Trader Joes Chicken Burger Recipe

This juicy, zesty Trader Joes Chicken Burger is made with fresh ground chicken, lime juice, and colorful bell peppers and ready in just 25 minutes. Biting into the seared, caramelized patty topped with melted pepper jack and cool guacamole offers a perfect balance of spicy and refreshing flavors. I started making this copycat version at home when my local store ran out of stock, and now I actually prefer the fresh taste over the frozen original.

Better Than Takeaway

While the original frozen patties are a convenient freezer staple, making them from scratch delivers a texture and flavor vibrancy that boxed versions simply cannot match. I found that using fresh lime juice and cilantro creates a zesty brightness that gets lost in the freezing process, elevating a simple weeknight dinner into something restaurant-quality.

The first time I tried to replicate these, I made the mistake of chopping the bell peppers too freely, which caused the patties to crumble in the pan. I learned that finely mincing the vegetables is the secret to getting that cohesive, dense-but-juicy bite that mimics the original perfectly.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Chicken Burger Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably 5-7% fat for juiciness)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (white and light green parts)
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• For Serving:
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup guacamole

How To Make Trader Joes Chicken Burger

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped green onions, minced red bell pepper, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and lime juice.
2. Form the Patties: Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into round patties about 3/4-inch thick.
3. Sear the Burgers: Heat a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil. Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
4. Melt the Cheese: Flip the burgers and top each one immediately with a slice of Pepper Jack cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese is melted.
5. Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty on a toasted bun and top generously with guacamole before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Mince Vegetables Finely: Keep your red peppers and onions very small so they distribute evenly and don’t cause the burger to break apart while flipping.
• Use Wet Hands: Ground chicken can be very sticky, so wetting your hands with cold water before forming the patties prevents the meat from sticking to your skin.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the meat and vegetables until just combined to ensure the burgers stay tender rather than becoming rubbery.
• Create a Dimple: Press a small indentation into the center of each raw patty to prevent it from puffing up into a ball during cooking.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Chicken Burger

These zest burgers pair perfectly with sweet potato fries or a light corn and black bean salad to echo the Southwestern flavors. You can also serve them alongside crispy tortilla chips and fresh pico de gallo for a fun, casual dinner.

How To Store

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the raw formed patties separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works excellently in this recipe and provides a very similar texture and flavor profile.

Are these burgers gluten-free?
The patty mixture itself is naturally gluten-free, so just serve them on a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap to keep the meal safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I grill these outdoors?
Yes, but because ground chicken is leaner and softer than beef, make sure your grill grates are very clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

Is the lime flavor strong?
The lime adds a subtle zest rather than a sour taste, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese perfectly.

Nutrition

• Calories: 435
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 29g
• Protein: 32g