If you’re looking for a burger that’s full of bold flavors and a little heat, the Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger is your perfect match. Smoky chipotle peppers, juicy ground chicken, and tangy lime combine to create an irresistible burger that’s both spicy and savory. Whether you’re grilling them for a summer BBQ or cooking a quick weeknight dinner, this burger is sure to impress.

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

Smoky and Spicy: The chipotle peppers bring a deep, smoky heat that elevates this burger.
Juicy and Flavorful: Ground chicken absorbs the spices beautifully, staying tender and flavorful.
Leaner Alternative: A great alternative to traditional beef burgers, offering a lighter, healthier option.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a fast meal.
Versatile: Adjust the spice level or customize your toppings to suit your preferences.
Grilling or Pan-Frying: Works perfectly whether you’re grilling or cooking on the stovetop.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make the patties ahead of time and freeze for later.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a casual meal or a gathering, this burger is sure to be a hit.
Pairs Well with Various Sides: Serve with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner, this burger fits the bill.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties:
1 lb ground chicken
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
1 egg

For the Chipotle Mayo:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste

For Assembling the Burgers:
4 burger buns, toasted
4 slices of pepper jack cheese (optional, for extra heat)
Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onions
Pickled jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, lime juice, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until well incorporated.
Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Patties:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill patties for 5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. If using cheese, add a slice during the last minute and cover to melt.
Make the Chipotle Mayo: Whisk together mayonnaise, chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Burgers: Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add lettuce, a chicken patty, tomatoes, onions, and pickled jalapeños if desired. Top with the other half of the bun and press gently.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb alternative, swap the buns for large lettuce leaves.
Chipotle Sliders: Make smaller patties and serve on mini buns for an appetizer or party food.
Burger Bowl: Skip the bun and serve the chicken patty over a bed of greens, beans, and grilled corn for a hearty salad.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating Leftovers: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Freezing Uncooked Patties: Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking, or cook directly from frozen, adding extra time.
Reheating: To keep the patties juicy, reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10 minutes covered with foil, or heat in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side.

FAQs

How can I make this burger spicier?

Add more chipotle peppers, extra adobo sauce, or top with fresh jalapeños or sriracha.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute and offers a similar texture.

What cheese pairs best with this burger?

Pepper jack, cheddar, or smoked gouda all complement the smoky spice of the chipotle.

How do I prevent the chicken patties from sticking to the grill?

Oil the grill grates before cooking and avoid flipping the patties too early.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Is this burger gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.

What’s a good dipping sauce for this burger?

Extra chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or smoky barbecue sauce are great choices.

Can I cook these in the oven?

Yes! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, you can easily scale up the ingredients and freeze the extra patties for later.

What’s the best way to serve this burger without a bun?

Serve it as a salad bowl or wrap the patty in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

The Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger is a delicious twist on the classic burger, bursting with smoky, spicy flavors. With juicy chicken patties, zesty chipotle mayo, and a range of customizable toppings, this burger is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or cooking a quick dinner at home, this recipe offers versatility, flavor, and a little heat that’s sure to impress.