Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken (preferably thigh for juiciness)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (I like crisp romaine for texture)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: pickled jalapeños for an extra kick
Substitution tips: If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the chipotle peppers to one or substitute with smoked paprika alone. Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken, but be mindful it might be leaner and less juicy. For a gluten-free option, swap buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, red onion, garlic, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined—overworking can make the patties tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about ¾-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
- If using cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan briefly to melt.
- While the patties cook, toast your burger buns lightly on a separate pan or grill until golden brown. This adds texture and prevents sogginess—something my Nonna Rosa always insisted on for her sandwiches.
- Mix mayonnaise and lime juice in a small bowl to create a zesty spread. This creamy tang cuts through the smoky heat beautifully.
- Assemble your burgers: spread the lime mayo on both bun halves, add the cooked chicken patty, top with avocado slices, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and optional pickled jalapeños for those who crave extra heat.
- Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh, inviting your family or friends to dig in and savor the layers of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
