There’s something magical about the combination of cheddar, ranch, and chicken—especially when you tuck it all into a toasted bun. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers from scratch, why they’re a terrific dinner option, and how to bring out the bold flavors with simple pantry ingredients. We’ll cover customization tips, perfect pairings, common questions, and more. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual get-together, these burgers deserve a spot on your table.
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Table of Contents
A Family Favorite: Where Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers Begin
The memory behind the meal
I still remember the first time I made Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers—it was a Saturday cookout, the kind where the grill is sizzling, and the kids are chasing each other barefoot on the grass. I wanted something easy but different from the usual beef burgers. With some ground chicken in the fridge and leftover ranch seasoning, the idea came together fast. I mixed in sharp cheddar and fresh garlic, then folded in finely chopped onion for a little texture. They were juicy, full of flavor, and gone before I could plate the last one. That’s when I knew I had something special.
Since then, this cheddar ranch chicken burger recipe has become a reliable go-to whenever we’re craving something hearty but slightly lighter than beef. It’s the kind of dish that feels homemade in the best way—packed with comfort but never boring. The ranch flavor blends perfectly with the cheese, and if you add crispy bacon and a swipe of cool ranch dressing on a warm bun? Game over.
For inspiration on another crowd-pleaser using ranch, take a look at the Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole, which combines many of the same flavors in baked form.
Why it works (and wins hearts)
What makes these chicken ranch burgers so good? It’s all in the texture and seasoning. Chicken can be a little lean, but the added egg and breadcrumbs help hold everything together while keeping it tender. Ranch seasoning does the heavy lifting for flavor—bringing in herbs, a little tang, and that addictive “cool” factor that pairs well with cheese.
I love folding shredded cheddar right into the patty mix because it melts as the burger cooks, locking flavor into every bite. Then, topping them off with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and ranch dressing just takes it over the top. If you’re a fan of bold flavor combinations, you’ll also enjoy the White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers for a slightly healthier spin.
These burgers are easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for guests—and they pair wonderfully with Country Ranch Green Beans Potatoes Bacon or even crispy oven fries for a full meal.
Build the Perfect Burger: Ingredients & Method for Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
What you’ll need: Simple pantry + fresh ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need anything fancy. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or fridge regulars, making this dish a go-to for last-minute meal plans.
For the Chicken Burger Patties:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
To assemble the burgers:
- Burger buns (toasted if desired)
- Cooked bacon
- Fresh lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Ranch dressing
- Optional: red onion slices, avocado, or pickles
The ranch seasoning and cheddar are the stars here. As they cook, they infuse every bite with a savory, creamy tang. The onion and garlic add freshness while the breadcrumbs and egg help the patties stay juicy—not dry or crumbly.
Want a side to complete the plate? These burgers go wonderfully with a refreshing Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes or a crisp Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken if you’re feeding a crowd.
Step-by-step: How to make and assemble the burgers
- In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, ranch mix, minced garlic, onion, and shredded cheddar. Don’t overwork it—just enough to combine everything evenly.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 15 minutes if the mixture feels too soft.
- Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don’t press down on the patties—they’ll stay juicier that way.
- While the burgers cook, lightly toast your buns in a skillet or oven for extra flavor and crunch.
- Start with the bun base, add lettuce, the hot chicken patty, a slice or two of crispy bacon, tomato, a dollop of ranch dressing, and your top bun.
Need inspiration for a fun variation? Try the method used in these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs to turn your burgers into cheesy stuffed bites for game day or appetizers.
For a smoky variation, blend in a spoonful of BBQ sauce or serve alongside a dish like the flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
Custom Flavor Twists & Serving Ideas for Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Burger bar ideas & creative toppings
One of the best things about Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers is how easy they are to customize. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous friends, setting up a burger bar lets everyone build their own masterpiece.
Here are some topping combos that work wonderfully:
- Southwest Style: Add avocado slices, pepper jack cheese, and a spoonful of corn salsa
- Classic BBQ Ranch: Swap ranch dressing for homemade BBQ sauce and throw in crispy fried onions
- Spicy Kick: Mix a little hot sauce into the ranch dressing and add jalapeño slices
- Caprese Inspired: Add fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Offering a range of sides like Country Ranch Green Beans Potatoes Bacon or a crisp salad adds balance to the meal without stealing the spotlight.
Looking for a low-carb option? You can skip the bun entirely and serve these burgers on lettuce wraps or over greens. They even work in a rice bowl or with a baked veggie side like Zucchini Fritters.
How to make them freezer-friendly
Planning ahead? These burgers are easy to freeze before or after cooking:
- To freeze raw: Form the patties and place them between parchment squares in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- To freeze cooked: Let them cool completely, wrap individually, and store in freezer bags. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
They’re ideal for meal prepping lunches or quick weeknight dinners. You can also shape them into mini sliders for parties or kid-friendly portions—just reduce the cooking time slightly.
If you love easy prep meals like this, check out Crack Burgers Recipe, which uses similar bold flavors with a make-ahead approach.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Smart Tips for Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
Meal prep and make-ahead tips
If you love saving time in the kitchen, this recipe works well for prepping in batches. You can mix the patty ingredients up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The mixture even tastes better as the flavors meld.
If you want to freeze them, shape the patties and layer them with parchment in an airtight container or bag. Thaw them in the fridge before grilling or pan-searing. They keep well frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re hosting or need a quick weeknight win, pair your burgers with quick side dishes like Slow Cooker Steak Cheddar Potato Casserole or Crockpot Chicken Lo Mein for a fuss-free meal plan.
Nutrition and storage notes
These burgers are packed with protein and lower in fat compared to beef. Using lean ground chicken cuts calories while still offering a hearty bite. You can adjust the fat content by selecting your preferred ground chicken blend.
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per burger (without toppings or buns):
| Nutrient | Per Patty (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
Leftovers? Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer, and you can repurpose them in wraps, rice bowls, or even chopped over salads.
Love low-effort, satisfying dinners like this? Try something just as comforting and quick like this Chicken Taco Casserole, which layers Tex-Mex flavors in one easy bake.
Print
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers: Juicy, Easy Dinner Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 burgers 1x
Description
Juicy cheddar ranch chicken burgers packed with flavor, bacon, and ranch dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground chicken
1 egg
½ cup plain bread crumbs
1 oz ranch seasoning mix
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup finely diced onion
½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
Buns
Cooked bacon
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Ranch dressing
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and cheese.
2. Form into 6 patties and place on parchment-lined tray.
3. Chill patties for 15 minutes if soft.
4. Heat skillet or grill to medium-high and cook patties 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Lightly toast the buns while patties cook.
6. Assemble with lettuce, burger, bacon, tomato, and ranch on bun.
Notes
For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
Store cooked patties in fridge for 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Use ground turkey if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet or Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a substitute. Just make sure to use a mix that isn’t too lean—at least 93% lean/7% fat—to maintain moisture and flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use in chicken burgers?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and pairs well with ranch. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are also great options.
How do I keep chicken burgers from falling apart?
Use the egg and breadcrumbs to bind the patties, and chill them before cooking. Avoid over-flipping.
Are cheddar ranch chicken burgers good for meal prep?
Absolutely. They’re easy to freeze, reheat well, and work in wraps, bowls, or salads.
Conclusion
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers aren’t just another burger—they’re a crave-worthy, flavor-packed twist on a classic that brings comfort, ease, and creativity to your table. Whether you’re cooking them for a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just treating yourself, these burgers deliver bold taste with minimal effort.
With everyday ingredients and quick prep, they’re perfect for busy nights, casual cookouts, or weekend cravings. Add your favorite toppings, pair with a quick side, and you’ve got a dinner worth repeating.
