popular fast-food restaurants, such as KFC, have offered chicken burgers with cheese on their menus.

If you want to try making chicken burgers with cheddar and parsley, here is a recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Neutral oil or ghee
• Cheddar cheese
• Lime juice
• Mustard
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Parsley
• Grated cheese
• Shallot
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Red-pepper flakes

Instructions:

• Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces and place them in a food processor. You can also use half chicken thighs if you want to add some dark meat.
• Pulse and process the chicken until it is broken down and forms a ground chicken mixture.
• In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of parsley with the grated cheddar cheese, shallot, garlic, cumin, and red-pepper flakes.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper into the mixture.
• Add the chicken to the bowl and gently combine until all the ingredients are incorporated.
• Form the chicken mixture into meatballs.
• Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out.
• Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the meatballs until they form 1/2-inch thick patties.
• Cook the patties without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden crust forms on the bottom.
• Flip the patties and cook for an additional 3 minutes until a nice crust forms on both sides.
• Place two slices of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and allow it to melt.
• In a serving bowl, mix lime juice, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.

Serve the chicken burgers with cheddar and parsley with the dressing on the side or as desired. Enjoy!

Chicken sandwiches: To cheese or not to cheese?

Whether or not to include cheese in a chicken sandwich is a highly debated topic. Some people believe that adding cheese to a chicken sandwich is unacceptable, while others find it to be a delicious addition that enhances the overall taste of the sandwich.

On one hand, some people argue that a classic chicken sandwich should not include cheese. They believe that the sandwich should primarily showcase the chicken and that adding cheese can be distracting from the main ingredient. For example, Jason Pfeifer, the executive chef at Maialino, models his chicken sandwich after the fried chicken he grew up eating in Carolina and the classic Italian Pollo alla Diavola, neither of which contain cheese. He states that while he wouldn't say cheese doesn't belong, he chooses not to include it in his sandwiches because he wants to showcase the chicken and include accompaniments that enhance it without taking away from it.

On the other hand, many people enjoy the addition of cheese in their chicken sandwiches. They believe that cheese can elevate the sandwich and make it even better. For instance, Tom Henneman, a partner at Federal Donuts, includes a single slice of American cheese in their chicken sandwich, which melts just enough to coat the twice-fried buttermilk ranch chicken. He claims that the cheese, along with their spicy Rooster sauce and a pickle chip topping, makes the sandwich a "real slice of Americana." Similarly, Matt Hyland, the head chef at Emmy Squared, adds cheese to his chicken parm sandwich to balance out the acidity of their tomato sauce.

Additionally, many recipes for chicken burgers include cheese as one of the main ingredients. For example, the Smashed Chicken Burgers with Cheddar and Parsley recipe from the New York Times includes two slices of cheddar cheese melted on top of each patty. Family Food on the Table also has a recipe for Cheddar Chicken Burgers, which includes diced-up cheddar cheese folded into the burger mixture, creating "pockets of gooey cheese."

Ultimately, the decision to include cheese in a chicken sandwich or burger comes down to personal preference. While some people prefer to exclude cheese to highlight the chicken, others enjoy the creaminess and flavour that cheese adds to the sandwich.

Chicken sandwich with multiple types of cheese

The addition of cheese to a chicken sandwich is a highly debated topic. Some people believe that a fried chicken sandwich is a sacred culinary delight that should not be tampered with, while others believe that cheese improves the sandwich. The type of cheese used is also a matter of contention, with some preferring a single slice of mild cheese, such as American, provolone, or mild cheddar, while others opt for multiple cheeses to enhance the flavour.

For those who enjoy a creamy texture and flavour, a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream can be mixed with spices and hot sauce to create a creamy chicken filling. This can be paired with a slice of mild cheese, such as American, provolone, or mild cheddar, to add a subtle cheesy note without overwhelming the other flavours.

Alternatively, for a more indulgent option, a blend of cream cheese and blue cheese can be mixed with spices, hot sauce, and other creamy ingredients like mayonnaise and sour cream. This mixture is then paired with a slice of mild cheese, creating a flavourful and texturally pleasing sandwich.

For those who enjoy a variety of cheeses, a combination of American cheese, pimiento cheese, and smoked cheddar can be used. This trio of cheeses adds a creamy texture and a sharp, smoky flavour that complements the chicken.

The type of bread and additional toppings can also enhance the overall flavour and texture of the sandwich. A brioche bun is a popular choice, as it provides a soft and slightly sweet base for the sandwich. Adding ingredients like bacon, salami, or avocado can also elevate the sandwich and provide a contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

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Chicken burgers with garlic and cheese

There are many ways to make chicken burgers with garlic and cheese. Here is one such recipe.

Ingredients

• Chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Onions
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Hamburger buns
• Cheese

Instructions

In a medium bowl, add ground chicken, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, onions, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Combine all the ingredients well. Form the mixture into four patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the middle of each patty with your thumb to prevent the patties from puffing up in the middle.

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add oil to the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken burgers and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.

A minute or two before the patties are done, place two slices of cheddar cheese on top of each patty and allow it to melt.

Serving

Place the burgers on the buns and spread some Dijon mayonnaise on top. You can also add toppings of your choice, such as avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

Variations

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss cheese, American cheese, or pimiento cheese. Additionally, you can make the chicken burgers spicier by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Nutritional Information

A chicken burger made with 400g/14 oz of chicken breast and 1/3 cup of mayonnaise contains approximately 666 calories, with 110 calories coming from the mayonnaise, 45 calories from the avocado, and 110 calories from a single slice of Swiss cheese.

Chicken burgers with cheese: Weird or not?

There is no clear consensus on whether it is weird to put cheese on a chicken burger. Some people consider it a delicious combination, while others find it unusual. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of chicken burgers. Adding cheese to a chicken burger can provide a creamy texture and a salty or sharp flavour that complements the juiciness of the chicken. Some popular cheese choices for chicken burgers include cheddar, American cheese, and pimento cheese.

On the other hand, some people prefer to showcase the chicken as the star ingredient in their burgers. They may believe that adding cheese distracts from the flavour of the chicken or makes the dish too rich or heavy. In these cases, they might opt for other toppings like bacon, salami, or sauces such as ranch or mayonnaise.

There are also variations in regional preferences for chicken burgers. For example, the classic Italian Pollo alla Diavola does not traditionally include cheese. However, in the United States, it is not uncommon to find chicken burgers with a slice of American cheese, such as at Federal Donuts or KFC, which offers the Double Down—a sandwich with two slabs of fried chicken and cheese in between.

At the end of the day, the decision to include cheese on a chicken burger depends on individual taste and the desired end product. Some people enjoy the combination of flavours and textures that cheese brings to the dish, while others prefer to keep their chicken burgers simple and cheese-free.

Frequently asked questions