Lemon & Herb Chicken Club Burger Recipe
Introduction
This Lemon & Herb Chicken Club Burger is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Juicy marinated chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado come together in a deliciously satisfying sandwich perfect for any barbecue or casual meal.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 8 rashers smoked bacon
- 4 burger buns, split
- 4 slices of your favourite cheese (optional)
- 2 avocados, halved, stoned, peeled and sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 4 handfuls of lettuce leaves
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves, or 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp mustard
- small splash of chilli sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the garlic with the thyme and a pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and plenty of cracked black pepper, then mash together to combine into a marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on a board and flatten slightly with a rolling pin until even in thickness. Transfer the chicken to a container, add the marinade, seal, shake well, and chill for up to 1 hour.
- Step 3: Light the barbecue and heat until the coals are ashen or set a gas barbecue to medium heat. Mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and chilli sauce (if using) in a small bowl and keep chilled for the sauce.
- Step 4: Cook the bacon on the barbecue for 3-4 minutes until crisp, then remove to a plate and set aside. Toast the cut side of the buns on the grill where the bacon cooked to soak up the flavorful fat, then set aside.
- Step 5: Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly charred. If using cheese, top each chicken breast with a slice and cook a few minutes longer until melted and the chicken reaches 65°C (149°F) internally.
- Step 6: Spread the base of each bun with the prepared sauce, then layer with avocado slices, tomato slices, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and lettuce. Top with the bun lid, press lightly, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the marinade along with thyme and garlic.
- Swap the mayonnaise sauce for a yogurt-based dressing to lighten the sandwich.
- Use different cheese types like cheddar or mozzarella depending on your preference.
- To make it spicier, add extra chilli sauce or fresh sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken and bacon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep buns and fresh vegetables separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the chicken gently on a grill or in a pan until warmed through before assembling the burger again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook this burger indoors?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and bacon on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium heat. Toast the buns under a grill or in a toaster.
Is it necessary to flatten the chicken breasts?
Flattening helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, ensuring juicy results and avoiding uneven thickness which may burn thinner parts.
Print
Lemon & Herb Chicken Club Burger Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Description
A delicious Lemon & Herb Chicken Club Burger featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, topped with crispy smoked bacon, fresh avocado, tomato, lettuce, and a tangy homemade lemon-mustard mayo sauce, all served in toasted burger buns. Perfect for a flavorful barbecue or casual meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves, or 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Plenty of cracked black pepper
Bacon and Buns
- 8 rashers smoked bacon
- 4 burger buns, split
- 4 slices of your favourite cheese (optional)
Toppings
- 2 avocados, halved, stoned, peeled and sliced
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 4 handfuls of lettuce leaves
Sauce
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp mustard
- Small splash of chilli sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Crush the garlic with the thyme and a pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and plenty of cracked black pepper, then mash together to combine into a marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts out on a board and flatten slightly using a rolling pin to an even thickness. Transfer the chicken to a container, pour over the marinade, then seal, shake to coat evenly, and chill for up to 1 hour.
- Preheat the Barbecue: Light the barbecue and wait until the coals are ashen or heat a gas barbecue to medium heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and a splash of chilli sauce if using. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
- Cook the Bacon and Toast Buns: Cook the bacon on the barbecue for 3–4 minutes until crisp. Remove to a plate and set aside. Toast the cut side of the buns where you grilled the bacon to soak up the bacon fat, then remove and set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Barbecue the marinated chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until lightly charred. Top each piece with a slice of cheese if using, and cook for a few minutes more until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature at least 65°C/149°F).
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the base of each toasted bun with the prepared sauce, then layer with avocado slices, tomato, grilled chicken, bacon, and lettuce. Sandwich with the bun tops, press lightly, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheese or add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly with a thermometer reading of at least 65°C to guarantee safety.
- Marinate the chicken for up to 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate but avoid over-marinating to prevent texture changes.
- Toast buns on the barbecue to soak up bacon fat for enhanced flavor and crispness.
- Optional chilli sauce in the mayo adds a gentle heat, omit if sensitive to spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon herb chicken burger, grilled chicken burger, chicken club burger, barbecue burger, bacon chicken sandwich, avocado burger
