Get ready to meet your new grill-night obsession: Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers. These burgers combine juicy ground chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and gooey sharp cheddar for a bite that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat. With a creamy chipotle mayo, plenty of crisp veggies, and perfectly toasted buns, they’ve got that irresistible blend of spicy, savory, and fresh that makes you crave just one more taste. Whether you’re planning a casual cookout or just jazzing up a weeknight dinner, these Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers deserve a permanent spot in your recipe lineup.

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a short list of accessible ingredients can come together for such bold flavor. Each component is chosen to maximize taste, texture, and color, so you get a burger experience that feels anything but ordinary.

Ground chicken: Lean yet juicy, it makes a perfect canvas for all the smoky seasonings.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: This brings bold heat and a savory, smoky kick that defines the burger.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the chipotle flavor and deepens that tasty, charred aroma.
Garlic powder: Layers in warmth and lots of savory flavor without fuss.
Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and real depth to each bite.
Salt: Seasoning is key to letting all the other flavors shine!
Black pepper: Adds an earthy pop and brings balance to the heat.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the patties for delectable cheesiness.
Burger buns: Soft or sturdy, your choice—just make sure there’s plenty of room for all those toppings.
Olive oil: For golden, crisped patties whether you use a skillet or the grill.
Lettuce leaves: Adds cool crunch and freshness between bites.
Tomato slices: Juicy and summery, they complement the smoky chicken beautifully.
Red onion slices: Their mild sharpness cuts through the richness of the burger.
Sliced pickles (optional): For that punchy, tangy contrast if you love a classic burger vibe.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our zesty chipotle sauce.
Adobo sauce: Just a splash turns a basic mayo into a flavor-packed, smoky spread.
Lime juice: Brightens everything up with a hint of citrusy tang.
Salt (for the mayo): Don’t forget to season your sauce to taste.

How to Make Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Patty Mixture

Start by combining your ground chicken, minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl. Give it a gentle mix—just enough to bring everything together. Overmixing can lead to a dense patty, so a light hand is your secret to those juicy Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture evenly into four portions and shape each into a burger patty, keeping them as uniform as possible for even cooking. If the mixture feels sticky, a quick rinse of your hands with cold water will make shaping a breeze.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, a tablespoon of adobo sauce, lime juice, and a tiny pinch of salt. This creamy chipotle mayo packs a smoky, tangy kick and makes these Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers truly unforgettable. Set it aside—you’ll want to slather it on thick!

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add your burger patties and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden on the outside and fully cooked inside (an internal temperature of 165°F is perfect). If you’re grilling, make sure your grill is nicely oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While the patties cook, split your burger buns and toast them lightly until just golden. This step adds a delicate crunch and stops the sauces from soaking through the bread—always a win!

Step 6: Assemble the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Spread a generous layer of chipotle mayo over each bun base. Add lettuce, then that hot and cheesy chicken patty. Top with tomato slices, red onion, and pickles if you’re feeling extra zesty. Cap it off with the top bun, and get ready to devour!

How to Serve Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

Top your burgers with a variety of colorful garnishes—think sliced avocado for creaminess, extra cheddar shreds for all the cheese lovers, or even a few fresh cilantro leaves for a herby pop. A squeeze of lime over the finished burger adds brightness and really wakes up all the smoky flavors.

Side Dishes

These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers pair perfectly with crisp sweet potato fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or even classic kettle chips. For something lighter, a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances all the richness deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer up your Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers on a wooden board, add a handful of colorful roasted corn, or serve mini versions on slider buns at a party. Stack everything high and secure them with a fun skewer, or go open-faced for a knife-and-fork experience with a drizzle of extra chipotle mayo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep buns and toppings separate so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked chicken patties between layers of parchment paper for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual. Cooked patties also freeze well—just wrap tightly and reheat when you’re ready for a spicy burger fix.

Reheating

Reheat burger patties gently in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works, too; just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Assemble with fresh buns and toppings for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make these burgers with ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works perfectly with the chipotle and cheddar flavors. Just be sure to use turkey with a little fat for juicier burgers.

How spicy are the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers?

They have a nice, warming kick but aren’t overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer things milder, simply reduce the amount of chipotle; if you’re a spice lover, add an extra spoonful or a pinch of cayenne.

What’s the best way to melt the cheese right into the patties?

By mixing shredded cheddar directly into the chicken mixture, you get gooey cheese pockets in every bite. For even more melty goodness, you can add a slice of cheddar on top during the last minute of cooking.

Are there gluten-free options for the buns?

Definitely! Swap regular burger buns for your favorite gluten-free option or serve the burger patty lettuce-wrap style for a lower-carb alternative.

Can I grill these Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers outdoors?

Yes, these burgers are fantastic on a charcoal or gas grill. Just make sure the grates are well-oiled and your patties are chilled before grilling to help them hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your burger routine, you can’t go wrong with Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers. Their smoky flavor, irresistible juiciness, and crowd-pleasing toppings make every meal a celebration. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again!

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are juicy and packed with flavor. The combination of chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a deliciously spicy and cheesy burger that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Patties:

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients:

4 burger buns
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Lettuce leaves
Tomato slices
Red onion slices
Sliced pickles (optional)

Chipotle Mayo:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, minced chipotle peppers, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar. Form into 4 burger patties.
Make the Chipotle Mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, adobo sauce, lime juice, and salt to make the chipotle mayo. Set aside.
Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden.
Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns. Spread chipotle mayo on the bun, add lettuce, the chicken patty, tomato, onion, and pickles. Serve immediately.