Burgers have earned their place as iconic comfort food in the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide.
While the classic beef burger has been a staple for generations, the rise of chicken burgers has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers and foodies alike. In this article, we'll explore the numerous advantages of opting for a chicken burger over a beef burger. From its lean qualities and high protein content to its ability to absorb rich flavours, the chicken burger offers a tasty and healthful alternative that is winning over taste buds.
Now, we are not suggesting you abandon your beloved beef pattie over the feathered alternative, only that you explore the wider options available to you for reasons of health and flavour.
Keen On Lean?
Compared to beef, chicken is naturally lower in fat content, particularly saturated fats. This makes chicken burgers a favourable option for those seeking to manage their calorie intake and promote heart health. While this is true, chicken is abundant in rich flavour and a hearty texture that is very satisfying.
Chicken takes very well to flavour, which lets you experiment with various herbs, spices, and sauces, which isn’t something you can do with a traditional beef burger. Now, we are not knocking beef burgers, they have certainly earned their spot on our plates. We are simply saying that chicken burgers are highly underrated and there is so much more to explore with them.
Generous Portions and High Protein Content
When it comes to portion size and protein content, chicken burgers take the lead. Chicken breasts, commonly used in chicken burger patties, tend to be larger than ground beef patties, providing a more substantial serving. Additionally, chicken is an excellent source of protein, a vital macronutrient essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
For fitness enthusiasts or those aiming to increase protein intake, the chicken burger offers a convenient and delicious option with less saturated fat.
Your Chicken Burger is a Solo-Act
You may not have considered this before, but for the health-conscious extreme, it is certainly a factor worth thinking about.
When you eat a chicken burger, it comes from only one animal. That is to say, you eat a complete breast that came from a particular chicken. When you buy beef, turkey or lamb burgers that are normally minced, you are eating ground meat that can come from as many as 400 different animals. This increases your exposure to microbes and their various mutations.
If you prefer to keep your food as simple and healthy as possible, chicken burgers are definitely the way forward.
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Must read: Are Free Range Chickens Worth The Price Tag?
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Chicken is More Versatile and Absorbs Flavour Better
One of the standout features of chicken burgers is their remarkable ability to absorb flavours.
Chicken's neutral taste profile serves as a canvas for a myriad of seasonings, sauces, and spices. Whether marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, infused with spicy undertones, or dressed in a smoky barbecue glaze, the chicken burger is a playground for culinary creativity.
This flavour-absorbing quality allows for a diverse range of flavour profiles that are limited only by your creativity. You could have a different-flavoured chicken burger every day of the week and still have room to experiment.
Beef burgers don’t offer this luxury.
Bread Crumbs for Added Texture
To elevate the texture and depth of flavour, bread crumbs often make a positive addition to chicken burger patties, especially for kids. The addition of bread crumbs creates a balanced blend of tenderness and crunch, enhancing the overall eating experience. The contrast between the succulent chicken and the crispy outer layer adds an element of satisfaction to every bite, making the chicken burger a tantalizing treat for the senses.
It also enables the creative culinary chef to trap some of the delightful flavours used to season the chicken between the outer layer, or better still, include them in the bread crumbs themselves. A good example of this is the Spanish Cuchopo, which is a blend of cheese, meat and bread crumbs.
The possibilities are literally endless.
Super Fun Toppings
Chicken burgers can be complemented with an array of ingredients that don’t always fit with other burger options. Ever tried chicken and mango? Garlic chicken? Avocado with chicken? Fried egg with chicken? And, one of our personal favourites is spicy mustard coleslaw.
Even your typical mayonnaise serves as a wonderful treat that fits so much better with a chicken burger than a beef burger.
Growing In Popularity
The popularity of chicken burgers is undeniable, as evidenced by their prominent presence on the menus of fast-food giants like McDonald's and KFC. Fast-food chains have recognized the appeal of chicken's healthful image and its ability to cater to a diverse customer base, especially those of the Hindu community who do not consume beef.
The availability of chicken burger options in a growing number of venues, particularly in gastro pubs and diners, highlights a shift in consumer preferences towards more nutritious and flavourful choices.
This article would not be complete without a recipe to get you in the mood for a delicious and nutritious chicken burger meal. Inspired by Nando’s lemon and herb flavour dishes, enjoy this delicious meal at home
Lemon and Herb Chicken Burger
- Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1) In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2) Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3) Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavours to meld. For even better flavour, marinate for up to 4 hours.
4) Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5) Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
6) Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
7) While grilling, you can brush the chicken with some of the leftover marinade for extra flavour and moisture.
8) Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9) Serve the grilled chicken breasts garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
10) Pair the lemon-herb grilled chicken breasts with your favourite sides, such as a light salad, grilled vegetables, or steamed rice.
Final Thoughts
Simple yet incredibly flavourful, the lemon-herb grilled chicken breast recipe showcases the magical synergy of lemon and herbs in enhancing the natural goodness of chicken. The tangy brightness of lemon juice and zest perfectly complements the earthy notes of thyme and rosemary, resulting in a dish that is both zesty and aromatic.
When you think of eating healthy, burgers rarely spring to mind, but a spring-chicken burger is a bridge that allows you to enjoy your favourite fast food flavours while maintaining a healthy and nutritious meal.
At Halal Origins, we take health and nutrition very seriously. That’s why all of our produce is organic and sourced from local farms. We ensure that you receive the highest quality food for you and your family, so don’t delay and order today, and you can be enjoying your favourite bites in time for dinner tomorrow.
