I decided to go a little off-piste for UK National Burger Day with this Italian inspired garlic and herb chicken Caprese burger made with marinated, boneless chicken thighs topped with melted mozzarella, avocado, tomato, fresh basil leaves and served in a sundried tomato bun! Could you even call this a healthy burger?? Either way, it’s absolutely delicious.
My interpretation is that as long as there is a bit of meat sandwiched in a bun, with some cheese of course, then it can be called a burger! This particular chicken caprese burger is therefore no exception and is also really quick and easy to cook.
This recipe serves 4 (4 burgers) and takes just 30 minutes including a little time for the chicken to marinate. I highly recommend cooking the chicken on a BBQ if you can!
Chicken Caprese Burger – what you need:
For the chicken and marinade:
4x skinless and boneless chicken thighs – remove any excess fat and make sure thickness is pretty even when flat. Lightly score the surface for the marinade to absorb.
2x cloves of garlic – crushed.
1/4 of a fresh lemon juice.
Mixed dried herbs or combination of basil, marjoram, thyme, parsley – approx. 1x generous tablespoon.
Olive oil.
Sea salt and black pepper.
For the accompaniments:
Mozzarella cheese – sliced into 8 pieces.
1x ripe avocado – sliced.
2x ripe vine tomatoes – sliced.
Fresh basil leaves, whole – approx. 4 per burger.
Mayonnaise.
Burger buns of your choice – here I have used sundried tomato and herb buns but ciabatta, seeded or brioche would work just as well.
Chicken Caprese Burger – what you need to do:
1. Firstly add the prepared chicken thighs, garlic, herbs, lemon juice and olive oil to a dish with a pinch of salt and pepper – rub the ingredients into the chicken, cover and leave for 15 minutes or as long as you can.
2. Cook the chicken on a high heat for approx. 5 minutes per side (BBQ recommended but you can use a griddle or normal frying pan). When one side is cooked turn over and add the mozzarella on top. Close the lid or put a lid over the pan to help melt the cheese.
3. Whilst the chicken is cooking, prepare the avocado, tomatoes and basil ready to assemble your chicken Caprese burger! Cut the buns and lightly toast on the BBQ or pan.
4. Load your bun with mayonnaise, chicken with melted mozzarella, avocado, tomato, fresh basil leaves, black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Dig in and enjoy!
I hope you like this Italian inspired Chicken Caprese Burger recipe. As always, your feedback is most welcome so please comment below or get in touch at thefoodbeaver.com or through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Food Beaver.