Smashed Buffalo Chicken Ranch Burgers | Easy Weeknight Dinner with Fries & Pickles

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Christopher

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Smashed Buffalo Chicken Ranch Burgers (with Fries & Pickles)

Fast, saucy, and a total family hit. This one took about 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook—straight into the rotation.

Ingredients (Serves 4 / Makes 8 patties)

Burgers

  • 2 lbs lean ground chicken breast
  • 2–3 Tbsp Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, plus a pinch for finishing
  • 8 slices pepper jack cheese
  • 8 brioche buns
  • Avocado oil, for the griddle/skillet
  • Kinder’s Buttery Buffalo (or your favorite buffalo sauce)
  • Ranch dressing
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Optional: thinly shaved white onion for smash onions

Sides

  • 1 bag frozen fries (cook per package; ~25 minutes at 425°F in air fryer)
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup (optional)

Instructions

1) Start the Fries

  1. Get the fries into the air fryer/oven and cook according to the package (mine took ~25 minutes at 425°F).

2) Mix & Portion

  1. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with the ranch seasoning until evenly combined.
  2. Form into 8 even balls. Set aside while the Blackstone or a large skillet preheats over medium-high heat.

3) Smash & Cook

  1. Lightly oil the hot cooking surface with avocado oil.
  2. Optional: Lay down a few shaved onion strands where each patty will go.
  3. Place a chicken ball on top and press firmly with deli/wax paper and a smash press (or heavy spatula) to about 1/4-inch thick.
  4. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of ranch seasoning on top. Cook for about 7 minutes, flip, and cook another 5 minutes, until cooked through (165°F).
  5. Top each patty with a slice of pepper jack; let melt. Transfer to a tray and tent with foil.

4) Toast & Build

  1. Toast the brioche buns on the hot surface until golden.
  2. Stack 2 patties per burger, then finish with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and lettuce.
  3. Plate with hot fries and pickles (ketchup if you like). Enjoy!

Macros

Approximate per serving (1 double burger on brioche, sauces, standard fry portion, pickles):

  • Calories: ~680
  • Protein: ~49 g
  • Carbs: ~53 g
  • Fat: ~30 g

Notes: Cook time may vary by griddle/skillet heat and patty thickness. For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne to the ranch seasoning or finish with your favorite hot sauce.

Posted by

Christopher

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