If you love burgers with a smoky kick and melty cheese, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. These juicy chicken patties are packed with smoky chipotle peppers and spices that give them just the right amount of heat, while creamy cheddar cheese melts on top for that irresistible gooey finish. It’s the perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures that make this burger a standout at any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the smoky chipotle peppers to the sharp cheddar cheese, each component brings something special to the party, making the recipe delightfully easy but impossible to forget.
- Ground Chicken: The lean base that keeps these burgers juicy and light without compromising on flavor.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Finely chopped to infuse a smoky, spicy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the savory notes.
- Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complexity to the patty mix.
- Cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly nutty tone that complements the smoky chipotle.
- Paprika: A mild spice that boosts color and adds a hint of sweetness.
- Salt: Essential to amplify all the flavors inside the patties.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the other spices.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and keep them tender and juicy.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- Cheddar Cheese: Four slices of sharp, melty cheddar as the crowning glory of each burger.
- Burger Buns: Toasted to add crunch and hold all the delicious ingredients.
- Lettuce & Tomato: Fresh, crisp layers to balance the richness of the patties.
- Chipotle Mayo: A zesty spread made by mixing mayonnaise with adobo sauce for extra smoky creaminess.
- Olive Oil: For grilling to ensure a golden crust and prevent sticking.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Start by heating up your grill or skillet over medium-high heat, then lightly brush with olive oil. This step is key for achieving that beautiful sear, adding flavor, and making sure your burgers don’t stick as you cook.
Step 2: Mix the Patty Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped chipotle peppers, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix everything gently until just combined; overworking can make the patties tough, so handle with care.
Step 3: Form Your Patties
Divide the mixture into four even portions and shape them into patties. Try to keep them uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. Place your patties on a tray, ready for the grill or skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place the patties on your hot grill or skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Flip carefully to get an even golden-brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Melt the Cheddar Cheese
Once the patties are cooked, top each one with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the pan or close the grill lid briefly to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
Step 6: Toast the Buns and Add Chipotle Mayo
While the cheese melts, slice and toast your burger buns until golden and slightly crisp. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on the inside of each bun to kick the smokiness up a notch.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Layer lettuce and juicy tomato slices on the bottom bun, then add your cheesy chipotle chicken patties. Top with the bun lid and serve warm for the best experience. Prepare yourself for some serious burger bliss.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe to the next level. Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while ripe tomato slices add a juicy brightness that cuts through the smoky richness. If you want to add a little more zing, consider pickled red onions or sliced avocado for creamy smoothness.
Side Dishes
These burgers pair wonderfully with classic sides that can stand up to their bold flavors. Think crispy sweet potato fries, spicy coleslaw, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a fun twist, serve with grilled corn on the cob brushed with lime and chili powder to complement the smoky chipotle notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving your burgers on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra chipotle mayo for dipping. You can also cut the burgers in half to showcase the melted cheddar oozing out, making them irresistible visually. Wrapping them partially in parchment paper gives a casual, hands-on feel perfect for summer cookouts or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe, store any leftover cooked patties separated by parchment paper in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, letting you savor that smoky goodness later without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to save time for future meals, freeze uncooked patties on a lined tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method locks in freshness and flavor for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual for quick, delicious burgers on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cooked patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep the burger juicy and maintain the melty cheese texture. Toast fresh buns and add extra chipotle mayo to revive the original flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well with the spices and chipotle peppers. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since turkey can cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked.
How spicy are these burgers?
The chipotle peppers in adobo add a smoky heat that’s noticeable but not overpowering. If you prefer milder burgers, reduce the amount of chipotle or remove the seeds to tone down the spice.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even crushed tortilla chips as a binder if you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand. Just make sure whatever you choose keeps the patties from falling apart while adding a little extra flavor.
Is there a way to make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Double-check your chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for any added gluten ingredients just to be safe.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix and form the patties, then refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors develop even more and makes meal prep quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is a deliciously smoky, cheesy game-changer you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress friends and family. Next time you’re craving something flavorful, grab these ingredients and get grilling — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers offer a smoky, spicy twist on classic chicken patties. Ground chicken is blended with flavorful chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Served on toasted buns with chipotle mayo, lettuce, and tomato, these burgers are juicy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties
- 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
For Assembly
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Tomato slices, for serving
- 1/4 cup chipotle mayo (made by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1 teaspoon adobo sauce)
- 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 using the olive oil to prevent sticking and help achieve a nice sear on the patties.
- Mix the patty 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 combined to keep the patties tender.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Place the formed patties on a tray, ready for cooking.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until they are golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are safely cooked through.
- Add cheese to melt: Top each cooked patty with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cover the grill or skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt completely over the patties.
- Toast the buns and add mayo: While the cheese melts, toast the burger buns until golden and spread chipotle mayo evenly on both cut sides for extra smoky flavor.
- Assemble the burgers: Place the cheesy chicken patties on the bottom bun, then layer with fresh lettuce and tomato slices. Top with the other half of the bun and serve the burgers warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or increase the adobo sauce in the mayo.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken patties reach 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the patties and keep them juicy; using panko breadcrumbs adds extra texture.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if preferred.
- Serve with your favorite side such as sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
