If you’re craving a burger that brings bold flavors and a satisfying kick, you’re going to love this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. It combines juicy ground chicken with sharp cheddar cheese and smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, creating a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and spicy all in one bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want to mix up your usual burger routine, this recipe delivers a fresh twist with simple, quality ingredients that come together effortlessly for a truly delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is super straightforward. Each element plays an important role, whether it’s adding moisture, that smoky depth, or a lush cheesiness that melts into every bite.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The base of your burger, lean and juicy for a light yet satisfying texture.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds rich, creamy flavor and a delightful melt inside the patties.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (minced): Brings smokiness and a medium heat that wakes up every taste bud.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: Enhances the chipotle flavor and adds moisture for juicy patties.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): A punch of aromatic depth that complements the smoky spice.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Provides a subtle crunch and a slight sweetness balancing the heat.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the chicken mixture together while maintaining tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Adds extra moisture and a slight tang for richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle warmth to the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): For getting a beautifully crisp crust on your patties.
- 4 burger buns: Soft and sturdy, ready to cradle your flavorful patties.
- Lettuce and tomato slices: Fresh toppings adding crunch and juiciness for balance.
- Additional mayo or sauce for serving: Optional, but highly recommended for extra creaminess.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, shredded cheddar, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic, red onion, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Be gentle when mixing to ensure everything is evenly combined but not overworked, so your burgers stay tender and juicy.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, making sure they’re slightly wider than your buns since they’ll shrink a bit during cooking. Forming them evenly helps them cook uniformly and look appetizing on the plate.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden brown crust with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns and Assemble
While the patties cook, toast your burger buns lightly if you want that extra texture and warmth. Then, assemble by layering lettuce, tomato slices, the cooked chicken burgers, and finish with your favorite sauce or a simple spread of mayo for that perfect bite size.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices bring brightness and crunch that contrast wonderfully with the rich and smoky chicken patties. Feel free to add sliced avocado or pickled jalapeños for extra creaminess or zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with sweet potato fries, offering a natural sweetness to balance the smoky spice, or a fresh green salad to keep things light while still feeling indulgent. Crispy chips or coleslaw are also classic companions to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe on brioche buns or ciabatta for a touch of gourmet. You can stack them high with pickled red onions and crispy bacon, or even serve the patties as lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that’s just as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to prevent them from becoming soggy, and add fresh toppings when you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, the uncooked patties freeze beautifully. Form them first, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. Use within 2 months for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven, covering them to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the patty. Toast the buns fresh before serving again for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken for ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe and will deliver a similar texture and mild flavor that lets the chipotle and cheddar shine through.
How spicy are these burgers?
The heat comes from the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce, which is smoky with a moderate kick. You can adjust how much you add based on your spice preference—less for milder, more for a real punch.
Can I grill these burgers outdoors?
Yes! These burgers grill up beautifully outside on a barbecue. Use medium heat and watch closely to avoid flare-ups, flipping carefully when they get that lovely grill mark and reach the right temperature.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
While sharp cheddar is ideal for its flavor and melt, you could try pepper jack for extra heat or a milder Monterey Jack if you prefer. Just make sure it melts well to keep the burger juicy.
Is it necessary to add mayonnaise in the mixture?
Mayonnaise helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness, but if you want to skip it, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a little olive oil. Just keep an eye on the texture to make sure the patties hold together.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe that makes it a standout on any menu. The smoky chipotle blended with sharp cheddar and juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get cooking, because this burger is calling your name.
Print
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers combine spicy chipotle peppers with sharp cheddar cheese and tender ground chicken, creating a flavorful and juicy burger perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. The patties are pan-cooked to golden perfection and served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Additional mayonnaise or favorite sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a round, evenly sized patty about 3/4-inch thick for uniform cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking, which ensures a good sear on the patties.
- Cook the Chicken Patties: Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden brown crust to form. Flip carefully and cook an additional 5 to 6 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Toast Buns and Assemble: While the chicken cooks, optionally toast the burger buns until lightly browned. Once patties are done, assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a bun bottom, then topping with lettuce, tomato slices, and your choice of mayonnaise or sauce. Cover with the bun top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by using more or fewer chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to suit your heat preference.
- These burgers can also be grilled outdoors on a barbecue for a smokier flavor.
- Serve with sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
