If you’re on the hunt for a burger that brings bold, smoky heat with a melty cheesy punch, then you absolutely have to try this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic burger, where juicy ground chicken patties get infused with fiery chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and sharp cheddar cheese that oozes with every bite. The combination not only packs incredible flavor but also keeps the texture tender and juicy, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any burger lover craving something special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is super simple, yet each component plays a vital role in balancing the smoky heat, cheesy richness, and satisfying texture. From the perfectly seasoned ground chicken to the sharp cheddar and flavorful chipotle peppers, everything comes together for a mouthwatering meal.
- 1 pound ground chicken: This lean meat acts as the tender base for your spicy, cheesy patties.
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor that melts beautifully inside the burger.
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced: Brings in smoky, spicy warmth that defines this recipe’s character.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: Intensifies the smoky spice and adds moisture to the mixture.
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs: Helps bind the burgers and keeps them from falling apart during cooking.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder so the patties hold their shape.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Reinforces the smoky notes and gives a mild earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the natural taste of the chicken and cheese.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle, complementary heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking: Ensures a perfect sear and prevents sticking in the pan.
- Burger buns and toppings as desired: The finishing touch that lets you get creative with your favorite accompaniments.
How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Burger Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, finely minced chipotle peppers, and the adobo sauce in a large bowl. Add in the breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything until just combined—overworking the meat can make your burgers tough, so keep it light.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four even portions and carefully shape each into a thick, round patty. Make sure the edges are sealed well so they won’t fall apart while cooking. A neat shape helps them cook evenly and look as good as they taste.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F. This step locks in juiciness and creates that irresistible crispy crust on the outside.
Step 4: Rest and Assemble
Once cooked, remove the burgers from the heat and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps the juices sealed inside. Then layer them on your favorite buns and add any toppings you love for maximum flavor and texture.
How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
The best garnishes for your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe play off the smoky heat and rich cheese. Fresh slices of avocado add creaminess that cools the spice, crisp lettuce and juicy tomato provide refreshing crunch, and a dollop of cooling yogurt sauce or sour cream perfectly balances the smoky chipotle flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these burgers with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or a vibrant corn salad. Each complements the bold flavors and adds variety in texture and color, making your meal feel like a special occasion any night of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini sliders on toasted brioche buns with pickled jalapeños and cilantro for a fresh hit of brightness. You can also build a burger bowl by stacking the patty on a bed of mixed greens with all the toppings, perfect for those wanting to skip the bun but keep all the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can easily reheat and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal without any fuss.
Freezing
To freeze, place uncooked patties separated by parchment paper on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep beautifully for up to 2 months, making it easy to pull out these spicy, cheesy burgers whenever you’re craving a satisfying homemade meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain juiciness, or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving directly as it can dry out the patties and dull the bold chipotle flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time since turkey’s fat content can vary, and adjust seasonings if needed to keep the chipotle kick shining through.
How spicy are these burgers?
The chipotle peppers and adobo sauce bring moderate smoky heat that’s warming but not overwhelming. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chipotle peppers and adobo sauce depending on your spice tolerance.
Can these burgers be cooked on an outdoor grill?
Yes, these burgers are perfect for grilling! Just preheat your grill to medium, oil the grates, and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?
Using breadcrumbs is helpful to bind the mixture and ensure your patties hold their shape without becoming too dense. If you prefer, you can substitute with crushed crackers or oats, but avoid skipping this step entirely.
What toppings go best with Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe?
Some of my favorite toppings include creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, pickled jalapeños, and a cooling yogurt or sour cream sauce. They balance the smoky heat and add layers of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe is a brilliant way to spice up your burger nights with something bold, cheesy, and delightfully smoky. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these burgers deliver satisfying flavor in every bite. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—it’s sure to become one of your new favorites!
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Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on classic chicken patties, featuring smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and sharp cheddar cheese for a spicy, cheesy delight. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop, these burgers boast a juicy interior and a golden-brown crust, served best on your favorite buns with fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 (avocado, lettuce, tomato, or yogurt-based sauce suggested)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: 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. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture evenly into four portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat until shimmering and hot but not smoking.
- Cook Burgers: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Rest Patties: Remove the cooked patties from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the burgers moist.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the rested patties on burger buns with your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, lettuce, tomato, or a cooling yogurt-based sauce to complement the smoky heat of the chipotle.
Notes
- For additional heat, increase the amount of adobo sauce by one teaspoon.
- These burgers are also delicious when cooked on an outdoor grill over medium heat for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with fresh toppings like avocado, lettuce, tomato, or a yogurt-based sauce to balance the spicy chipotle flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
