Smoked Bacon Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers

Indulge in the irresistible taste of Smoked Bacon Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers

We love burgers at the Galley of the Sun, but sometimes we want a change of pace.  These Smoked Bacon Blue Cheese Chicken Burgers do just that!

 

Things to know:

What exactly is blue cheese?

Blue cheese is a category of cheeses defined by their blue or green veins/spots, created by adding specific molds (like Penicillium roqueforti) during production, leading to a tangy, pungent flavor and creamy to crumbly textures, made from cow, sheep, or goat milk and ripened to develop these distinct characteristics.

Is it bleu or blue cheese?

Both blue cheese and bleu cheese are correct, with “blue cheese” being the original English term that appeared first, while “bleu cheese” uses the French word for blue (bleu) and became popular later, often to sound fancier, though both refer to the same tangy, mold-veined cheese.

What are chicken burgers made of?

Chicken burger ingredients typically include ground chicken, a binder like breadcrumbs or egg, seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic/onion powder, herbs), and buns, with optional additions like cheese, sauces (mayo, mustard), and fresh toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion) for a flavorful meal.

What is the difference between a chicken patty and a chicken burger?

A chicken patty is the ground or chopped chicken formed into a disc, while a chicken burger is the complete sandwich, using that patty (or sometimes a whole filet) on a bun with toppings. The key difference is that a “burger” implies the assembled sandwich (patty + bun + fixings), whereas a “patty” is just the meat component, often breaded or made from ground chicken, distinguishing it from a chicken fillet sandwich.

Are smoked burgers any good?

Yes, smoked burgers are widely considered excellent, offering a super juicy, tender interior with a rich, wood-fired flavor and a desirable crust, making them a favorite for those seeking a step up from traditional grilled burgers, though personal preference for the smoky taste matters. The low-and-slow smoking method keeps them moist while infusing deep flavor, often finished with a quick sear for texture.

Ingredients:

 

For the sauce:

1/2 cup mayo (we love Kewpie mayo)  

1 T apple cider vinegar  

1 t prepared horseradish  1/2 t sugar  

1/4 t kosher salt  

1/4 t freshly ground black pepper  

 

For the patties

4 slices of bacon

1/2 sweet onion, finely diced

1 1/4 pound ground chicken (ground thighs are what we prefer)

1/2 t minced fresh thyme leaves

1/2 t kosher salt  

1/2 t freshly ground black pepper  

 

1. Fry up the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then place bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet.  Drain all but 1 T of grease from the skillet.

2. Add the diced onions to the bacon grease in the skillet and cook on medium high heat until the onions are soft, then set aside to cool.

3. While the onions are cooling, add all of the sauce ingredients together, mix, then place in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4.  In a large mixing bowl, mix the patty ingredients together, form into 4 equal sized patties and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.  An hour is even better.

5.  Prepare your smoker for direct grilling at 400F.

6.  Cook the patties until done (about 5 minutes per side).

7.  Construct your burgers on a bun with the sauce.  Add lettuce and tomato if you wish.  ENJOY!

 

Equipment used:

Yoder YS640 Smoker

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