If you’re craving a burger that packs bold flavor without being overly complicated, this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These juicy, smoky chicken patties are infused with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, perfectly balanced by sharp cheddar cheese that melts into every bite. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a casual weekend cookout, these burgers offer a delicious twist on the classic that’s both satisfying and full of personality.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, combining to create layers of flavor, juicy texture, and vibrant color that make these burgers stand out.
- Ground chicken: The lean, tender base that lets the chipotle and cheese shine without being too heavy.
- Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: Adds smoky heat and depth, essential for that signature spiciness.
- Adobo sauce: Enhances the smoky flavor and moisture, keeping the patties juicy.
- Garlic powder: A subtle but important flavor booster.
- Onion powder: Adds sweetness and savoriness to the mix.
- Smoked paprika: Elevates the smoky notes and adds a rich red hue.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic seasonings to bring all flavors together.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melted into the mix for creamy, cheesy goodness throughout.
- Burger buns: The perfect vehicle to hold all the delicious components.
- Lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, and sliced red onion: Fresh, crunchy toppings that brighten each bite.
- Mayonnaise or chipotle mayo (optional): For a creamy, spicy finishing touch.
- Cooking oil: Needed for grilling to get that beautiful sear without sticking.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken with the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures that the smoky heat and cheesy goodness are evenly distributed without overworking the meat, which keeps the patties tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently shape each into a burger patty. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. This step is key to developing the perfect burger that holds together on the grill but remains tender inside.
Step 3: Preheat Grill or Skillet
Heat up your grill or skillet to medium, then lightly oil the surface. This prevents sticking and helps get a beautiful sear on the patties that locks in flavor and juices.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Grill the patties for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; your target internal temperature is 165°F to ensure they’re safely cooked but still moist.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the patties finish cooking, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they’re golden and slightly crisp. This adds texture and helps keep the buns from getting soggy once assembled.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Place each chicken patty on a bun and pile on fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion rings. Add a spread of mayonnaise or chipotle mayo for extra creamy heat. Serve these beauties immediately to enjoy them at their juiciest.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple toppings work best to complement without overpowering the burger’s smoky, cheesy flavor. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and sharp, crunchy red onions create a fresh contrast to the spicy patty. A swipe of chipotle mayo amps up the heat and creaminess, but classic mayo works just as well if you prefer mild.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, zesty coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to keep the meal balanced and satisfyingly fresh. For a smoky theme, grilled corn or charred veggies are wonderful choices that echo the burger’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe open-faced with an extra sprinkle of cheddar melted on top. You could also turn them into sliders for a party platter or pile on avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or a tangy slaw for even more exciting textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the cooked patties airtight and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store buns separately to keep them from becoming soggy. This way, you can enjoy a quick leftover burger anytime.
Freezing
To make ahead, shape the raw patties and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring into a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, cook them straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to your grilling time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the patty’s juicy texture and the bun’s crispness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will give you similarly juicy and flavorful burgers, especially when combined with the chipotle and cheddar.
How spicy are these burgers?
The heat level depends on how much chipotle pepper and adobo sauce you use. If you prefer mild, use less chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. For a bolder kick, feel free to add a bit more—just adjust to your taste.
Is there a way to make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free burger buns or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This helps them set and makes grilling easier when you’re ready.
What cheese alternatives could I use?
Sharp cheddar is perfect, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or even mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt. Avocado slices also make a wonderful creamy topping in place of cheese.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again. Its perfect balance of smoky spice, cheesy richness, and fresh toppings makes every bite a celebration. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend grilling party, these burgers bring warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of joy to your table. Give them a whirl—you won’t regret it!
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Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic chicken burger. Ground chicken is blended with smoky chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese, then grilled to perfection. Served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion, these burgers offer a delicious, smoky heat balanced by creamy mayo or chipotle mayo. Perfect for a quick and satisfying main course that packs a punch of Southwest-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Mayonnaise or chipotle mayo (optional)
- Cooking oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat to ensure juicy burgers.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty about 3/4 inch thick, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the cooking surface with oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties onto the preheated grill or skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side. Flip carefully to retain their shape. Cook until patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Toast Buns: While the patties finish cooking, optionally toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster for a few minutes until lightly browned and warmed through.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty on a toasted bun, then layer with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and mayonnaise or chipotle mayo as desired.
- Serve: Serve the assembled burgers immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of chipotle pepper or adobo sauce based on your spice preference.
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground chicken with equally delicious results.
- For extra flavor and creaminess, consider topping the burgers with sliced avocado or swapping sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
