Say hello to summer with these juicy, BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers! These easy BBQ chicken burgers are topped with aged white cheddar and gooey caramelized onions, wrapped in iceberg lettuce for a healthy, low-carb option that’s bursting with flavor.

Where are all my burger lovers!?

To me, nothing says “summer” quite like BBQ — the grill, the sauce, the char… it gets me in the sweet summertime mood every time!

These BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers are infused with sweet and spicy barbecue sauce for extra flavor, adding even more juiciness to each bite! Speaking of flavor… the gooey, sweet onions are the perfect compliment to the tangy BBQ sauce and tender patties.

Recommendations and Substitutions!

Customize the BBQ Sauce!

BBQ sauce can be divided — I am a sweet and tangy sauce girl through and through, but you choose whatever brand you love (or make your own if you’re up to it!).

Here are a few things to consider when choosing your perfect BBQ sauce:

Sweetness Level: Do you prefer a classic, balanced sauce with a touch of sweetness, or a full-on sugary explosion?
Spice Level: How much heat can you handle? Some BBQ sauces have a nice kick, while others are more mild.
Tang Factor: Do you love a vinegar-based sauce with a sharp tang, or a smoother, tomato-based option?

Pick the Right Cheese!

If you didn’t know already, I am OBSESSED with Trader Joe’s and live for the new products they’re constantly coming out with. I recently found my favorite cheese, Unexpected Cheddar, now comes pre-shredded! It has a deep nutty, aged cheddar flavor that almost mimics a really good parmesan, and it is absolutely perfect on these BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers.

Of course, feel free to use any type of white cheddar or aged cheddar cheese you love. Here are a few other cheese options that would pair well with these burgers:

Smoked Gouda: Adds a touch of smokiness to complement the BBQ flavors.
Pepper Jack: For those who love a little kick!
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy counterpoint to the tangy BBQ sauce.

Substitution Options:

Ground Turkey Alternative: If you prefer ground turkey, you can absolutely use that in place of ground chicken. Just be sure to choose a blend with some dark meat for the best flavor and moisture.
Lettuce Options: While iceberg lettuce is a classic choice for lettuce wraps, you can also use romaine lettuce for a slightly sturdier “bun.”

Here’s how you’ll make my BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers:

Combine & Form the Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until chicken mixture is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers. Divide the mixture into four equal sections and form into patties.
Caramelize the Onions: While the patties chill, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized – about 15 minutes. A little patience goes a long way here! The slow cooking process allows the sugars in the onions to release, creating a beautiful golden brown color and a rich, sweet flavor. For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of balsamic vinegar towards the end of cooking.
Cook the Patties: Heat a grill pan or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add the patties. Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Assemble & Enjoy!: While the burgers cook, prepare your iceberg lettuce “buns.” Separate the lettuce head and wash the leaves. Carefully remove the core and chop the lettuce into thick wedges, about 1 inch wide. Lay the lettuce wedges on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent them from getting soggy.
Top it Off & Wrap it Up: Once the burgers are cooked and the onions are caramelized, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece!
Serve: Place patties on toasted buns or on wedges of iceberg lettuce, topped with onions and additional bbq sauce!

MORE SAVVY SPOON BURGER RECIPES:

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FAQ Section

Q: Can I use red onion instead of yellow onion for the caramelized onions?

Absolutely! Red onion will add a slightly different flavor profile to the burgers. It will have a bit more of a bite than yellow onion, but it will still caramelize beautifully.

Q: The recipe calls for lettuce wraps, but I’d love to use buns. What kind of buns would you recommend?

Don’t care for a lettuce wrap? That’s totally fine! Brioche buns would be a delicious choice for these BBQ burgers. They’re slightly sweet and buttery, which would pair well with the BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese. You could also use traditional hamburger buns or even sweet potato sliders if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Q: I have leftover cooked chicken burgers from last night. Can I use them in this recipe?

Sure! You can definitely shred or chop up your leftover cooked chicken burgers and use them in place of the ground chicken in this recipe. It’s a great way to avoid food waste.

Q: I like my BBQ sauce with a bit of a kick. How can I add some spice to it?

There are a few ways to add some heat to your BBQ sauce. You could try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, a few dashes of hot sauce, or even some chopped fresh jalapeno pepper.

Q: How long can I store leftover cooked chicken burgers?

Leftover BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What can I pair with my Burger?

These BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers pair perfectly with all your favorite burger fixings. Think sweet potato fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Q: Can I make this recipe for meal prep?

Definitely, this juicy BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrapped Burgers recipe is perfect for meal prep! Simply cook the burgers and caramelized onions ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, assemble your burgers with fresh lettuce wraps and enjoy!

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you loved this post, I would so appreciate you rating it below and/or leaving a comment! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, twin mom and healthy lifestyle content!