Description

This Lemon & Herb Chicken Club Burger is a deliciously fresh and flavorful barbecue recipe featuring tender marinated chicken breasts, crispy smoked bacon, ripe avocado slices, and a zesty homemade lemon mayonnaise sauce. Perfectly grilled and topped with your favorite cheese and fresh veggies, these burgers make a satisfying meal for any summer cookout or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 garlic clove
2 tsp chopped thyme leaves, or 1 tsp dried thyme
½ lemon, juiced
3 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Cracked black pepper

Burger Components

8 rashers smoked bacon
4 burger buns, split
4 slices of your favourite cheese (optional)
2 avocados, halved, stoned, peeled and sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
4 handfuls of lettuce leaves

Sauce

3 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp mustard
Small splash of chilli sauce (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: Crush the garlic with the thyme and a pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and plenty of cracked black pepper, then mash together to combine thoroughly.
Marinate the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a board and flatten slightly with a rolling pin until even in thickness. Transfer them to a container with the marinade, seal, shake well, and chill for up to 1 hour until needed.
Preheat the Barbecue: Light the barbecue and wait until the coals are ashen, or heat a gas barbecue to medium heat to get the perfect cooking temperature.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and chilli sauce if using. Keep the sauce chilled until serving.
Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon rashers on the barbecue and cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Toast the Buns: Toast the cut sides of the burger buns on the barbecue where the bacon was cooked to absorb the flavors and fat. Remove and set aside.
Grill the Chicken: Barbecue the marinated chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through. If using cheese, top the chicken with a slice during the last few minutes of cooking until melted. The internal temperature should reach at least 65°C (149°F).
Assemble the Burgers: Spread the base of each toasted bun with the prepared sauce. Top with avocado slices, tomato slices, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and lettuce leaves. Place the bun tops on and press lightly to serve.

Notes

You can substitute the barbecue method with a grill pan or stovetop skillet if necessary.
Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and juiciness.
The lemon and herb marinade adds bright, fresh flavors that complement the smoky bacon.
Using a meat thermometer is recommended to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chilli sauce in the mayonnaise.
Optional cheese types include cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella depending on preference.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free burger buns.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken burger, lemon herb chicken, grilled chicken burger, barbecue chicken, club burger, avocado burger, smoky bacon burger, easy summer recipes