If you are craving a burger that packs a punch with smoky heat, melty cheese, and juicy chicken all in one bite, the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is here to satisfy every craving. Blending the rich flavors of chipotle peppers in adobo with sharp cheddar cheese folded directly into tender ground chicken creates a burger that’s bursting with Southwestern flair. Whether you’re grilling for a weekend cookout or cooking indoors on the stovetop, this recipe is straightforward and delivers a bold, comforting meal that will quickly become a favorite in your lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering bold flavor, perfect texture, and vibrant color to your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. From smoky spices to fresh toppings, it all comes together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean, tender base that soaks up all the smoky and spicy flavors.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (minced): Adds a smoky, spicy kick that’s signature to this burger.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: Intensifies the chipotle flavor while keeping the burgers moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle warmth and depth to the meat.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savoriness with a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Boosts the smokiness and adds a beautiful red hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the spices and balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild bite that sharpens the taste.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the chicken for creamy, cheesy pockets of goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking, ensuring a golden-brown crust.
- 4 burger buns: Choose your favorite kind for the perfect sandwich assembly.
- Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices: Fresh, crisp toppings that add brightness and crunch.
- Your favorite sauce or mayo: Creamy condiments that tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, bring together the ground chicken, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a gentle hand to mix everything until just combined; overmixing can make the patties tough, and we want juicy, tender burgers with cheesy pockets bursting through.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. If your mixture feels too soft, pop the patties in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up. This step is key to ensuring your burgers hold together nicely during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Look for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken. This cooking method locks in moisture while giving you that crave-worthy sear.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns and Assemble
While the burgers are cooking, toast your burger buns if you like—this adds a wonderful crunch and helps prevent sogginess. Then, pile your burger with crispy lettuce, juicy tomato slices, sharp red onion rings, and your favorite sauce or chipotle mayo. Serve these beauties right away while they’re hot and melty.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lettuce, thick tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion add a refreshing crunch and balance the smoky, spicy flavors of the patties. A dollop of creamy chipotle mayo or classic mayo adds an inviting richness that brings the whole burger together in harmony.
Side Dishes
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a light corn salad. The sweet and crunchy sides contrast the smoky, cheesy patties perfectly, rounding out your meal and making it feel like a true culinary treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your burgers open-faced topped with sliced avocado or a sunny-side-up egg for extra indulgence. Wrapping them in lettuce leaves instead of buns is a fantastic low-carb option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Alternatively, serve sliders for a fun party appetizer that everyone will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe, wrap each burger tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the buns separate if possible to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Toast the buns fresh, and add toppings right before serving to keep everything as delicious as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will carry the chipotle and cheddar flavors just as nicely. Just be mindful of cooking times as turkey can sometimes dry out faster.
How spicy is this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe?
The amount of heat is moderate, thanks to one chipotle pepper in adobo. If you enjoy more spice, you can easily add a second pepper or a splash of hot sauce to dial up the kick.
Can these burgers be grilled outdoors?
Yes, they’re fantastic on the grill! Just make sure to oil the grates well to prevent sticking and handle the patties gently as they cook to keep them intact.
What kind of cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
While sharp cheddar is ideal for that bold, melty flavor, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda would work beautifully if you want to switch things up.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The smoky chipotle flavor is balanced and not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always reduce the chipotle pepper amount to make it even milder for picky eaters.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats that perfect bite of a juicy, cheesy burger with a hint of smoky heat, and the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe delivers exactly that with ease and flair. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these burgers will bring everyone together with big smiles and satisfied appetites. Give this recipe a try soon—you may just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken burgers!
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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, Southwest-Inspired
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are packed with smoky, spicy flavor and melty sharp cheddar cheese. Ground chicken patties are seasoned with chipotle pepper in adobo, smoky spices, and then cooked to juicy perfection on the stovetop or grill. Served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, these burgers bring a southwestern twist to a classic favorite, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Burger Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Your favorite sauce or chipotle mayo
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough burgers.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into burger patties. If the mixture feels too soft to handle, chill the patties in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Toast Buns: While the patties cook, toast the burger buns lightly either in a toaster or on the skillet for extra texture and flavor.
- Assemble Burgers: Layer each bun with lettuce, tomato slices, red onion slices, and the cooked chicken patty. Add your choice of sauce or chipotle mayo. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful homemade chipotle cheddar chicken burgers.
Notes
- For a spicier burger, increase the chipotle peppers to two or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- These burgers are great grilled as well; just make sure to oil the grill grates well and handle patties gently to prevent breaking.
- Add avocado slices on top for a creamy texture contrast and extra richness.
