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Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers with Thousand Island Dressing

These vibrant lemon herb chicken burgers offer a light and zesty alternative to traditional beef patties. Infused with fresh parsley, thyme and bright citrus notes, they are a fantastic high-protein option for a midweek dinner or a weekend gathering. Using lean chicken breast and a blend of aromatic herbs ensures every bite is succulent and full of savoury flavour without being heavy.

To elevate the dish, we have paired the burgers with a dairy-free, homemade Thousand Island dressing made from creamy macadamia nuts and fresh tomatoes. Served on toasted gluten-free buns with sweet caramelised red onions and peppery rocket, this meal is as nutritious as it is satisfying. It is an ideal recipe for those seeking a wholesome, gluten-free takeaway alternative at home.

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Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers with Thousand Island Dressing

  • 450g pasture-raised, skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into large chunks (or you can use ground pasture-raised chicken or turkey)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • Sea salt to taste

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

  • 4 gluten-free buns, such as Sami's Bakery buns

  • 1 handful mâche lettuce, baby spinach, or rocket

  • 1 1/2 cups (about 4) quartered plum tomatoes

  • 80g raw macadamia nuts or cashews

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 30ml lemon juice

  • 1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

  • 2 dill pickles, minced

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

  • 1 large red onion, sliced into thin rounds

First, make the dressing. In a blender, purée the tomatoes, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt for 45 seconds, until the mixture is thick and creamy. Transfer the contents to a small bowl and stir in the minced pickles. Set it aside. (Any extra dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.)

To prepare to garnish, heat the coconut oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions until they are slightly caramelized, then set them aside.

For the burgers, in a food processor purée the chicken, onion, and garlic until everything is well combined. Transfer it to a large bowl and add the parsley, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Blend the mixture well with your hands, then form it into four equal-size burgers.

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, melt the coconut oil, then add the burgers. Allow them to brown on one side for several minutes before flipping them and browning the other side. If you are not serving these right away, you can transfer them to a heated oven at this point to keep them warm.

When the burgers are ready, serve them on buns topped with the fresh greens and sautéed red onion, and with a side of Thousand Island Dressing.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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