Chicken Burger with Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken Patties

Ingredients  

For the Chicken Patties

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs (you can use GF bread crumbs)
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1 small yellow onion, grated
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Urfa Biber (Urfa will lend a slight kick while adding a more complex depth of flavor, or use red pepper flakes)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil

To Serve

• 4 burger buns (or lettuce wraps for low carb/gluten free option)
• Garlic Aioli
• Romaine lettuce
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions 

1. Make the chicken patty mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, Greek yogurt, onion, Italian seasoning, and Urfa Biber (or red pepper flakes). Add a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) and use your hands to mix well (use gloves, or wash your hands very well afterwards).
2. Bread the chicken patties. Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of bread crumbs on a plate. Divide the chicken mixture into 4 large meatballs and gently roll each one in the bread crumbs. Gently press with your palms to flatten into about 3/4-inch thick chicken patties.
3. Pan-sear the chicken patties. Brush the bottom of a large cast iron skillet or grill pan with a thin layer of olive oil (about 2 teaspoons) and set over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, arrange the patties in the skillet without touching. Cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook for until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
4. Build the chicken burgers. Start by spreading a thin layer of garlic aioli on the buns. Add the chicken patties, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Serve immediately.