If you're searching for a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic chicken burger, this Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe is a game changer. Perfect for cozy weeknights or casual weekend grilling, these burgers bring together the sweet warmth of maple syrup, tangy mustard, and crisp apples for an unexpectedly delightful bite.
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Why You’ll Love This
This Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe is an absolute delight for those who crave a juicy, flavorful burger with a hint of sweetness and a touch of tang. The combination of maple syrup and mustard creates a luscious sauce that complements the tender chicken patties perfectly, while the fresh apple and crispy bacon bits add surprising texture and depth.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: Ground chicken and panko produce moist, tender patties bursting with savory and sweet notes from the bacon, apple, and spices.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: A quick sear on the grill or skillet develops a toasty crust that locks in juicy flavor.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most components like Dijon, maple syrup, and breadcrumbs ready, making this recipe super approachable.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: Minimal hands-on time plus bold flavors means you can whip this up any day of the week and impress guests without fuss.
Ingredient Snapshot
When making Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe, choosing the freshest ingredients will make all the difference. Quality bacon and crisp apples bring fantastic texture, while fresh herbs brighten the patties elegantly.
- Ground Chicken: Opt for lean but not overly dry; it should hold together without crumbling.
- Red Apple: Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and crunch.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon offers flavor and texture, and renders bacon grease that enhances onion and garlic sauté.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and smoothness to the maple-mustard sauce; don't substitute with spicy brown for balance.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides just the right amount of binding without weighing the chicken down.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Start by whisking together Dijon mustard, creamy mayonnaise, and sweet maple syrup for your signature sauce. Cover and refrigerate to let those flavors meld while you prep the patties. Then gently cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Set it aside on paper towels but keep a teaspoon of that flavorful bacon fat in the pan—you'll sauté your minced red onion and garlic in it next for a fragrant base. Once softened, add apple juice and scrape up the pan’s browned bits to infuse that sweet-savory goodness. Stir in the cooked bacon, chopped apple, dried sage, and fresh parsley then let it cool just so it doesn’t scramble your chicken mixture.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and the cooled bacon-apple mixture. I love how the breadcrumbs keep these patties tender but stable when cooking. Shape the mixture into six even burger patties and pop them in the fridge for up to 30 minutes; chilling helps them hold together during grilling or searing. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat, then cook burgers for about 6-7 minutes on the first side until they develop a lovely golden crust. Flip carefully, cooking an additional 6-8 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t skip the last minute where you layer on Monterey Jack cheese—the melty top is a cozy finishing touch that makes these burgers so special.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
After your cheese melts, remove the patties from heat and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes; this keeps juices locked in so your burger stays juicy. While resting, toast brioche buns if you haven’t already—the buttery, slightly sweet buns work beautifully with the savory-sweet patties. To assemble, spread the chilled maple mustard sauce generously on the bottom bun, then add your patty and top with the other bun half. You’ll immediately notice the blend of sweet maple, tangy mustard, smoky bacon, and fresh apple all in one satisfying bite.
Smart Little Tips
These insider tips helped me nail the perfect Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe every time — hopefully they make your cooking easier and tastier too.
- Doneness Cue: When the patties reach 165°F internally and juices run clear, they're perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Temperature Trick: Medium heat is your best friend here; too hot and the outside chars before the inside cooks through.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prepare and chill the patties a few hours ahead to deepen flavors and make weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overmix the chicken and bacon-apple blend or the patties will turn dense instead of tender.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I love topping these burgers off with crisp lettuce leaves and thin slices of extra apple for crunch. The chilled maple mustard sauce spreads beautifully on the bun, adding a glossy, tangy-sweet layer that ties everything together. Add a few cornichons or pickled red onions if you want to introduce a zesty contrast that balances the sweet flavors wonderfully.
Pair It With
Try serving your Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe alongside a crunchy slaw dressed in apple cider vinegar or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Crispy sweet potato fries or roasted fingerling potatoes also make fantastic companions, adding earthy balance without overpowering those delicate apple notes.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For casual dinners, stack your burger with rustic wooden picks to keep everything neat and invite family-style sharing. For a more polished presentation, slice burgers in half and arrange on layered plates alongside apple slices and a small ramekin of maple mustard sauce for dipping. A fresh herb garnish like parsley or sage leaves amps up the visual appeal instantly.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Keep cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay juicy if you store them without the buns and add the buns fresh when reheating. The apple and bacon maintain their flavor and texture surprisingly well even after refrigeration.
Freezing Tips
This Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe freezes beautifully—just wrap individual patties tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying out, I recommend warming patties in a low oven (around 300°F) covered loosely with foil for 10-15 minutes, or air-frying at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Microwaving works but add a damp paper towel over the patties and heat in short bursts to maintain moistness. Add fresh buns and sauce when assembling for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute. Just keep in mind it can be a bit leaner, so avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. Adding the apple and bacon mixture helps keep the patties moist and flavorful.
You can swap apple juice for chicken broth or a mild white grape juice. The key is adding a little liquid to deglaze the pan and bring brightness, so anything mildly sweet or savory will do.
Absolutely. Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor combo will shine through.
Using a meat thermometer is best—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don't have one, cook until juices run clear and the patties feel firm but still springy to the touch.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen because it’s just that easy and delicious. The sweet-savory balance feels special without demanding endless prep time or fancy ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for friends, or craving something fresh for yourself, these burgers hit all the right notes with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to give them a try and hear how much you love that first juicy bite!
PrintPrint Recipe
Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers Recipe
These Maple Mustard Apple Chicken Burgers offer a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors, combining ground chicken, crisp bacon, fresh apples, and a tangy maple mustard sauce. Perfect for a flavorful meal that impresses with every bite, served on toasted brioche buns with melted Monterey Jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
Burgers
- 5 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup apple juice
- 1 red apple, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 2 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 6 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 brioche buns, toasted
Instructions
- Make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and maple syrup until well combined. Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon pieces until they’re crisp and golden brown. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving about 1 teaspoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté aromatics. In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the minced red onion and garlic for about 2 minutes, or until they’ve softened and become fragrant.
- Simmer apple mixture. Pour in the apple juice and let it simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the delicious browned bits. Once the liquid has mostly evaporated, stir in the cooked bacon, chopped apple, dried sage, and fresh parsley. Allow this mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
- Form patties. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and the cooled bacon-apple mixture. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into evenly sized burger patties. Chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat grill and cook patties. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the patties for 7 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add cheese. In the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of Monterey Jack cheese to melt.
- Assemble burgers. Assemble each burger by placing a grilled patty on a toasted brioche bun and spreading the chilled maple mustard sauce on the bottom bun. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chilling the patties before grilling helps them hold together and improves texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken patties reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or Swiss if desired.
- For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients until creamy.
- You can cook the burgers on a stovetop grill pan if a grill is unavailable.
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