Fry’s Nacho Chick’n Burger

Burger, Healthy, Quick & Easy
Beginner

This Nacho Chick’n Burger is a bold, flavour-packed plant-based burger that brings serious comfort-food energy. Made with Fry’s golden, crumbed Homestyle Burgers, it’s layered with creamy guacamole, crisp lettuce, crunchy corn chips and finished with a rich, smoky plant-based cheese sauce. The Homestyle Burger delivers a hearty bite that works perfectly sliced and stacked, while the spicy, savoury nacho-style toppings add indulgence without compromising on plant-based goodness. It’s a fun, satisfying option for casual dinners, weekend braais or when you’re craving something a little extra.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes

Ingredients

Queso / Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon plant-based butter
½ cup scallions, finely chopped (separate green and white parts)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup diced cherry tomatoes
2–3 jalapeño peppers, diced
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1½ cup plant-based milk/cream
1 cup shredded plant-based cheddar cheese
½ cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped, divided
Salt, to taste

Burger

1 box Fry’s Homestyle Burgers, cooked per pack instructions
1 ripe avocado
½ cup diced cherry tomatoes
Juice of 1 lime
4–8 lettuce leaves, washed
1 cup rocket, washed
1 cup corn chips, as needed
Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
4 multi-seed long rolls, halved and toasted

Method

Queso / Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add scallion whites. Cook 3–5 minutes until tender.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add tomatoes with juices, jalapeños, cumin, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix thoroughly.
Add milk/cream, stir well, bring to a very gentle boil, then stir in cheese until smooth and melted.
Remove from heat, stir in ¼ cup cilantro and scallion greens. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

Burger Assembly

Mash avocado in a small bowl. Mix in tomatoes, ¼ cup cilantro, lime juice, salt and black pepper.
Spread 2–3 tablespoons guacamole on the bottom half of each toasted roll.
Top with lettuce leaves, a small handful of rocket, and the cooked burger patties.
Drizzle warm queso over each burger.
Sprinkle a handful of corn chips over the queso.
Close the burgers and serve with extra corn chips and queso if desired.

What is a good plant-based chicken burger alternative?

Plant-based chicken-style burgers made from soy or pea protein are a popular alternative to traditional chicken burgers. Options like Fry’s Homestyle Burger are designed to deliver a familiar texture and flavour while being completely meat-free, making them easy to use in burgers, wraps and salads.

Can nacho-style burgers be made fully plant-based?

Yes. Nacho-style burgers can be completely plant-based by using dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk or cream, and meat-free burger patties. When seasoned with spices like cumin and jalapeño, plant-based cheese sauces can be just as rich and indulgent as traditional versions.

How do you add texture and crunch to plant-based burgers?

Texture plays a big role in satisfying plant-based meals. Adding fresh elements like lettuce and rocket, creamy layers like guacamole, and crunchy toppings such as corn chips creates contrast and makes plant-based burgers more exciting and filling.