Packed with the flavors of parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil, these caprese pesto chicken burgers are the most flavorful chicken burgers I’ve ever had. Top with fresh mozzarella cheese, a slice of juicy tomato, and a generous dollop of basil pesto for a summery burger inspired by colorful caprese salad.
If you haven’t had caprese salad before, it’s simply layers of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, often topped with a drizzle of olive oil and sometimes balsamic vinegar. The name caprese is for the Italian island of Capri, where this simple yet flavorful delight (which resembles the Italian flag) is said to have originated.
I love this Mediterranean-inspired flavor combo, and by the recommendation of team member, Beth, I made these caprese-inspired chicken burgers. We LOVED them. I don’t share dinner recipes too often, so when I do, you know it’s a favorite!! (By the way, here’s my collection of summer dinner ideas if you’re looking for more inspiration. And if you want a meat-free option, use these black bean burgers instead of making the chicken burgers.)
Place the chicken into a bowl and then add the remaining burger ingredients. Mix well.
Form into 8 or 9 plump and compact patties. Each will be a heaping 1/2 cup of the chicken burger mixture. If you have a scale, each will weigh about 4.5–5 ounces (127–142g).
I highly recommend grilling the chicken burgers because it really locks in all the moisture and adds the most wonderful grilled smoky flavor. Maybe it’s pouring down rain outside or you don’t have access to a grill, so cooking on the stovetop is another option. See instructions for both in the recipe card below.
Cook the chicken burgers until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). They’ll cook in about 10 minutes on a high-heat grill or medium-high stove:
A fresh garden salad, corn on the cob, and some cool watermelon are my favorite sides for these. For ideas on what to serve after the burgers, here’s a collection of desserts for a BBQ cookout.
Top these juicy chicken burgers with fresh mozzarella cheese, a slice of juicy tomato, and a generous dollop of basil pesto for a summery burger inspired by colorful caprese salad. You can cook the burgers on the grill or stove; see recipe Note for the stove.
