If you’re craving a burger packed with smoky heat and melty, cheesy goodness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. It blends tender ground chicken with spicy chipotle peppers and sharp cheddar for a burger that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers big flavors with simple ingredients you’ll love working with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet powerful, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, creamy, and savory in your burgers.
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lean, tender base that absorbs the smoky chipotle flavor beautifully.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Adds a smoky, spicy kick that’s subtle but unforgettable.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth that complements the spice perfectly.
- Onion Powder: Enhances savory richness without adding moisture.
- Cumin: Offers an earthy warmth that rounds out the seasoning.
- Paprika: Gives a mild sweetness and adds to the vibrant color.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the chipotle’s smoke.
- Breadcrumbs: Help keep the patties juicy by providing structure.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the patties intact while cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts delightfully on top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Burger Buns: Toasted for crunch and to hold all the juicy goodness.
- Lettuce & Tomato: Freshness and texture to brighten up each bite.
- Chipotle Mayo: Creamy and spicy, made by blending mayo with adobo sauce for extra flavor depth.
- Olive Oil: For grilling to prevent sticking and add a subtle fruity note.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill or Skillet
Start by heating your grill or a sturdy skillet over medium-high and lightly oiling the surface. This step ensures your burgers will sear beautifully, developing a delicious crust without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Patty Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with finely chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and the egg. Gently mix everything until just combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into round, evenly sized patties. Press them gently to make sure they hold together but avoid compacting them too tightly. Place the patties on a tray, ready for cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Place the patties on your preheated grill or skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Look for a golden, slightly crisp exterior and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they’re cooked through safely.
Step 5: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Once the chicken patties are almost done, top each one with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese perfectly, creating a luscious, gooey layer that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Toast and Dress the Buns
While the cheese melts, toast your burger buns to add crunch and prevent sogginess. Spread a generous layer of chipotle mayo on both halves to amplify the smoky, creamy flavor profile.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers
Build your burgers by layering the lettuce and tomato on the toasted buns, then placing the cheesy chicken patties on top. Close the buns and serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices add brightness and crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a few thin rings of red onion or sliced avocado for extra creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh coleslaw, or even a simple mixed green salad. Each side balances the spicy, smoky flavors with its own texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving these burgers open-faced with a side of chipotle aioli for dipping. Wrapping them in lettuce leaves instead of buns turns them into low-carb delights that still pack all the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe patties, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the buns and garnishes separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
These patties freeze well! Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, ready for your next burger craving.
Reheating
Reheat your burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven set to 350°F to preserve moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to keep the patties from drying out, and add fresh toppings once warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still absorb the chipotle flavors nicely, though it might be a touch less juicy.
How spicy are these burgers?
The chipotle peppers add a smoky heat that’s noticeable but not overwhelming. You can adjust the number of peppers or the amount of adobo sauce in the mayo to suit your heat preference.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and make sure your buns are gluten-free too.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese on the burgers?
Covering the burgers briefly during the last minute or two of cooking traps heat and gently melts the cheddar for that perfect, gooey finish.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
You can mix and shape the patties a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes mealtime quick and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves a spicy, flavorful burger with a cheesy twist. It’s easy to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite burger!
Print
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are packed with smoky, spicy flavors and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Made with ground chicken, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and aromatic spices, these juicy grilled patties are perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a creamy chipotle mayo, these burgers bring a delicious twist to classic chicken sandwiches.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce and tomato, for serving
For Chipotle Mayo
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Heat grill or skillet: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brush or spray the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and help patties cook evenly.
- Prepare the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the burgers tender.
- Form patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾-inch thick. Place the patties on a tray or plate, ready for cooking.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Melt the cheese: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover briefly with a lid or tent with foil to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Prepare the buns and mayo: Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster. Spread chipotle mayo—which is mayonnaise mixed with adobo sauce—on both the top and bottom buns for a creamy, smoky kick.
- Assemble and serve: Arrange lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, place the cheesy chicken patty on top, then close with the top bun. Serve the burgers warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ground chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- This recipe can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Chipotle adobo sauce adds a smoky heat; use it sparingly in the mayo or adjust to taste.
