I love how simple these burgers are to make. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend treat. The tikka seasoning gives the chicken a warm, aromatic flavor, and cooking them on the hob or in the air fryer makes them beautifully tender and slightly charred. I also enjoy that they’re lighter than traditional beef burgers, yet just as satisfying. With the sweet mango chutney and crunchy salad, every bite feels fresh and vibrant.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
To serve: 4 Brioche buns 1/2 Red onion, cut into thinly sliced rings Lettuce Dollop of mango chutney
Directions
I start by flattening the chicken breasts — I place them between two sheets of baking paper and gently bash them with a rolling pin until even in thickness. Then I sprinkle the tikka seasoning evenly over both sides.
To cook on the hob: I heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. I cook the chicken breasts for about 7 minutes on each side, depending on how flat I’ve made them. I always cut one open to make sure it’s fully cooked before serving.
To cook in the air fryer: I spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a little oil and carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. I spray the tops with a bit more oil, then air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–15 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken, so I check with a thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
Once done, I toast the brioche buns lightly for extra flavor. Then I build the burgers — a layer of lettuce, the juicy tikka chicken, some sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of mango chutney. Simple and so delicious.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes just 20 minutes in total — 5 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook.
Variations
I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for thighs when I want something even juicier — they take a little longer to cook but taste amazing. For a vegetarian version, I like to use thick slices of halloumi rolled in flour and tikka seasoning, or even a grilled portobello mushroom. If I’m in the mood for something spicy, I add a few chili flakes to the seasoning or use a spicier chutney. These burgers also pair beautifully with salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a side of chips.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftover chicken, I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a frying pan over low heat or in the air fryer for a few minutes until hot. I avoid microwaving it for too long to keep the chicken tender. The cooked chicken can also be sliced up and used in wraps, salads, or rice bowls the next day.
FAQs
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, I can season and flatten the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook.
What if I don’t have tikka seasoning?
I can make my own by mixing garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of chili powder.
Can I cook these on the barbecue?
Absolutely! They taste amazing grilled — just cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
It’s not essential for this recipe, but if I have time, marinating for 30 minutes enhances the flavor even more.
Can I use regular burger buns instead of brioche?
Yes, any buns work — I just prefer brioche for its soft texture and subtle sweetness.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
I check that the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
What toppings go well with this burger?
I love adding cucumber slices, tomato, or a little yogurt-mint sauce for freshness.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, as long as I use dairy-free buns and chutney.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, I can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What sides go best with these burgers?
I like to serve them with chips, wedges, salad, or corn on the cob for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
These Tasty Chicken Tikka Burgers are one of my favorite quick and flavorful dinners. They’re juicy, perfectly spiced, and easy enough for any night of the week. Whether cooked on the hob, in the air fryer, or on the barbecue, they always come out delicious. Paired with mango chutney and soft brioche buns, they’re a guaranteed hit for the whole family.
These Tasty Chicken Tikka Burgers are a quick and flavorful twist on classic burgers, featuring juicy spiced chicken breasts served in soft brioche buns with crisp lettuce, red onion, and mango chutney. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re perfect for an easy, delicious meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 tbsp tikka seasoning or spice mix
2 tsp oil
4 brioche buns
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into rings
Lettuce leaves
Mango chutney, for serving
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of baking paper and gently flatten them with a rolling pin until even in thickness.
Sprinkle the tikka seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
To cook on the hob: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
To cook in the air fryer: Spray the basket with a little oil, add the chicken, spray the tops lightly, and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–15 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Lightly toast the brioche buns while the chicken cooks.
Assemble the burgers: add lettuce to the bottom bun, top with tikka chicken, sliced red onion, and a dollop of mango chutney. Add the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier option.
For a vegetarian version, substitute with halloumi or grilled portobello mushrooms coated in tikka seasoning.
Add chili flakes or spicy chutney for extra heat.
These burgers are great cooked on the barbecue for a smoky flavor.
Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
