Name: Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chicken (93-96% lean); 3/4 cup grated zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out; 1 green onion, sliced; 2 Tbsp. cilantro; 2 Tbsp. buffalo sauce; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 3/4 tsp. salt; Buns or lettuce for wraps; Lettuce leaves; Ranch dressing; Additional buffalo sauce; Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, pickles, cheese

There’s just something irresistible about the spicy tang and juicy texture of these Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe. They’re not only packed with flavor but sneak in some extra veggies, making dinner a little healthier without skimping on that classic buffalo kick.

A sesame seed bun burger sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The burger has four clear layers: the bottom bun is light brown and soft, topped with fresh green leafy lettuce. Above the lettuce, there is a thick chicken patty covered with white creamy sauce and melted yellow cheddar cheese that drips slightly. Fresh red tomato slices sit on top of the cheese, all held together by the sesame seed top bun. A wooden skewer sticks vertically through the center of the burger to keep it upright. In the background, there is a blurry white bowl with orange sliced carrots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe because it balances spicy, savory goodness with a light freshness that keeps me coming back. It’s a go-to for casual weeknights or when I want to impress without fuss.

Juicy and Flavorful: These burgers stay moist thanks to the grated zucchini mixed in, which also adds a subtle veggie boost.
Simple Ingredients: No need for complicated shopping trips—most components are pantry staples or easy to find.
Versatile Eating Options: Enjoy them with buns, as lettuce wraps, or even as a salad topping for a low-carb twist.
Whole30 & Paleo Friendly: Perfect for anyone looking to stick to clean eating without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe nails it by combining the lean protein of ground chicken with grated zucchini to keep things juicy, while that buffalo sauce brings that signature tang and spice. Plus, fresh herbs and green onions punch up the flavor beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh ground chicken in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small bowl of finely grated zucchini, a single green onion with vibrant green sliced rings neatly arranged, a small bunch of bright green cilantro sprigs, a small white bowl filled with rich orange buffalo sauce, a small white bowl holding fine garlic powder, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, several crisp green lettuce leaves arranged in a fan, a small white bowl with creamy ranch dressing, a few ripe red tomato slices, thin rings of fresh red onion, a ripe avocado halved to show the smooth green flesh, and a few small dill pickles—all ingredients placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Chicken: I favor 93-96% lean for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture without too much fat.
Grated Zucchini: Adds moisture and sneaks in veggies; just make sure to squeeze out excess water so your patties don’t fall apart.
Green Onion: Gives a mild onion bite without overpowering the burger’s flavors.
Cilantro: Fresh and bright, it lifts the buffalo flavors and adds freshness.
Buffalo Sauce: This is the star for that spicy tang; I recommend using your favorite brand, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
Garlic Powder: Brings depth and warmth without raw garlic’s sharpness.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
Buns or Lettuce: Choose your preferred vehicle—buns bring comfort, while lettuce keeps things light and Whole30-friendly.
Ranch Dressing: Optional but oh-so-good to cool down the heat.
Additional Toppings: Sliced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, pickles, cheese—you name it, make it yours!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking these buffalo chicken burgers depending on the mood—sometimes I go extra spicy, sometimes I load up with avocado for creaminess. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect combo.

Variation: I’ve tried mixing in some finely diced jalapeños for an extra kick, which really amps up the heat and adds crunch.
Low-Carb Swap: Going for lettuce wraps instead of buns keeps these Whole30-friendly while still delicious.
Cheese Option: Feel free to add a slice of your favorite melting cheese—blue cheese crumbles are a classic buffalo partner.
Meal Prep: These burgers freeze beautifully—cooking a batch ahead saves time on busy nights.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe

A sesame seed bun burger on a white plate with a white marbled background. The burger has four layers: the bottom bun, bright green curly lettuce, a light brown chicken patty topped with white creamy sauce and orange sauce dripping down, two thick red tomato slices with black pepper on top, and the top sesame bun slightly tilted. A drop of orange sauce is on the plate near the burger. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini for Perfect Texture

First things first: shred your zucchini and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is key because too much water will make your patties mushy and hard to form.

Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, the drained zucchini, sliced green onion, cilantro, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Use your hands or a fork to mix everything thoroughly but gently—overmixing can make the burgers dense.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four even portions and shape each into a patty about the same size (or slightly larger) than your buns. Remember, they’ll shrink a little as they cook, so don’t make them too small!

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the burgers in batches (don’t crowd the pan) for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures juicy and safe-to-eat chicken burgers.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

Once cooked, place your patties on buns or wrap them in lettuce. Add lettuce, ranch dressing to cool the spice, an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce if you like, and any other toppings you adore—think ripe tomato slices, sliced red onions, or creamy avocado.

Top Tip

Having made buffalo chicken burgers quite a few times, I’ve learned the secret to keeping them juicy is all in the zucchini prep and not overworking the meat. These tips have saved me from dry, crumbly burgers more times than I care to count!

Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Always squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy patties that fall apart.
Gentle Mixing: Mix ingredients just enough to combine—too much handling makes meat tough.
Cook in Batches: Give the patties space to sear properly without steaming in a crowded pan.
Use a Thermometer: Check for 165°F internal temperature, which ensures safe chicken without overcooking.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Burgers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to crisp lettuce, tangy ranch, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce to boost the flavor. Sometimes I add pickles or sliced avocado for creaminess, which always rounds out the spicy kick beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy sweet potato fries or a simple crunchy slaw dressed with lime juice to balance the heat. Roasted veggies or a fresh cucumber salad also pair nicely for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I like serving the burgers deconstructed as a platter with mini lettuce cups, sliders, and an array of dipping sauces so everyone can build their own perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover patties store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find reheating gently in a skillet keeps them juicy, but microwaving works in a pinch.

Freezing

I often freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper so I can grab one or two whenever I need a quick meal. Just thaw overnight and cook as usual—ready in under 15 minutes.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of water and covering the pan briefly helps steam the burger and bring back some moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still work well with the grated zucchini and buffalo sauce to keep things moist and flavorful.

How spicy are these burgers?

They have a moderate heat level, thanks to the buffalo sauce. If you prefer milder burgers, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or serve with extra ranch dressing to tone down the spice.

Can I make this recipe Whole30-compliant?

Yes! Use a Whole30-approved buffalo sauce and skip any non-compliant toppings like cheese or non-Whole30 dressings. Wrap the burgers in lettuce instead of buns to keep it Whole30-friendly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to keep them juicy, or freeze uncooked patties for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but comes together so easily. Whenever I make it, friends and family ask for seconds—and that’s the best kind of compliment. I hope you enjoy crafting these spicy, juicy burgers as much as I do!