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Grilled chipotle chicken burger with cheddar cheese, smoky chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and brioche bun served with sweet potato fries.

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger – Juicy, Smoky & Easy High-Protein Dinner Recipe

Samantha
This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger is juicy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. Made with lean ground chicken, chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices, it’s a lighter alternative to beef burgers but just as satisfying. Perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners, this high-protein burger is customizable with toppings like avocado, chipotle mayo, or pepper jack cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican-Inspired
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken 93% lean
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ small onion finely grated
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns
  • Toppings: avocado slices lettuce, tomato, cheese, chipotle mayo

Instructions
 

  • Mix the patties: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices. Mix gently.
  • Form burgers: Shape mixture into 4 equal patties.
  • Cook: Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Assemble: Toast buns, add lettuce and tomato, top with burger patty, avocado, cheese, and chipotle mayo.
  • Serve hot: Enjoy immediately with fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crisp salad.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

1. Use ground chicken with a little fat: Lean ground chicken breast can make the patties dry, so mix in a bit of thigh meat or add olive oil to keep your chipotle chicken burger juicy and flavorful.
2. Don’t skip the chipotle sauce: Blend chipotle peppers in adobo with a touch of Greek yogurt or mayo for a smoky, spicy burger sauce. It elevates the flavor and ties the whole high-protein dinner together.
3. Chill patties before cooking: Let the chicken patties rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before grilling or pan-searing. This helps them hold shape and sear beautifully.
4. Toast the buns: A lightly toasted bun adds texture and prevents it from getting soggy under the juicy, smoky chicken burger and toppings.
5. Layer with fresh toppings: Cool ingredients like avocado, lettuce, and tomato balance the spicy chipotle kick. They also add freshness, making this easy chicken burger recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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