Description
The Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger combines smoky, spicy chipotle peppers with juicy ground chicken, tangy lime, and a creamy chipotle mayo. This burger is easy to make, full of bold flavors, and can be grilled or pan-fried for a delicious, spicy twist on the classic burger.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the 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.
- To make the chipotle mayo: Whisk together mayonnaise, chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust 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 immediately with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more chipotle peppers or top with fresh jalapeños.
- Swap out ground turkey for the chicken if desired, or try using a plant-based meat alternative.
- Cheese options: Pepper jack, cheddar, or smoked gouda all complement the smoky chipotle flavor.
- If cooking in a skillet, avoid flipping the patties too early to prevent them from sticking.
- Make ahead: Prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg