Print

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger Recipe

4 from 52 reviews

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger recipe combines ground chicken with smoky chipotle peppers and a blend of spices for a flavorful and mildly spicy burger. Served with a creamy chipotle mayo, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and optional pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, these burgers offer a delicious, smoky heat with every bite. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Patties

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 egg

For the Chipotle Mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

For Assembling

  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 4 slices of pepper jack cheese (optional, for extra heat)
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced red onions
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, lime juice, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about 1/2-inch thick.
  2. Cook the Patties on Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken patties on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once carefully. Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
  3. Alternative Cooking on Stovetop: If using a skillet, heat a large pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. Make the Chipotle Mayonnaise: While the patties cook, combine mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well to create a creamy, spicy sauce.
  5. Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayonnaise on the bottom buns. Place the cooked chicken patties on top, add a slice of pepper jack cheese if using, followed by lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and pickled jalapeños for extra heat if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs in the patties.
  • Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
  • Adjust the number of chipotle peppers according to your spice preference.
  • Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents sogginess from the mayonnaise.
  • Pickled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese are optional but recommended for more heat.

Keywords: Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger, Grilled Chicken Burger, Smoky Chicken Burger, Chipotle Burgers, Quick Chicken Burgers