Description
Learn how to make delicious Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burgers with Pepper Jack. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken (preferably 85% lean for moisture)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg (helps bind the patties)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs as a substitute)
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (whole wheat or brioche both work well)
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickled red onions, chipotle mayo
- For chipotle mayo: 1/2 cup mayonnaise mixed with 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
Instructions
- Start by prepping your ingredients: finely chop the chipotle pepper, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro. Having everything ready makes the mixing process smooth and quick.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with the chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, red onion, garlic, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until just combined—overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Add the egg and panko breadcrumbs to the mixture. The egg helps bind the ingredients, while the breadcrumbs add a bit of structure without drying out the patties. Fold everything together until evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing up during cooking.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll see the edges firm up and juices start to clear. Resist pressing down on the patties to keep them juicy.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each patty. Cover the pan with a lid or tent with foil to help the cheese melt evenly.
- While the patties cook, toast the hamburger buns lightly either in a toaster or on the grill pan—this adds great texture and prevents sogginess.
- Assemble your burgers with the cheesy patty, your preferred toppings, and a generous spread of chipotle mayo for an extra layer of smoky creaminess.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the smoky, spicy, cheesy goodness!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burgers with Pepper Jack, recipe, cooking, food