When my Dad and brother come over to help us with things around the house, I always like to feed them as a thank you. I like the meals to be special but they also have to be somewhat easy – meal breaks generally come while we’re waiting for paint or spackle to dry.

I made these burgers for our latest DIY day and they were perfect. I prepped them in the morning and then when we were ready for our lunch break we tossed them on the grill. They were delicious!

Barbecue Chicken Burgers
(from Annie’s Eats)
Serves 4

1 lb. ground chicken
¼ c. cornmeal
1 scallion, minced
1 T. minced fresh cilantro
2 t. brown sugar
1 t. dry mustard
½ t. kosher salt
½ t. paprika
¼ t. garlic powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper
5 tbsp. barbecue sauce, divided
Burger buns, toasted on the grill
Grilled onion slices
Sliced cheddar cheese

Combine the ground chicken, cornmeal, scallion, cilantro, brown sugar, spices, and 2 tablespoons of the barbecue sauce in a medium bowl and mix gently until well combined.  Form the mixture into four equal patties.  Transfer to a plate and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Oil the grates of the grill.  Place the burger patties on the heated grill and cook about 3-4 minutes.  Flip the burgers and brush the cooked sides generously with some of the remaining 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce.  Cook about 3 minutes, then flip once more and brush the second side with barbecue sauce.

Top with cheese slices.  Cook just until cooked through and cheese is melted.  Place the burgers on the toasted buns and top with grilled onion slices and additional barbecue sauce as desired.