Oh, SO Yummy Chicken Burgers topped with Blue Cheese and Bacon

 ½ cup Mayonnaise

Zest of 1 lemon

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup onion, very finely diced

2 tablespoons water

 

1 teaspoon *Penzeys Justice seasoning- optional but delicious addition

½ - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ - 1 teaspoon onion powder

½ - 1 teaspoon dried basil

1-2 teaspoons lemon zest

Cayenne pepper to taste

½ teaspoon freshly grated black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or more if desired

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup olive oil, more if needed

2 pounds ground chicken, I used Springer Mountain brand

 

Blue Cheese

Cooked Bacon Slices

Brioche Hamburger Buns

 

In a small bowl and the mayo and lemon zest and mix well.  Leave in the refrigerator until ready to use.  I usually make this several hours before dinner time.

In a small pan add 2 tablespoons olive oil, onions, and water.  Cook over medium-high until all water evaporates; then turn heat to low and cook onions until they are very soft and clear.

In a large bowl mix, cooked onions and everything else but the ground chicken together. Add the chicken and then gently mix only until herb/onion mixture is blended in, do not overwork the chicken or you will have tough burgers! Form chicken into burgers and cook them on the grill or on a grill pan.  I use a digital meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked through! As soon as you remove the burgers from the grill place some blue cheese on top of each burger.  Serve the burgers on toasted Brioche Buns topped with lemon mayo. Then to the burger, we added the bacon,  lettuce, tomato, and dill pickle chips.

 *Penzeys Justice seasoning is a mixture of dried shallots, garlic, green peppercorns, chives, and green onions. I use it often and it adds an amazing flavor depth to many recipes!