Description
These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers combine smoky chipotle peppers, melted cheddar cheese, and a fresh grilled corn salsa for a bold, flavorful twist on classic chicken burgers. Perfectly grilled and topped with a zesty chipotle mayo, these burgers offer a smoky, spicy kick balanced by creamy avocado and a hint of lime.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Olive oil, for rubbing
- 4 buns, toasted
For the Fresh Corn Salsa:
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 ears grilled corn, kernels removed
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Sea salt, to taste
For the Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotle in adobo
- 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
Additional Toppings:
- Sliced or mashed avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the burger mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly incorporate all ingredients. Then, shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized burger patties. Lightly rub each patty with olive oil to prevent sticking and add moisture for grilling.
- Grill the burgers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is nicely crisped. During the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and close the grill lid or cover with a pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- Make the corn salsa: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, grilled corn kernels, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and sea salt. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors. Set aside to let the flavors meld while the burgers finish grilling.
- Prepare the chipotle mayo: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, chopped chipotle in adobo, and sweet Thai chili sauce until smooth and creamy. Adjust chipotle quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous layer of the chipotle mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy chicken burger on top, followed by sliced or mashed avocado and a scoop of the fresh corn salsa. Cap with the top bun. Serve immediately with extra chipotle mayo on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle in adobo to control the spiciness of the burgers and mayo.
- For an even smokier flavor, use smoked paprika and fresh grilled corn.
- Ensure ground chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Toasting the buns improves texture and prevents sogginess from the mayo and salsa.
- Sweet Thai chili sauce adds a subtle sweetness and balances the heat in the chipotle mayo.
