Recipe 004 - Green Chile Bacon Chicken Burgers

I've written before about what became 2 staple ingredients for all cycles.  Here is another extra lean ground turkey or chicken breast recipe that is a little more involved but well worth all the work (I prefer chicken on this one).  These burgers include turkey bacon that, while not necessarily entirely compliant is pretty darned close.  Be picky - there is a wide variety in fat content in chicken/turkey bacon.  I use Jennie O Extra Lean Turkey Bacon.

Ingredients:

Jennie O Extra Lean Turkey Bacon - 12 oz Package
At least 4 lbs fresh ground chicken breast (no fat)
2+ Cups (still not kidding) of pre-minced garlic from a jar - halve this if using fresh or you don't like garlic
2 Small - Medium onions, minced fine in food processor
3 cups green chiles, minced but not pureed in the food processor.  I prefer the hot frozen variety, but canned would work as well.

1 Cup (give or take) of worcestershire sauce
1 Cup (give or take) of soy sauce
Black pepper to your liking
Salt - a decent amount but to taste.  It took a few tries being bashful until I got enough in, so don't be too shy.  Maybe 1/2 to 3/4 cup?
2 Tbsp Cumin Powder or
1 Tbsp Oregano Powder if you prefer or try your own spices out

Cooking Spray

(In later cycles, I sometimes include Fat Free shredded cheddar as well)

Start with the package of Lean Turkey Bacon.  Prepare the whole thing - crispy is best.  I always seem to set off the smoke detector when I make this but honestly it will crisp nicely without over roasting it as much as I do.  Prepare the entire pack, eat a slice and put the rest in the food processor.  Mince fine - but don't powder it.

Combine everything in a giant bowl and mix very well.

Spray your largest saute pan (that has a lid). Form patties (they will be quite wet) and put in the pan.  Cover and cook thoroughly.  The patties won't all fit in at once, so it will take a few rounds to cook them all.  The cooking throws off a lot of liquid so these almost end up steamed as much as sauteed.  I actually leave the liquid in between rounds.

These keep well in a ziplock or other cold storage for a dense, delicious protein snack that is great to grab when you get hungry.  Delicious hot or cold.

Enjoy!