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5 from 3 votes

California Burgers

Moist, tender, smoky and absolutely delicious, these burgers are hard to beat. It's definitely a great choice for the summer.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Passive Time0 minutes
Total Time13 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Author: Francine Lizotte
Course: BBQ - Grilling
Cuisine: International
Keyword 4th of July, Backyard Party, Canada Day, Chicken, Comfort Food, Finger Food, Poultry, Quick & Easy, Summer Food, Tailgating

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded down
  • ground Himalayan sea salt, to taste
  • smoked paprika, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 4 large hamburger or kaiser buns see Recipe
  • 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked tips & tricks
  • 1/2 cup guacamole, or more if needed see Recipe
  • 4 large slices beefsteak tomatoes
  • 4 large butter lettuce leaves, washed
  • 6 tbsp. mayonnaise or Miracle Whip® see Recipe

Directions

  • Preheat the grill to 500ºF.
  • Pound the chicken breasts down with a meat mallet until even thickness; season with salt, paprika and black pepper.
  • When the barbecue is hot, add breasts, seasoned side down, close the lid and grill for 4 to 4 ½ minutes before flipping; grill for 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.
  • Two to three minutes before the end of cooking, place the buns on the upper rack and quickly toast them.
  • When time is up, add one slice of cheese per breast and remove the buns. Close the lid and grill until the cheese is melted.
  • Place the grilled chicken on the buns and top with bacon, guacamole, tomato and lettuce. Spread the top buns with mayo, Miracle Whip® or aioli.