Fire up the grill for these Heart Healthy Dill Chicken Burgers, a fresh and flavorful twist on a backyard classic. Infused with aromatic fresh dill and topped with a tangy, low-fat bacon broccoli slaw, these patties prove that you don't need excess salt or fat to create a satisfying burger. Each bite is packed with lean protein and satisfying crunch, making this a standout choice for those seeking diabetic barbecue ideas.
Whether you are hosting a summer cookout or looking for healthy chicken recipes for dinner, this recipe balances nutrition with bold, herbaceous flavor. By using a yogurt-based dressing for the slaw and lean ground chicken for the base, we’ve created a meal that is both heart-healthy and incredibly delicious.
These burgers prioritize heart health by utilizing lean ground chicken and a fiber-rich broccoli slaw to keep saturated fat and sodium levels low. By replacing traditional high-fat mayonnaise with nonfat Greek yogurt in the slaw, you get a creamy texture and a boost of protein without the inflammatory fats found in standard barbecue sides.
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Yes! When made with lean ground chicken and low-sodium seasonings, they are much lower in saturated fat than traditional beef burgers, making them an excellent choice for a heart-healthy diet.
Absolutely. The crunch and tanginess of slaw provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken patty. Our broccoli slaw version adds even more fiber than standard cabbage slaw.
Chilling the patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps the proteins bind. The addition of an egg and panko breadcrumbs in this recipe also acts as a binder.
Yes. You can freeze the uncooked patties with parchment paper between them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Discover a variety of lean, flavor-packed patties that make it easy to enjoy a classic backyard barbecue while sticking to your heart-healthy or diabetic-friendly meal plan.
Complete your meal with these nutrient-dense sides and refreshing salads designed to provide the perfect high-fiber, low-sodium accompaniment to any grilled main dish.
Recipe yields 5 servings
In a medium mixing bowl, add the yogurt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and salt; stir until well combined. Add the broccoli slaw and toss to coat evenly. Lastly, add the bacon, almonds and blue cheese and lightly toss to distribute evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in the refrigerator.
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the burger buns. Divide the mixture into 5 equal patties (about ¼ pound each) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.
For Grilling: Preheat the grill to about 450-500°F. Clean the grill grates by firmly brushing them with a wire brush. Spray a wad of paper towel with nonstick cooking spray; using tongs, brush the oiled paper towel over the grill grates, generously oiling to prevent sticking. Remove the burgers from the refrigerator and with your thumb, create an indent in the center of each patty. Place the burgers on the prepared grill grates. Cook the chicken burgers for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until a thermometer inserted in the center of the burgers registers 165°F.
For Stovetop: Heat a large skillet on high heat. Remove the chicken burgers from the refrigerator and with your thumb, create an indent in the center of each patty. When the pan is hot, lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the chicken burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook on one side until browned, about 4 to 5 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 4 minutes, until the other sides are browned and the chicken burgers are cooked through.
For Serving: Place the chicken burgers on toasted burger buns and top with broccoli slaw.
While the bacon broccoli slaw is a complete side in itself, these burgers pair wonderfully with other light, summer-inspired dishes. Consider serving them alongside Grilled Corn on the Cob or a Greek Edamame Salad for a colorful and nutrient-dense plate. If you’re looking for a starchier side, Air Fryer Bang Bang Potatoes offer a crispy, lower-fat alternative to traditional fries.
If you find blue cheese too strong, substitute it with reduced-fat feta or omit it entirely for a lower-sodium profile.
For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
If fresh dill isn't available, you can use 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed, though fresh is preferred for the best aromatic impact.
For an even lower-carb option, serve the patties inside large romaine lettuce leaves or on top of a double portion of the broccoli slaw.
These healthy chicken burgers are a home-run, but we have plenty of other burger recipes that are also sure to please. Try our Grilled Turkey Burger, All-American Burger or Veggie Burger. Want to stick with chicken? We also have plenty of grilled chicken recipes to choose from.