The Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger is a fresh take on the classic chicken burger, infusing it with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a dish that feels familiar yet brings an exciting twist, perfect for when you want something a little out of the ordinary.
The star of this burger is the chicken patty, which is anything but basic. Made from ground chicken, it’s light and juicy, with a blend of herbs that sets it apart. Fresh parsley, cilantro, and mint combine to give the patties a bright, zesty flavor. These herbs don’t just add taste – they bring a burst of color and an aroma that makes the burger feel fresh and vibrant. Parsley gives a nice, clean bite, cilantro adds a hint of citrusy brightness, and mint offers an excellent, refreshing note that balances everything out.
But it’s not just about the herbs. Ground cumin and coriander are mixed in, adding a warm, earthy depth typical of Mediterranean cooking. A squeeze of lemon juice brings a tang that lifts all the flavors, making each bite exciting and full of character. And then there’s the tahini—a rich, nutty sesame paste that’s worked right into the patties. It doesn’t just add flavor; it helps keep the patties moist and tender, giving them a lovely, subtle creaminess that ties everything together.
No great burger is complete without a fantastic sauce, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The tahini aioli is silky, smooth, and just the right balance of rich and tangy. It’s made by whisking together tahini, egg yolks, lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil until you get a creamy, dreamy spread full of flavor. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the tahini and egg yolks, while the garlic adds a savory kick that makes the aioli irresistible. It’s the kind of sauce that you’ll want to put on everything, but it shines here, bringing the whole burger together.
When it’s time to put everything together, it’s all about layering those flavors and textures. Start with a toasted sesame bun, which adds a nice crunch and a subtle nuttiness that echoes the tahini. Spread a generous amount of tahini aioli on the bun, then place the chicken patty on top. Thanks to all those herbs and spices, the patties are juicy and packed with flavor.
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For toppings, fresh slices of tomato and cucumber add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the patty and aioli. Pickled red onions bring a pop of acidity and a little sweetness, balancing the flavors perfectly. The result is a satisfying burger with surprises, with every bite offering something new.
The Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger is a rewarding flavor journey. It takes the familiar comfort of a chicken burger and elevates it with bright herbs, warm spices, and that incredible tahini aioli. Whether making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up at a weekend gathering, this burger will surely impress. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a little indulgent—the perfect combination for any occasion.
Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger
4
servings30
minutes15
minutes45
minutesThe Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger is a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic. Juicy chicken patties infused with herbs and spices are topped with creamy tahini aioli, crisp veggies, and tangy pickled onions, all on a toasted sesame bun. It’s a vibrant and satisfying taste of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Burger Patties
1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons tahini
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup parsley, freshly chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, freshly chopped
1/4 cup mint, freshly chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for cooking, extra virgin olive oil
- For the Tahini Aioli
1/4 cup tahini
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- For Assembly
toasted sesame buns
pickled red onions
tomato slices
cucumber slices
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken Burger Patties:
Combine the ground chicken, tahini, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. - Make the Tahini Aioli:
Whisk together the tahini, egg yolks, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and emulsifies. Season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready for use. - Cook the Chicken Patties:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom. Place the chicken patties in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown and cooked through. - Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a layer of tahini aioli on the bottom half of each toasted sesame bun. Place a chicken patty on top. Add tomato slices, cucumber slices, and pickled red onions. Top with the other half of the bun. Serve the Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burgers immediately with extra tahini aioli on the side if desired.
Notes
- Pickling Red Onions: Thinly slice 1 red onion and place it in a heatproof jar. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup vinegar (white, apple cider, or red wine), 1 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and pour the hot mixture over the onions. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before use. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigerating the Burger Patties: After mixing the chicken burger patty ingredients, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping the patties. This helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape and less likely to fall apart during cooking.