Description
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger recipe delivers a smoky, spicy punch with tender ground chicken patties infused with chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Paired with a creamy chipotle mayo, fresh vegetables, and optional pepper jack cheese, these burgers are perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and grill or sauté on the stovetop.
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
To Assemble
- 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 chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated but avoid over-mixing to keep patties tender.
- Form patties: Shape the chicken mixture into 4 even patties about 3/4-inch thick. Place them on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help them hold together during cooking.
- Make chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the patties: For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and patties are cooked through. Alternatively, on the stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Assemble the burgers: Toast the burger buns until lightly golden. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Place the cooked chicken patty on top, add a slice of pepper jack cheese (optional), lettuce leaves, tomato slices, red onion, and pickled jalapeños if using. Top with the bun’s other half.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as fries, salad, or coleslaw for a delicious spicy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with chipotle powder if necessary, but reduce the amount to taste as it is more concentrated.
- For a gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- If you prefer milder heat, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or omit pickled jalapeños.
- Make sure not to over-mix the chicken mixture to keep patties juicy and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken patties reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Spicy chipotle chicken burger, chipotle chicken patties, grilled chicken burger, smoky chicken burger, spicy mayo burger
