Chipotle Chicken Burgers Recipe

This juicy, smoky Chipotle Chicken Burgers Recipe is made with ground chicken, spicy chipotles in adobo, and zesty lime, ready in just 30 minutes. The sizzling sear on the patties releases an incredible aroma of smoked chili and garlic that instantly makes your mouth water. I love how these burgers pack a serious punch of flavor while staying surprisingly tender and moist.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

For years, I avoided making chicken burgers at home because they always turned out dry and rubbery compared to the beef versions I loved. I finally learned that the secret to a juicy poultry burger isn’t just the fat content, but adding moisture directly into the mix—in this case, the adobo sauce and grated onion do the heavy lifting. The result is a texture that rivals any casual dining spot, with a flavor profile that feels gourmet rather than homemade.

My first attempt at this recipe was a bit of a disaster because I chopped the peppers too simply, leading to uneven heat pockets that overwhelmed some bites. Now, I mince the chipotles into a paste or puree them, which distributes that smoky, spicy goodness evenly throughout the meat. It keeps the heat consistent and ensures every bite has that signature chipotle depth.

Jump to Recipe

Chipotle Chicken Burgers Recipe Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Chicken: Use thigh meat if possible for juiciness, but breast works if you add enough moisture.
• 2-3 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Finely minced, plus 1 tablespoon of the adobo sauce from the can.
• 1/4 cup Red Onion: Grated or very finely minced to melt into the patty.
• 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.
• 1/4 cup Cilantro: Freshly chopped.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness.
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Kosher salt works best.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly cracked.
• 1/3 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties; use almond flour for gluten-free.
• 1 tbsp Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient for keeping the lean chicken moist inside.
• 4 Brioche Buns: Toasted.
• Toppings: Pepper Jack cheese, sliced avocado, lettuce, and extra chipotle mayo.

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Burgers Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, grated red onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, panko, and mayonnaise. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined—do not overwork the meat or it will become tough.
2. Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking, then shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
3. Cook the Burgers: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side. If adding cheese, place slices of Pepper Jack on the patties during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the brioche buns on the griddle until golden. Spread a layer of chipotle mayo on the bottom bun, top with lettuce, the cooked chicken patty, avocado slices, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the dimple: Putting a small thumbprint in the center of the raw patty stops it from turning into a round ball as the proteins contract during cooking.
• Watch the heat: Ground chicken cooks faster than beef and dries out easily. Use an instant-read thermometer to pull them off the heat exactly when they hit 165°F.
• Grate the onions: Large chunks of raw onion won’t cook through in the short time it takes to grill the burger. Grating them adds flavor and moisture without the crunch.
• Handle gently: The mixture will be stickier and softer than beef. If it’s too sticky to handle, chill the mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes before shaping.

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken Burger

These spicy burgers pair perfectly with sweet sides that balance the heat, such as baked sweet potato fries or a fresh corn and black bean salad. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber salad with lime dressing cuts through the richness of the avocado and cheese.

How To Store

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of water and a lid to steam them back to moisture. You can also freeze raw formed patties separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Are these burgers very spicy?
  They have a medium kick. To make them milder, remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers before mincing, or use only one pepper and more of the adobo sauce for flavor without the intense heat.
• Can I use ground turkey instead?
  Absolutely. Ground turkey works as a perfect 1:1 substitute for chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to keep the mayonnaise and onion in the mix to prevent dryness, as turkey is also very lean.
• Can I bake these instead of frying?
  Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. However, you will miss out on the caramelized crust that pan-searing or grilling provides.

Nutrition

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 32g
• Protein: 34g