Description

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger combines tender ground chicken with smoky chipotle peppers and a blend of spices to create a flavorful and juicy patty. Paired with a creamy chipotle mayo and fresh toppings, this burger offers a perfect balance of heat, zest, and texture that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Assembly

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

Prepare the patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, lime juice, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the patties tender.
Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round, evenly thick patty about 3/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
Make the chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust seasoning to your preference. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the patties: Choose your preferred method—grilling or stovetop. For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates lightly. Grill the patties for approximately 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached. For stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil and cook patties for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Add cheese (optional): If using pepper jack cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt slightly.
Assemble the burgers: Toast the burger buns lightly for added texture and flavor. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Add lettuce leaves, the cooked chicken patty with melted cheese, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and pickled jalapeños if desired. Top with the bun crown and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers for your preferred spice level.
Ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
You can prepare the chipotle mayo in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavor.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner alternative if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: chipotle chicken burger, spicy chicken burger, chipotle burger recipe, grilled chicken burger, smoky chipotle burger