Beef or chicken smash burger: how to choose

By DesiSmash by Chef Hass · Nov 2026 · 2 min read

Garlic Chilli Crisp smash burger with crunchy chilli oil

Choose beef for a richer, deeper, classic smash burger flavour. Choose chicken for a lighter, milder bite that takes spice and herbs beautifully. Both can be juicy and crisp when the mince is chicken thigh and the patty is smashed on a hot griddle.

Most smash burgers are beef, but chicken smash burgers are catching up fast. At DesiSmash you can pick either, in the Original or Desi style, for the same price. Here is how to decide.

Beef smash burgers

Beef has a deep, savoury flavour that browns beautifully. Around 20 per cent fat keeps a thin patty juicy and fries the edges into a crisp, lacy crust. If you want the classic taste most people picture when they say "smash burger", beef is the place to start.

Flavour: rich, meaty and savoury.
Texture: crisp edge, tender centre.
Best with: melted cheese, pickles, a tangy sauce such as our OG Smash, or the smoky BBQ Pitmaster.

Chicken smash burgers

Chicken is lighter and milder, so it is a good canvas for herbs and spice. The key is using thigh mince rather than lean breast. Thigh has more fat, so a thin patty stays juicy and browns well. Breast mince on its own tends to dry out quickly on a hot griddle.

Flavour: milder, so spice, herbs and sauces come through clearly.
Texture: crisp edge with a softer bite.
Best with: mint-coriander chutney mayo, garlic aioli or a little chilli heat.

Food safety note: chicken must always be cooked until piping hot all the way through, with no pink and juices running clear. Thin patties do this quickly on a hot griddle.

Original or Desi?

Whichever meat you pick, you also choose a style:

Original: classic American-style smash seasoned with salt and pepper on the griddle.
Desi: patties mixed with green chilli, coriander, ginger-garlic and house-roasted spices. Beef Desi has chilli, coriander, ginger-garlic, cumin and garam masala. Chicken Desi uses mint, chaat masala and cumin.

That gives four patty choices: Beef Original, Beef Desi, Chicken Original and Chicken Desi, on any burger on the menu. Read more in Desi spiced smash burger explained.

A simple way to choose

First time trying a smash burger? Beef Original on the OG Smash.
Like a little heat? Beef or Chicken Desi on the Tikka Butter Melt or the Garlic Chilli Crisp.
Want something lighter? Chicken Original with a fresh, herby sauce.
Love serious heat? The Naga Firecracker, which is our hottest burger.
Not eating meat? The Paneer Tikka Melt is vegetarian.

Quick answers

Is chicken or beef healthier?

It depends on the cut and the cooking. We would rather not make health claims about either. Both are a treat, so choose the one you will enjoy most. If you have specific dietary needs, tell us when you order.

Do you serve both in Leicester and Glenfield?

Yes. Beef and chicken, Original and Desi, are available for collection and delivery every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Start on the menu.