Hello friends!

Even though it’s grilling season, I must admit that getting the grill going any day of the week just isn’t realistic. So how about a baked burger? Ooh, do I have your attention? Okay–now keep reading. How about a healthier chicken burger that is LOADED with spices and also a little bit of a kick.

Yes!! We’re making a spicy masala chicken burger that can be baked in the oven without the need to flip the patties. Honestly, dream scenario right there. These are definitely doable any day of the week as most of the work goes into the patties. Once combined in the bowl, you shape them right on the baking sheet. I ended up using two spoons to shape the patties, which was awesome because I hate touching ground meat. Sure you can use gloves, but it’s just…yeah, doesn’t make it any easier.

But let’s talk about this recipe and what you can expect from it.

This recipe is by Ministry of Curry and you can find the recipe right -> here!

Should You Bake These Masala Chicken Burgers Or Is Grilling Better?

I think it’s no secret that grilling burgers just have a different flavor profile. You get that nice char and even a bit of smokiness that just can’t be replicated when you bake burger patties. Does it make it better? Debatable, really. Baking these burgers keeps the patties together. They remain juicy and not crumbly at all. There’s also a lot less handling them. No need to flip them while baking which…again…makes this for a really easy any-day-of-the-week type of dinner.

These chicken burgers hold their shape, however, the burger mix is quite wet. Even if you decided to grill these burgers, this recipe still illustrates having aluminum foil on your grill grate. Sooo, I could imagine there being some difficulty with flipping the burgers and ultimately having more of a mess on your hands than just baking them in the oven.

So, does baking or grilling make the burgers better? I think they can be great either way, but baking them certainly results in tasty and well-cooked patties with very little mess.

Is Quinoa Really Optional In These Chicken Burgers?

I don’t think this should be optional at all. Because the mixture is wet, having just that 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa helps give the burgers some more structure. Even though you still can’t handle the patties in your hand to shape them, it does help with setting the shape on the baking sheet.

I don’t think the quinoa overpowers any of the other flavors in the burger, but it most certainly helps with texture. So if you’re not a fan of quinoa, I still do urge you to give it a try.

Keeping The Chicken Burgers Gluten-Free

If you’re gluten-free or cooking for those who are, one of the important things to consider outside of the bun situation is the quinoa. You’d think that it would be gluten-free everywhere you shop, but there is always a risk of cross-contamination, so please make sure the quinoa you’re purchasing is gluten-free.

But on to the more obvious gluten culprit–THE BUNS!

When I see recipes mention the gluten-free option being a lettuce wrap…I die inside just a little. Can we stop making that the go-to alternative and actually spend some time looking at some gluten-free bun options? No? Okay, I’ll do it.

Many grocery stores these days are carrying their own gluten-free hamburger buns, but I’ve been on a Schar kick lately and they have yet to disappoint me. I got these at my local grocery store and they were PERFECT for these burgers. They were just the right size, didn’t crumble, and really hit the spot.

Can’t find them at your local grocery store? Check out their website for all their gluten-free options! I know I’ll be ordering off there real soon!

Grey’s Grade: 5/5

I can, with confidence, give this recipe a 5/5. I think this is such a unique flavor combination for a chicken burger while also being on the healthier side. You can certainly use another protein for this, but I’d stick to lighter meat, like turkey rather than beef.

The reason why I do enjoy this recipe is that it’s easy to make and have ready during the week. I haven’t come across a recipe for baked burgers in quite some time, so this was certainly refreshing to make.

Additionally, it’s not too bad on the budget either. Ground chicken is usually much cheaper, so you can very easily feed your family during the week. I’d say this serves 2-4 very comfortably. These patties are filling. For. Sure.

Do you have a favorite Summer recipe you like to throw together during the week? Let me know in the comments below!

Check Out My Reviews!

• Is A Skillet Lasagna Worth Trying?
• High Protein Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
• Easy Sweet Braised Chinese Barbecue Pork!

If you enjoyed my review, don’t forget to like the post and leave a comment. Want more content, check out my socials!

And if you’d like to support my reviews and future subscription box reviews, consider checking out my Ko-Fi page!

Want to work together? Contact me!