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
Scale
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.
