If you love a burger with a little kick and a whole lot of cheesy goodness, you are about to fall head over heels for this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. Juicy ground chicken gets a fiery upgrade with smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, while sharp cheddar cheese melts right into every bite, creating a perfect balance of spice and creamy richness. These burgers are simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and sure to be a new favorite anytime you want something quick but impressive for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor and a satisfying texture that make these burgers truly memorable. From the mildness of ground chicken to the boldness of chipotle peppers, and the melty sharp cheddar cheese, each adds something special.
- 1 pound ground chicken: Use lean meat for juicy, tender patties without added fat.
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture inside the patties.
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced: These bring smoky heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: Intensifies the chipotle flavor with a deep, smoky spice.
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties together and keep them moist.
- 1 large egg: A key binder around the chicken and other ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle savory note.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smokiness complementing the chipotle peppers.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild heat and savory complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking: Keeps the burgers from sticking and adds a slight fruity flavor when cooking.
- Burger buns and toppings as desired: Pick your favorite buns and toppings to customize the ultimate burger experience.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by placing the ground chicken in a large bowl. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, plain breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the burgers may turn tough.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking, then shape each portion into a uniform patty, about ¾ inch thick. This thickness ensures the burgers cook evenly, so the center stays juicy while the outside crisps up beautifully.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Cook
Heat 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 on each side. Look for a golden-brown crust, and always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safety and juiciness.
Step 4: Rest and Assemble
Remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Then place the patties on your favorite burger buns and add toppings as you like.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and texture make all the difference in serving. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, sliced avocado, or even a cooling yogurt-based sauce work wonders to complement the smoky, spicy flavors. Pickled red onions or a handful of fresh cilantro can add a surprising burst of brightness that balances richness nicely.
Side Dishes
On the side, crispy sweet potato fries or classic crispy potato chips pair perfectly with the smoky heat of these burgers. A simple coleslaw or a fresh green salad can bring contrast in texture and temperature for a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and colorful on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe sliders on mini buns for parties or casual gatherings. You might also try wrapping the burger in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or add a fried egg on top for a brunch-ready version that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra burgers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and remain delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully. Arrange uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prep or an easy dinner on busy nights.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen patties overnight in the fridge. Reheat them on a skillet over low heat to warm through without drying out, or finish quickly on the grill to refresh that crispy crust and smoky aroma.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will deliver a similar texture and flavor profile. You might want to add a little extra seasoning or a small amount of olive oil since turkey tends to be leaner.
How spicy are these burgers?
The chipotle peppers and adobo sauce bring a moderate smoky heat that’s warm but not overwhelming. If you prefer more or less spice, you can adjust the quantity of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to suit your taste.
What toppings go best with Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers?
Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado are fantastic, but consider adding cooling elements like a dollop of sour cream or a yogurt-based cilantro sauce to balance the smoky spice. Pickled veggies also add a bright contrast.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and form the patties a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook when ready. This saves time and helps flavors meld nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by swapping the plain breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The recipe is very adaptable and just as delicious with this substitution.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is a fantastic example of how simple, quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. Its perfect balance of smoky spice and melty cheese makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—there’s just something about that first bite that feels like a little celebration. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Print
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic chicken patties, featuring spicy chipotle peppers in adobo sauce mixed with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, they deliver a smoky, cheesy, and mildly spicy burger experience that’s quick and easy to prepare for any meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Burger buns and toppings as desired (lettuce, tomato, avocado, yogurt-based sauce suggested)
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during cooking.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the burgers: Place the patties in the skillet, cooking each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are safely cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm on burger buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a cooling yogurt-based sauce.
Notes
- For extra heat, add an additional teaspoon of adobo sauce to the mixture.
- These burgers can also be grilled outdoors over medium heat for a smoky flavor.
- Pair with avocado, lettuce, tomato, or a yogurt-based sauce to balance the spicy heat.
