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Chicken Tikka Smash Burgers (VIDEO)

Why are smash burgers so popular?

Smash burgers have completely taken over the food scene because they’re the perfect mix of crispy, juicy, and indulgent. When you press that ball of meat onto a hot skillet, the sizzling sound and caramelized crust (aka the Maillard reaction) create the kind of bite that’s irresistible. Add some melty cheese and bold toppings, and you’ve got the kind of burger that Instagram, TikTok, and your taste buds can’t get enough of.

Why I love it

I’ll be honest a few years ago, I didn’t even know what a smash burger was. Then one night in Toronto, I tried one at a little burger joint, and my life was changed forever. It was the juiciest, crispiest burger I had ever tasted, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. But here’s the twist: instead of a classic American smash burger, I wanted mine with the bold flavors of India. Enter: the Chicken Tikka Smash Burger: smoky spiced chicken patties, drippy cheese, tangy tamarind mayo, fresh green chutney, and all the crunchy toppings.

Key Flavor Components

What makes this burger unforgettable is the layering of flavors and textures:

  • Juicy chicken tikka patties – seasoned with Indian spices and smashed thin for crispy edges.
  • Tamarind mayo – creamy, tangy, and a little sweet, it balances the heat.
  • Green chutney – fresh mint, cilantro, and chilies blended into a punchy sauce.
  • Classic burger fixings – melted cheese, pickled jalapeños, tomato, lettuce, and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
  • Toasted buns – golden, buttery, and the perfect base for all that flavor.
Jump to Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe makes 3 burgers, each with two patties and melty cheese.

Start by making your sauces. For the green chutney, blend cilantro, mint, garlic, cumin, green chilies, yogurt, and a splash of water until smooth. For the tamarind mayo, just mix mayo, tamarind concentrate, and garlic powder in a bowl. Detailed measurements in the recipe card.

Next, prep your patties. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken with spices like red chili powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chaat masala, and chopped red onion. Roll into 6 loose balls (don’t overwork the meat).

Now the fun part – the smash. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high with a bit of oil spray. Place 2 chicken balls onto the skillet at a time and smash them down firmly with a spatula until thin. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Add cheese on top, let it melt, and stack two patties for each burger.

Toast your buns in the same skillet until golden brown. Then assemble: spread tamarind mayo on the bottom bun, stack up your double patties, add pickled jalapeños, a slice of tomato, shredded lettuce, and a pinch of chaat masala. Spread green chutney on the top bun, close it up, and enjoy the juiciest, boldest burger you’ve ever had.

FAQ

Can I make this with beef instead of chicken?
Yes you can use beef, the spices and chutneys pair beautifully with chicken and beef.

What if I don’t have tamarind concentrate?
You can use store-bought tamarind chutney instead for the same tangy-sweet kick.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, shape them into balls and refrigerate. Smash and cook fresh for the best crust.

How spicy is it?
It has a mild to medium kick, but you can always adjust the number of green chilies in the chutney or use fewer jalapeños.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving / Serves 4)

  • Calories: ~690
  • Protein: 46g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 7g

Link to watch the video: https://www.instagram.com/amateurprochef/

To check out my other recipes, click here!

Chicken Tikka Smash Burgers
Print

Chicken Tikka Smash Burgers

Recipe by AmateurProChefDifficulty: Easy
Servings

3

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • Patties

  • 450g Ground Chicken

  • 1/2 red onion

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil

  • 1 tsp red chilli powder

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder

  • 1/2 tsp chaat masala

  • Tamarind Mayo

  • 4 tbsp mayo

  • 1 tsp tamarind concentrate

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • Green Chutney

  • 2 cups cilantro

  • 1 cup mint

  • 5 green chillies

  • 5 cloves of garlic

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1/2 tsp salt (add more if needed)

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 2 tbsp yogurt

  • Toppings

  • 1 beefsteak tomato

  • 15 slices pickled jalapeño

  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce

  • 6 slices American single cheese

  • a pinch of chaat masala

  • 3 Buns (of your choice)

  • (You can assemble the burger with the extra toppings of your choice)

Directions

  • Make the Green Chutney and Tamarind Mayo
  • Blend together cilantro, mint, garlic cloves, cumin, green chillies, water and yogurt.
  • Mix together mayo, tamarind concentrate, and garlic powder.
  • Prep Chicken Tikka Patties
  • In a large bowl, mix ground chicken with red chilli powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chaat masala, and half a large chopped red onion.
  • Divide into 6 loose balls (don’t compact too much).
  • Smash & Cook
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Add a bit of oil spray.
  • Place chicken balls 2 at a time in the hot pan, then smash down firmly with a spatula or smash burger press to about ½-inch thickness.
  • Cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes, add 2 slices of cheese and stack it up.
  • Toast Buns
  • Spray buns lightly with oil spray and toast cut-side down in a skillet until golden.
  • Assemble Burgers
  • Spread tamarind mayo on the bottom bun. Add 2 chicken tikka patties (single patty is you want a single burger), top it with pickled jalepenos, a slice of tomato, shredded lettuce and chaat masala. Spread the green chutney on the top bun and put it all together.

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