Ingredients

1/3 cup (80g) flour (any white)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

¾ tsp paprika

1 tsp thyme

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

2 tbsp olive oil

2 large onions, halved then sliced (white, brown, or yellow)

400–500g (14 oz – 1 lb) chicken breast (2 pieces), cut horizontally into 2 thin steaks

4–8 slices Swiss or other melting cheese slices

4 soft rolls (brioche burger buns recommended)

1 avocado

Lettuce

2 large tomatoes

½ cup mayonnaise (whole egg preferred)

1 large garlic clove, minced

French fries or baked potato wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the garlic mayonnaise ingredients (mayonnaise and minced garlic) in a small bowl and set aside for at least 20 minutes.

Step 2: Combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder in a flat bowl or dish to create the seasoning mix.

Step 3: If needed, pound the chicken breasts to about 1 cm (2/5 inch) thick. Trim the pieces slightly larger than your rolls, about 15% bigger, as the chicken will shrink while cooking.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, turning regularly for about 5 minutes until golden. Season with salt and pepper, toss well, then remove from the skillet.

Step 5: While cooking onions, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Split the rolls and toast them lightly, either in the oven or on a grill. Keep the toasted rolls in the warm, turned-off oven with the door ajar.

Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet over high heat.

Step 7: Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoning mix, shaking off excess flour. Place the coated chicken steaks in the hot skillet.

Step 8: Cook the chicken for 2½ minutes on one side until golden, then flip.

Step 9: Top the cooked side with cheese slices and cook for 1½ minutes. If the cheese hasn’t melted, cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 15 seconds to help melting.

Step 10: Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while assembling the burgers.

Step 11: To assemble, spread mashed avocado on the base of each roll and season with salt and pepper. Layer with chicken, cooked onions, lettuce, and tomato slices.

Step 12: Spread the garlic mayo on the top half of the roll and place it on the burger. Serve immediately with fries or potato wedges.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the mashed avocado before spreading.

Use different cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella depending on your preference.

Try adding pickles or jalapeños for a tangy or spicy kick.

If you prefer grilling, this recipe works well on a BBQ with direct heat.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of soft rolls?

Yes, you can use any burger buns, sandwich rolls, or even sturdy sandwich bread that holds the fillings well. Brioche buns work especially well for a slightly sweet flavor.

How can I make these chicken burgers healthier?

Choose whole wheat or multigrain buns and use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the garlic sauce. Serving with a side salad instead of fries also adds a nutritious balance to your meal.