There’s something about burgers that just makes my heart warm and fuzzy. They’re the perfect comfort/winter/summer/soul/drunk food. Seriously, can you think of a time where eating a burger is inappropriate? I can’t (Eh, I can. Middle of a job interview, waiting room in your dentist’s office, during a wedding ceremony maybe). Biting into a juicy burger, with maybe a beer on hand… YES. SO MUCH YES. But for those of you watching your nutrition, here’s a lean and healthier take on this American classic.

What you’ll need:

•1 package ground chicken

•1/2 onion of choice (I used sweet onion)

•Minced garlic (Lots, if you’re a garlic lover like me)

•1 egg

•About 1/2 package shredded cheese (Mexican blend)

•Chili powder (eyeball this)

•Salt/pepper (eyeball this)

Combine all ingredients in a deep bowl and mix. With. Your. Hands. You guys, this part is so fun. It takes me back to Play-Doh sessions in kindergarten. Go crazy. Have fun with your nostalgia. Live. Your. Life.

Once you have an even mixture, heat up a pan or cast-iron skillet (preferred), form 4 burgers with your hands, and toss ‘em on there. Cook each one for about 5-6 minutes per side, flip, then repeat the process on each side. Serve with guacamole, plain mashed avocado with some salt, or any variation of guacamole. For this dish, I made an “easy” guac with just 1 mashed avocado, juice of 1/4 lemon, green onion, and salt.

You can also eat this like a real burger — with less mess too, since there’s already cheese in the burger — but I didn’t even miss the bun, TBH.