This past weekend in San Antonio (TX) 28-year-old Brigitte Nguyen won first prize of $50K in the 48th National Chicken Cooking Contest for her Chinese Chicken Burgers with Rainbow Sesame Slaw.

And, the $50K wasn’t the only exciting thing to happen to Bridget this month.  Her beau (now fiancé) Michael Prather asked her to marry him by spelling out “Will you marry me?” on a Scrabble board.

Micheal (who was in tears at the press conference) had told her to follow her dreams — which is exactly what’s she now doing. Bridget was recently also in a Food Network competition

When asked how she’d spend her prize money, Bridget responded, “Although I should take my family on a trip, I’m going to save it.

“It’s tough times and we should all save our money.”

Bridget and eight other finalists prepared their dishes at the Culinary Institute of America for a panel of food editor judges. According to the judges this burger had a clear Asian flavor with some zing, sweetness and a hint of lime and lemon grass.

Here’s the winning recipe for you to try at home.

Chinese Chicken Burgers with Rainbow Sesame Slaw:

In large bowl, mix together 2 pounds ground chicken, 2 T soy sauce, 2 T sugar, 1 t sesame oil, 6 gloves minced garlic, 1 T minced lemongrass and 1/3 cup minced scallions. Divide mixture into 6 patties and set aside. Place grill pan over medium heat. Spread 1 T of softened butter on each of 6 hamburger buns and place on grill pan until light brown. Wipe grill pan with paper towel and brush with 1 T vegetable oil. Place chicken patties on grill pan and cook over medium high heat, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165° F, about 7 minutes per side. During last few minutes of cooking, baste each burger with 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce.

To assemble, place 1 tablespoon Sriracha Lime Mayo on each bottom and top bun. Place chicken on bun bottoms and top each with 1/3 cup Rainbow Sesame Slaw. Serve with any remaining slaw and mayo on the side. Garnish with scallions. Makes 6 servings.

Sriracha Lime Mayo: In small bowl, mix together ¾ cup mayonnaise; zest and juice of 1 lime; and 2 tablespoons Sriracha Chile Sauce. Set aside.

Rainbow Sesame Slaw: In medium size bowl, mix together 2/3 cup julienne peppers (red, orange, yellow or any combination); 2/3 cup julienned snow peas, strings removed; 2/3 cup julienned jicama; 1-1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha Chile Sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds.

NOTE: Sriracha is a Thai-style hot sauce available in the international section of your supermarket. If you can’t find it (although, I suggest you do as it has a more complex flavor than just heat!) substitute your favorite hot sauce.