Mozzarella Stick Chicken Burgers
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Serves: 4 burgers
 
Gooey mozzarella cheese-stuffed chicken patties are coated in breadcrumbs, fried until golden brown and crispy, and served with an easy marinara sauce and a parmesan crusted bun.
Ingredients
  • 1¼ lbs. chicken breasts (or 1¼ lbs, ground chicken)
  • ½ medium onion, ½ finely diced and ½ left whole, divided
  • 5 garlic cloves, divided
  • 1½ tsp. salt, divided
  • ½ tsp. Italian seasoning, divided
  • 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 pieces
  • ½ c. flour
  • 1 egg + 2 Tlbs. water
  • 1 c. Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¼ c. olive oil + 1 tsp.
  • 1 14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 4 good quality buns
Optional
  • ¼ c. grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Optional choice to grind your own meat. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes. Place in a food processor and pulse until ground.
  3. Add chicken to a large bowl. Grate in ½ an onion and 4 garlic cloves. Add 1¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. Italian seasoning. Mix until combined. Form into four large balls. Place two pieces of mozzarella in the middle and form patty around the cheese.
  4. Dip patties in flour, pat off excess flour. Dip in egg, and then coat in breadcrumbs. Place on a plate and chill for a few minutes while you start the sauce. Reserve the remaining egg wash.
  5. In a small saucepan, add 1 tsp. olive oil. Heat to a medium heat, and add remaining diced onion and garlic (grate into pan). Sauté for 1 minute or until slightly softened. Add salt, tomatoes, and sugar. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Heat a large non-stick, oven-proof pan to a medium heat. Add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add breaded chicken patties. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Pop into the oven to finish cooking the chicken and melt the cheese, another 5 minutes or so.
Optional
  1. Brush the buns with egg wash. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place on a baking sheet and bake until cheese has melted, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Place patties on bun, and top with some marinara sauce. Top with parmesan bun.
Recipe by Cooking for Keeps at https://www.cookingforkeeps.com/mozzarella-stick-chicken-burgers/