Crisp Chicken Burgers with Lemon Mayo Recipe
Introduction
These crisp chicken burgers with lemon mayo are a fresh and satisfying twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken breasts are coated in golden, toasted breadcrumbs and paired with a zesty lemon mayonnaise for a bright burst of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 3 slices white bread, toasted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- 4 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 4 ciabatta buns, warm or toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the grill to high. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of cling film and gently bash them with a rolling pin until they are about half their original thickness.
- Step 2: Crush the toasted bread slices in a food processor until you have rough breadcrumbs, then spread them out on a plate.
- Step 3: In a bowl, beat the egg and Dijon mustard together, then season with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then press both sides into the toasted breadcrumbs to coat well.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken breasts on a flat baking sheet and grill for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through. Cook until the chicken is golden, crisp, and cooked through.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the lemon zest, lemon juice, and plenty of black pepper into the mayonnaise. Spread this lemon mayo on the bottom halves of the ciabatta buns.
- Step 6: Assemble the burgers by topping the buns with a grilled chicken breast and your choice of salad or greens. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use toasted breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy, golden coating without frying, saving time and reducing oil.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the lemon mayo.
- Try serving the burgers with avocado slices or a spicy slaw for added texture and taste.
Storage
Store leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently under the grill or in a low oven to keep the coating crisp. Lemon mayo is best served fresh but can be kept chilled for up to 24 hours.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but they may take a little longer to cook and could be juicier with a different texture.
Is it necessary to grill the chicken?
No, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and crispy.
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Crisp Chicken Burgers with Lemon Mayo Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These crisp chicken burgers with lemon mayo offer a delightful combination of juicy grilled chicken coated in golden toasted breadcrumbs, paired with a zesty and creamy lemon mayonnaise. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, these burgers bring a fresh twist to classic chicken sandwiches using simple ingredients and an easy grilling method.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 chicken breasts
- 3 slices white bread, toasted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon Mayo
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice from ½ lemon
- 4 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 4 ciabatta buns, warm or toasted
- Salad of your choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, cucumber)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film. Using a rolling pin, bash the breasts until they are about half their original thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
- Make the breadcrumbs: Place the toasted slices of white bread into a food processor and pulse until you have rough breadcrumbs. Tip these breadcrumbs out onto a plate for coating the chicken.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a bowl, beat the egg and Dijon mustard together. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and add flavor.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then press each chicken breast firmly into the toasted breadcrumbs, making sure both sides are well coated.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to high. Place the coated chicken breasts on a flat baking sheet and put them under the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until both sides are golden and crisp and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Make the lemon mayo: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a good amount of freshly ground black pepper with the reduced-fat mayonnaise. Mix well until creamy and flavorful.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of the lemon mayo onto the bottom half of each warmed or toasted ciabatta bun. Top with a grilled chicken breast and add salad of your choice. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using toasted breadcrumbs instead of frying saves time and reduces fat content while still achieving a crispy coating.
- Adjust the lemon juice in the mayo to your preferred tartness.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can customize the salad toppings with your favorite fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, or avocado.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before bashing and breading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: chicken burgers, grilled chicken, lemon mayo, crisp chicken, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken sandwich, toasted breadcrumbs

