Burger and Fries Friday: Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Bacon Ranch Slaw

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, it'll come as no surprise to you whatsoever that I love buffalo chicken in any form. Last week I started getting a craving for buffalo chicken (which is something that happens to me frequently), and I thought it would be fun to incorporate that craving into this week's burger. I found this Rachael Ray recipe, but there were a few things about it that didn't appeal to me -- namely, the blue cheese. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese. (Also, just as an aside, can I tell you how much it irritates me when she calls things "gravy"? Usually whatever she's making is not gravy, it's just sauce. But. Moving on.) I used that recipe as my inspiration, and I turned it into this delectable, spicy, flavorful burger.

Joe and I both inhaled these burgers; they were absolutely delicious! Spicy, but not too spicy, with a nice sweetness from the carrots. The cole slaw on top added texture, and the flavors all worked really well together. Since I had to fry the bacon anyway, I decided, what the heck, I'll just cook the burgers in the bacon grease. This, of course, made them smoky and salty and totally irresistible. This is definitely a burger I'll be making again.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers with Bacon Ranch Slaw

source: burger inspired by Rachael Ray; slaw from Kraft Foods

2 handfuls prepared cole slaw

1/3 to 1/2 cup Ranch dressing

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon hamburger seasoning blend

1 tablespoon chives

Half of a small carrot, shredded

1 small stalk of celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup hot sauce (we prefer Frank's Red Hot)

2 tablespoons butter

4 slices cheddar cheese

4 hamburger buns, split (and toasted, if desired)

1. In a small bowl, combine cole slaw mix and Ranch dressing; refrigerate.

2. Brown bacon to desired crispness in a large skillet; remove to a paper towel to drain, reserving grease. Add bacon to slaw mixture.

3. Meanwhile, combine chicken, garlic powder, hamburger seasoning, chives, carrot, celery, and hot sauce. Separate into four equal-sized patties.

4. Add butter to bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Cook burgers until cooked through.

5. Top burgers with a slice of cheddar cheese, a quarter of the slaw, and sliced tomato, if desired.