For those of us watching our weight, cooking up a juicy burger can definitely be a challenge. Keeping extra lean cuts of meat from becoming dry and chewy after you’ve cooked them is no easy task.
Slathering an abundance of condiments on your bun will never make a dry burger good again.
Weight Watchers Friendly Grilled Chicken Burger
I say it’s not the choice of meat that’s the problem. Extra lean cuts of beef, pork and turkey make great burgers – including this ground chicken breast. It’s the ingredients we bind them with and the cooking time.
Chicken Burger Mix
I’ve found the trick is packing extra moisture into the mix, but I don’t use the typical eggs and breadcrumbs. I find that dried breadcrumbs seem to absorb the moisture from the meat, making them even drier.
I add flavor, moistness and extra fiber to my ground chicken breast with mashed pinto beans and a splash of chicken broth for that savory appeal.
Fresh herbs don’t hurt either.
Chicken Breast Burger
A quick cook in my favorite cast iron skillet, and our burgers were done. It was time to top our chicken burgers with spinach leaves, tomatoes, and my favorite brand of Dijon mustard – there was no need for anything else.
Happy, healthy cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 1 cup pinto beans, well mashed
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a large bowl and form into 4 patties.
- Generously spray a nonstick skillet with olive oil cooking spray and cook for 4 - 5 minutes per side until patties are cooked through. Watch carefully - chicken breast patties over-cook very quickly. Take off the heat a minute or two before you think they're done, and allow carry over cooking time to finish the cooking.
- Serve on your favorite bun with your favorite condiments.
Notes
For burger only: Calories: 212 Weight Watchers PointsPlus 5 Total Fat: 5.63g Cholesterol: 72mg Sodium: 308mg Total Carbs: 9.50g Dietary Fiber: 2.84g Sugars: 0.15g Protein: 27.09g
If you’re looking for healthy and low calorie Weight Watchers recipes, check out my Recipe page. You’ll find hundreds of recipes that include nutrition information and Weight Watchers points.
Please see disclaimer for further details. Nutrition information is compiled with MacGourmet. If you find discrepancies, please let me know. It’s important to me that I provide you with accurate information.
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{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tip! I love that you add some beans to the mixture – it also thins out the meat portion without making meat-lovers feel like they’re missing out.
Jess recently posted…Thirty Minute Thursdays: Creamy (but Healthy!) Salsa Dip
So true – I hadn’t thought of that!
Using mashed beans is such a great idea! I’m going to have to remember that one!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted…Last Minute Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas
I bet black beans and Mexican seasonings would make a great southwest burger too.
This is perfectly moist!! What a great sandwich!
Belinda @zomppa recently posted…Boxcarr Farms: Class Act
Thanks Belinda! I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t have time to visit Zomppa. I’m off to go see what you’re up to right now.
Wow, this burger makes me really hungry! Looks so full of flavour and so different to ordinary burgers! yummy.
Thank you Alida! I tried to follow the link to visit your blog, but it comes up to a page unknown. I’d love to see it.
Gosh that burger looks great. I will have to try it soon. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank Veronica! Enjoy your weekend.
OH I love the idea of adding chicken broth and beans!! BRilliant. Have you ever tried flaxseed (ground) or avocado?? Those work really well too!
The Candid RD (Gina) recently posted…Possibly My Last Blog Post; Clean Eating’s Panko and Sage-Crusted Pork Cutlets
No I haven’t. I love the idea of black beans and avocado. Have a good weekend.
The beans and chicken broth are a great idea to keep the burgers moist! I also like adding moist, shredded veggies to my burgers. Onions, mushrooms, & celery work well.
I so agree. Mushrooms add a meaty texture that my husband loves.
Coming to a BBQ near me very soon, Kristi. Lovely to have a healthy alternative that is even more tempting than the traditional beef burger. Hope you are having a lovely weekend.
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen recently posted…Onion and Orange Marmalade – it’s time to magic up a pot
I must admit my husband enjoyed this burger, but he’d still opt for beef anytime.
I have a very specific diet schedule so I know exactly what you mean! These burgers look absolutely mouthwatring and can be consumed without second thoughts!
Katerina recently posted…Chicken in a Yogurt-Paprika Sauce
We really did enjoy them and you’re right, I wasn’t worried in the least about having a burger and breaking the calorie bank.
A chicken burger with beans…I totally love the idea. It looks really juicy and delicious.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted…Honey Peanut Spelt Bars
I don’t often by ground chicken breast because it’s often too dry, but this really was a good recipe. I’m thinking chopped mushrooms would be good too.
They look fabulous!! Now if I could just serve them to the family without the ingredient inquisition :/ I think they’d love these!
Liz recently posted…Provençal Olive Fougasse…French Fridays with Dorie
Ha! So true – my husband always asks what’s in his food now. I’m afraid being a healthy cook has its reputation hazards.
What a great idea to use Pinto beans in the burgers!!!I’ve never made mine like this and cannot wait to try now
Thanks for sharing!!
I hadn’t either, but they really did work well.
Super nice burger, looks amazing!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Irena recently posted…Biscuits Made with Love, Happy Mother’s Day
I like the pinto bean trick – great idea. I haven’t heard that before, but it makes so much sense. Very good recipe – thanks.
As someone else pointed out, it’s a terrific way to stretch your meat too. Have a good week.
Using mashed beans is such a fantastic idea!
Baker Street recently posted…Muffin Monday: Chocolate Chip Biscoff Swirl Muffins
The best part is my husband never noticed!
Oooh – great trick with the pinto beans. Doing this next time I make some extra lean burgers – love that you’re getting extra fiber and stretching a smaller portion of meat out!
Food Jaunts recently posted…Chipotle Tomato Mac and Cheese + Chinet Bakeware Review
I hadn’t thought of the meat stretching benefit until someone else pointed it out too.
I totally agree with your thoughts on using breadcrumbs. These are great tips and this is one good looking burger. Thank you Ma’am.
It’s weird, and I know that breadcrumbs are supposed to bind together ground meats, but they just seem to dry out the leaner cuts. Have a good day Sandra!
Those Chicken Burgers look really good! Will try out your recipe I’m sure my nephews will love these.
TheDrunkenPig recently posted…Breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins
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