If you’re craving a burger that’s bursting with smoky spice and melty cheese, the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish takes humble ground chicken and transforms it with smoky chipotle peppers, warm spices, and sharp cheddar cheese melted to perfection. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress friends at your next cookout. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of smoky heat, cheesy richness, and juicy chicken, making it a must-try for burger lovers looking to shake things up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe relies on simple yet flavorful ingredients that each play a crucial role in building incredible depth of flavor, texture, and color. From ground chicken’s subtle base to the smoky chipotle peppers and the creamy cheddar cheese, these components turn basic into unforgettable.
- Ground Chicken: The lean and tender protein base that absorbs the spices beautifully.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Adds a smoky warmth with a slight tang that defines the burger’s character.
- Garlic: Infuses savory aroma and depth.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the savory profile with a mild sweetness.
- Cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly nutty note that complements the chipotle.
- Paprika: Adds vibrant color and gentle smokiness.
- Salt: Essential to amplify all the flavors and balance the spices.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharpness.
- Breadcrumbs: Provides structure and moisture retention for juicy patties.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy slices that melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
- Burger Buns: Soft and toasted for the perfect sandwich base.
- Lettuce & Tomato: Freshness and crunch to brighten the burger.
- Chipotle Mayo: Creamy with smoky adobo spice to enhance every bite.
- Olive Oil: For grilling, helping patties cook evenly and stay juicy.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill or Skillet
Start by heating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface with olive oil to prevent the burgers from sticking and to help achieve that beautiful golden crust. This step sets the stage for perfectly cooked patties with a hint of smoky char.
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 egg. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the burgers dense, so be careful to keep them light and tender.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about the size of your burger buns. Placing them on a tray or plate makes it easier when it’s time to cook. These patties hold together nicely thanks to the egg and breadcrumbs, so they’ll stay intact on the grill.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place the patties on your hot grill or skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked yet juicy. Resist pressing down on the patties – that lets precious juices escape.
Step 5: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Once the patties are cooked through, top each one with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Cover the grill or pan for a minute or two to melt the cheese perfectly, creating a luscious, gooey topping that takes these chicken burgers to another level.
Step 6: Toast the Buns and Add Chipotle Mayo
Lightly toast your burger buns until they are golden and slightly crisp—it adds a wonderful texture contrast. Spread the chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom buns, infusing every bite with a creamy smoky kick that complements the patties beautifully.
Step 7: Assemble Your Burger
Finally, assemble your burgers by layering lettuce and ripe tomato slices on the bottom bun, followed by the cheesy chipotle chicken patty. Cap it with the top bun and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful chicken burgers out there!
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it fresh and simple with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices that add brightness and crunch. If you want to jazz things up, try adding pickled red onions or fresh avocado slices—they’re fantastic against the smoky heat of chipotle.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with classic fries, sweet potato wedges, or a cooling cucumber salad to balance the smoky flavors. Roasted veggies or a tangy slaw also make fabulous accompaniments, bringing texture and color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe on a wooden board alongside little bowls of extra chipotle mayo or salsa verde for dipping. Add a handful of grilled corn on the cob or mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette to elevate the presentation and overall experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the cooled patties in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess. When ready, reheat gently for the best texture.
Freezing
The burger patties freeze beautifully. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. This way you can enjoy quick meals anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding the cheddar cheese in the last minute to melt it. Toast the buns separately and add fresh toppings for an almost freshly made taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well, providing a similarly lean and mild base for the chipotle and cheddar flavors to shine.
How spicy is the chipotle in these burgers?
The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add warm, smoky heat without being overpoweringly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the patties intact.
Is it possible to cook these burgers in the oven?
Certainly! Bake the patties at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
What’s the best way to melt the cheddar cheese?
Covering the skillet or closing the grill lid for a minute or two after adding cheese ensures perfect, even melting without overcooking the patties.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of smoky chipotle, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken in this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. This burger brings together bold flavors, juicy texture, and simple ingredients in a way that feels like a comforting favorite and a fabulous treat all at once. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a star in your recipe lineup!
Print
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic chicken patties, infused with smoky chipotle peppers and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and served with chipotle mayo on toasted buns. Perfect for a smoky, spicy burger experience that’s easy to prepare and cook on the stovetop or grill.
Ingredients
Chicken Patty
- 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
Toppings and Assembly
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce & tomato, for serving
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise mixed with 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (chipotle mayo)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: 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 incorporated to keep the patties tender.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties and place them on a tray ready for cooking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties on the heated grill or skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Melt Cheese: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Prepare Buns: Toast the burger buns until golden, then spread chipotle mayo evenly on each side to add a creamy, smoky flavor.
- Assemble Burgers: Layer the lettuce and tomato on the bottom bun, add the cheesy chicken patty, and top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness of the burgers.
- Use fresh ground chicken for best texture and flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties tender.
- These burgers can be cooked indoors on a skillet or outdoors on a grill.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated and reheated, but are best fresh.
