Chicken Burgers: A Healthy Alternative

I love a good hamburger.  I also love grilled chicken.  Combine the two and you have "Chicken Burgers".  This recipe's original name is Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers (from Weight Watchers) but rarely do I add the blue cheese.  My philosophy is why waste the calories when the burger is just as good without it.  Brandon usually ends up adding his preferable slice of cheese so what the heck, just add what you like.  Be warned, though, don't expect to bite into this burger and taste beefy goodness. No, it is made with ground chicken, which is a much different.  However, I think you'll find that after a few bites you'll be satisfied with the "burger taste" and turn into a more delightful person knowing that you've eaten way less calories.  This recipe is perfect to share for the new year when weight-loss resolutions are at a peak.

Chicken Burgers
Adapted from Weight Watchers
Serves:  4

Cooking spray
1/4 cup favorite BBQ sauce
1 1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1 pound uncooked extra lean ground chicken breast
1/2 cup scallions, sliced
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup bread crumbs, plain-variety
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp table salt
4 mixed-grain hamburger rolls
lettuce, tomatoes, cheese of choice

Off heat, coat grill or grill pan with cooking spray; preheat to medium-high.

In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce and hot pepper sauce. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon of BBQ mixture, scallion, celery, bread crumbs, garlic, and salt. Using wet hands to prevent mix from sticking, form chicken mixture into four 1/2-thick patties; brush top of burgers with some remaining BBQ sauce mixture.

Place burgers on grill, sauce side down. Brush tops of burgers with remaining sauce. Grill, turning once, until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Lightly toast open-faced buns on grill during last minute of cooking.



Enjoy,

Marie