Best Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers Now

Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers

If you’re craving a burger that bursts with smoky flavor and juicy tenderness, then you have to try Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers. These delightful patties combine the lightness of chicken with the deep, red-tinged warmth of smoked paprika, creating a memorable twist on the classic smash burger technique. Perfect for backyard gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want something satisfying yet unique, these burgers are easy to master and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold smoky flavor: The smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky taste that elevates simple chicken patties to restaurant-quality meals.
  • Juicy and tender: Smash cooking ensures the chicken stays moist while developing a deliciously crispy crust.
  • Simple ingredients: No complicated spices or sauces, just straightforward, wholesome components that come together effortlessly.
  • Quick prep and cook time: Perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Highly versatile: Easily customized to suit your taste—spicy, mild, packed with herbs, or topped with your favorite fixings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing flavor, juiciness, and the vibrant color that makes these burgers as visually appealing as they are flavorful.

  • Ground chicken: Choose lean but not too dry for the perfect burger texture and moisture.
  • Smoked paprika: The star spice providing smoky depth and a subtle kick of warmth.
  • Garlic powder: Enhances umami and adds a gentle garlicky aroma without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Onion powder: Adds sweetness and a savory note to round out the seasoning.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial for bringing out all the natural flavors.
  • Olive oil or neutral oil: Helps achieve a beautifully caramelized crust when cooking.
  • Burger buns: Soft yet sturdy buns hold the juicy patties without falling apart.
  • Your favorite toppings: Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, cheese—customize to your liking for added texture and taste.

Variations for Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers

Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your mood or dietary needs. The straightforward base means you can get creative without any complicated substitutions or techniques.

  • Spicy twist: Add cayenne pepper or chipotle powder for a smoky heat boost.
  • Herb-infused: Mix in fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme for a fresh, green flavor profile.
  • Cheesy upgrade: Top with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack to complement the paprika’s smokiness.
  • Lower carb option: Serve wrapped in lettuce instead of buns for a lighter, gluten-free meal.
  • BBQ vibe: Add a splash of BBQ sauce or serve with coleslaw for classic barbecue joint flavors.
Best Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers Now

How to Make Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the chicken mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to ensure even distribution of spices without overworking the meat—which keeps the burgers tender.

Step 2: Preheat your cooking surface

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. A hot surface is key to creating the signature crust while locking in the juices.

Step 3: Form and smash the patties

Divide the chicken mixture into equal portions and place each ball on the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, firmly smash down each patty to about ½ inch thickness. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges.

Step 4: Flip and cook through

Carefully flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Add cheese now if using, allowing it to melt while the burger finishes cooking.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Toast your buns lightly, then layer with the smoked paprika chicken patty and your preferred toppings. Serve immediately for the best juicy experience.

Pro Tips for Making Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers

  • Don’t overmix: Gently fold the spices into the chicken to keep the texture tender.
  • Use a hot pan: This ensures a crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
  • Press firmly but quickly: Smash just once per patty to avoid pressing out the juices.
  • Rest briefly: Let patties rest a couple of minutes after cooking to redistribute juices.
  • Customize toppings: Consider spicy mayo, avocado slices, or caramelized onions for added flavor layers.

How to Serve Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers

Garnishes

Bright, fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy pickles create the perfect textural contrast to the smoky chicken. Don’t forget a spread of mayo or your favorite sauce to keep every bite moist and flavorful.

Side Dishes

Pair the burgers with classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a refreshing coleslaw. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also balance the richness of the patties beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve sliders for party snacks or build a burger bowl by stacking everything without the bun for a low-carb option. Alternatively, turn these burgers into lettuce wraps with a spicy sauce drizzle for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store buns separately to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers freeze well before cooking; shape and smash the patties, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen patties can be cooked straight from the freezer with a few extra minutes added to cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat patties gently on a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to retain moisture and crisp up the edges, avoiding the microwave which can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other meats for these smash burgers?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can substitute ground turkey or even lean beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How spicy are Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers?

The smokiness carries a mild warmth rather than intense heat, but you can easily ramp it up with additional chili powders or hot sauces.

Is smoked paprika the same as regular paprika?

No, smoked paprika is made from smoked dried peppers and has a distinctive smoky flavor, whereas regular paprika is milder and sweeter without smoky notes.

Can these burgers be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free buns or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce to keep the meal gluten-free and delicious.

What’s the best oil to use for cooking the patties?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or avocado oil work best, but olive oil is fine too as long as you monitor the heat carefully.

Final Thoughts

Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers bring a unique and vibrant take on the classic burger, combining smoky spice with juicy chicken in a way that’s both easy and irresistibly flavorful. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for any meal where you want bold taste without fuss. So get your skillet ready and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!

Related Posts

Print

Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers

Smoked Paprika Chicken Smash Burgers are juicy, tender chicken patties infused with smoky paprika and simple seasonings. These quick and flavorful burgers feature a crispy crust achieved by smashing the patties on a hot skillet. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, they are easy to prepare, customizable, and suitable for gluten-free diets when served with lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean but moist)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (canola, avocado)

Buns & Toppings

  • 4 burger buns (soft yet sturdy) or lettuce leaves for gluten-free option
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Ripe tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Cheese slices (optional; sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or pepper jack recommended)
  • Optional condiments: mayo, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until spices are evenly distributed to avoid overworking the meat, which ensures tender burgers.
  2. Preheat your cooking surface: Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan to help create a caramelized, crispy crust while locking in moisture.
  3. Form and smash the patties: Divide the chicken mixture into equal portions, roll each into a ball, and place on the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball down to about ½ inch thickness. Cook without disturbing for 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
  4. Flip and cook through: Carefully flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). If using cheese, add slices now and let melt as the burger finishes cooking.
  5. Assemble and serve: Lightly toast burger buns. Layer each bun with the smoked paprika chicken patty and your choice of toppings and condiments. Serve immediately for the best juicy and flavorful experience.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the chicken and spices to maintain a tender texture.
  • Use a very hot pan to achieve a crispy crust without drying out the patties.
  • Press each patty firmly but only once to retain juices.
  • Let cooked patties rest a few minutes to redistribute juices before serving.
  • Customize toppings for added flavor such as spicy mayo, avocado slices, or caramelized onions.
  • Leftover patties can be refrigerated up to 3 days; store buns separately.
  • Smash and freeze raw patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for longer storage. Cook from frozen with extra cooking time.
  • Reheat patties gently in a skillet or oven to preserve moisture and crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: smoked paprika, chicken smash burgers, smoky chicken burgers, quick chicken burgers, gluten free burgers, pan-fried chicken patties

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating