There’s something about the spicy tang of buffalo sauce paired with juicy chicken and the subtle crunch of zucchini that makes these Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe an absolute winner on my dinner table. They’re fresh, flavorful, and just a bit unexpected in all the best ways.

A sandwich with five layers is shown on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a lightly toasted sesame seed bun. On it, there is fresh green lettuce with ruffled edges. Above the lettuce, there is a thick patty covered with creamy white sauce and melted orange cheese dripping slightly. On top of the patty, there are three bright red tomato slices. The whole sandwich is topped with a golden brown sesame seed bun with a wooden skewer holding it together. In the background, there is an out-of-focus plate of orange slices. 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’ve made countless variations of chicken burgers, but adding zucchini and saucy buffalo punch takes it from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a flavor and texture combo that’s satisfyingly juicy and just the right amount of spicy. Plus, the recipe is super straightforward, so you’ll have dinner on the table faster than you’d think.

Healthy & Flavorful: Lean ground chicken and fresh zucchini keep things light without sacrificing taste.
Perfectly Spicy: Buffalo sauce adds that signature heat and tang that wakes up your taste buds.
Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want keto-friendly lettuce wraps or classic buns, these burgers adapt to your style.
Great for Weeknight Meals: Ready in about 30 minutes, making busy nights a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe plays a special role to create juicy, flavorful patties that hold together well while delivering that perfect buffalo zing. I always recommend using fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh ground chicken formed into a raw patty, a small mound of grated zucchini with visible moisture squeezed out, one whole green onion with crisp green stalk and white bulb, a few sprigs of bright green cilantro, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant orange buffalo sauce, a small white bowl with creamy white ranch dressing, fresh green leaves of crisp lettuce, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a few ripe red tomato slices, thin slices of purple-red onion, a halved avocado displaying its smooth green flesh and seed, a few whole dill pickles with textured skin, all arranged symmetrically around a simple white ceramic plate, 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: Choosing lean (93-96%) ensures the burgers stay juicy but not greasy.
Grated Zucchini: Adds moisture and helps keep the burgers tender — just make sure to squeeze out excess water before mixing!
Green Onion: Provides a mild onion flavor that brightens the patties without overpowering the buffalo taste.
Cilantro: Fresh herbs elevate the flavor complexity—in my kitchen, cilantro is a must-have.
Buffalo Sauce: This is the star for bold spice and tang. I look for a quality sauce without too many additives.
Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth to the seasoning.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the chicken's natural taste.
Buns or Lettuce: Depending on your mood or dietary needs, buns offer that classic burger experience, and lettuce keeps it light and fresh.
Lettuce (extra): Crunchy and refreshing; great if you want to bulk up the burger with greens.
Ranch Dressing & Extra Buffalo Sauce: Perfect for drizzling on top—adds creaminess and a spicy kick.
Additional Toppings: Items like tomato, red onion, avocado, pickles, or cheese make it truly your own.

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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 mixing up this Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. You’ll find yourself tweaking the spice level or adding fun toppings that fit your cravings perfectly.

Variation: One time, I swapped cilantro for fresh basil, which gave a slightly sweeter, Mediterranean twist that was surprisingly delicious!
Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the ranch or use a dairy-free version to keep it Whole30 and Paleo friendly without losing creaminess.
Extra Heat: If you like it fiery, add a splash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños straight into the patties before cooking.
Keto-Friendly: Opt for butter lettuce wraps instead of buns to keep things low carb and ultra fresh.

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

A sesame seed top bun sits above two thick, bright red tomato slices with visible seeds and seasoned with black pepper. Below the tomato, there is a layer of white creamy sauce mixed with a bright orange sauce that drips down over a golden-brown sandwich patty. Under the patty is a fresh, ruffled layer of green lettuce. All ingredients rest on a white sandwich bun base, placed on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini Like a Pro

First things first—grate your zucchini and wrap it tightly in a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels. Squeeze out all the excess moisture you can. This step prevents soggy burgers and helps the patties hold their shape perfectly while cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients for the Perfect Patty Mix

In a large bowl, toss together your ground chicken, the squeezed zucchini, sliced green onion, cilantro, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. I usually start by mixing with a fork, then get my hands in for the best consistency—just be gentle so you don’t overwork the meat and make the burgers tough.

Step 3: Form Patties That Cook Evenly

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape them gently into patties roughly the size of your buns or lettuce leaves. They’ll shrink slightly while cooking, so don’t make them too small. Keeping them uniform helps with even cooking.

Step 4: Cook Burgers to Juicy Perfection

Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties—making sure they don’t touch—and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. I always keep a meat thermometer nearby and pull them off the heat once they hit 165°F inside. This ensures safety without drying them out.

Step 5: Build Your Burger Your Way

Transfer your cooked burgers to a clean plate and assemble with your choice of buns or lettuce wraps. I like layering on crisp lettuce, a drizzle of ranch dressing, a splash of extra buffalo sauce, and my favorite toppings like sliced tomato and avocado. Each bite is a delight!

Top Tip

From my many attempts with this recipe, a few key tips make all the difference—especially if you want juicy, flavorful burgers without surprises.

Dry That Zucchini: Squeezing out zucchini moisture is a non-negotiable step to avoid watery patties.
Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep the texture tender instead of dense or tough.
Test for Doneness: Use a reliable meat thermometer—much better than guessing and risking undercooked chicken.
One Pan at a Time: Cook burgers in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough to keep them from sticking or steaming together.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Burgers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for crisp lettuce leaves, creamy ranch dressing, and an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce right on top. Red onion slices and ripe tomato add a fresh, tangy crunch that complements the spicy meat beautifully. And sometimes, just a few slices of avocado for creaminess really rounds it out.

Side Dishes

These burgers pair so well with sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even roasted veggies. When I’m in a hurry, crunchy carrot sticks with ranch dip are a simple, satisfying sidekick that keeps the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I sometimes serve the patties over a bed of mixed greens, drizzling buffalo and ranch sauces for a deconstructed burger bowl. For parties, setting up a burger bar where guests can choose their own toppings and buns (or lettuce) always leads to smiles and happy tummies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover buffalo chicken patties keep great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like separating the patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, they’re easy to reheat and just as tasty.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these burgers successfully by placing uncooked patties on a tray lined with parchment paper, freezing till solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They stay good for up to 2 months. When it’s time to cook, I thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To keep them juicy, I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water and a lid to steam slightly. This method heats them evenly without drying them out like a microwave might.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other ground meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! While I love this recipe with ground chicken for its lightness, you can use ground turkey or lean ground beef. Just note that cooking times and flavor profiles will change slightly.

How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?

Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the zucchini and don’t overmix the ingredients. Also, handle the patties gently and cook over medium heat—cooking them too fast or too hot can cause breaking.

Is this recipe suitable for Whole30 and Paleo diets?

Yes! This Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe uses compliant ingredients like ground chicken, fresh veggies, and natural seasonings, making it a great option for both Whole30 and Paleo plans.

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for a day or freeze them for longer storage. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Zucchini Recipe has become one of my favorite go-tos when I want something that’s both comforting and fresh. Their perfect balance of spice, moisture, and texture delights everyone at my table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do—it’s like a hug wrapped in a bun (or lettuce leaf)!