ChezCindy: Chicken Parmesan Cheeseburgers

 

If you are looking for a dinner that is delicious, fun, and just a bit indulgent, try this Chicken Parmesan Cheeseburger on Focaccia.  Classic Chicken Parm is usually a breaded chicken cutlet served with Italian red sauce and a blend of melted mozzarella, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, often served with spaghetti.  Delicicious in all ways.  In this recipe, I use ground chicken, Italian seasoning and cheeses to make and Italian Cheeseburger!   

Italian Chicken Parmesan Cheeseburgers

12 ounces ground chicken

1/4 cup grated zucchini, excess liquid squeezed out 

1 tablespoon grated onion

1 large garlic clove, finely minced

1 heavy tablespoon marinara sauce

1 tablespoon fresh grated Parmesan cheese 

1 tablespoon chopped parsley   

1 teaspoon kosher salt

small pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes

Burger Topping 

1/4 cup marina sauce, divided

3/4 cup fresh grated Fontina cheese

2 tablespoons fresh grated Pecorino cheese, or Parmesan

Fresh basil, torn into small pieces 

Toasted Focaccia Bread as buns, cut into 4-inch squares

Makes 2 burgers, recipe can be doubled

Place the burger ingredients into a medium size bowl.  Using a fork, toss all the ingredients together until well combined.  Divide the mixture into 2 equal parts forming into large flat patties, placing each patty onto a small square of wax paper or parchment paper.  The mixture will be quite sticky and moist.  The paper squares will help to transfer the burgers to the pan for cooking.  

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet to heat for 1 minute.  Pick up one burger and the paper, placing the burger meat-side down, peeling off the paper once the burger is in the pan.  Repeat with the second burger.  Cook on side one for 6-7 minutes until this side is well browned.  Flip the burgers to cook side two, cooking for 2-3 minutes.  Add 2 tablespoons of marina sauce to the top of each burger.  Generously top each burger with the shredded cheese, cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese and to finish the cook time on the burgers, another 2 minutes.  The burgers should read as 160 for the internal temperature.  

Meanwhile, toast the focaccia squares to have waiting and ready for the cheeseburgers.  Place burgers onto the focaccia buns, sprinkling with the torn basil.  Serve with additional marina sauce on the side if desired.