Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

Picture this: It’s a busy weeknight, you’re starving, and everyone at home is asking the dreaded question, “What’s for dinner?” Cue the hero of the night—the Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger. It’s juicy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy to wake up your taste buds. Trust me, this recipe will make you feel like a rockstar chef without breaking a sweat (or the bank).

What I love most about this burger is how effortlessly it comes together. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of prep—just a few pantry staples, some ground chicken, and a craving for something bold and delicious. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special but doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes to clean afterward. If you’ve ever wanted a burger that tastes like it came straight off a restaurant menu but can be made in your own kitchen, this is it!

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

• Packed with Flavor: Smoky chipotle peppers and adobo sauce bring irresistible heat.
• Quick to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights—ready in about 30 minutes.
• Customizable Heat: Add pepper jack cheese or jalapeños for extra spice, or keep it mild for picky eaters.
• Better Than Takeout: Juicy, flavorful, and way fresher than any drive-thru burger.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at family dinners, backyard BBQs, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Patties:

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

For the Chipotle Mayo:

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

For Assembling:

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

How to Make Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

1. Make the Chicken Patties

In a large bowl, mix ground chicken with chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, spices, lime juice, breadcrumbs, and egg. Stir until everything is well combined.

2. Shape Them Up

Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties and press a tiny indentation in the middle with your thumb—this trick keeps them from puffing up like mini chicken balloons.

3. Cook to Perfection

• Grill Method: Preheat to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill patties for about 5 minutes per side until they hit 165°F inside.
• Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium with a bit of oil. Cook patties 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.

If using cheese, top each patty with a slice during the last minute of cooking. Cover the pan or grill to get that perfect melt.

4. Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo

Mix mayonnaise, chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Taste test (because duh) and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Assemble the Magic

Spread chipotle mayo on toasted buns. Add lettuce, patty, tomato slices, red onion, and jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy. Top it off with the other half of the bun and give it a gentle press.

6. Devour Immediately

Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad—and maybe a cold drink because this burger has personality.

Aneta’s Pro Tips

• No grill? No problem. A cast-iron skillet gets you those perfect sear marks, minus the outdoor hassle.
• Want extra crunch? Use panko instead of breadcrumbs for patties that stay crispy on the outside.
• Tame the heat: Remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers or skip the jalapeños altogether if spice isn’t your thing.

This burger became my go-to for game nights when my kids decided “regular burgers are boring.” Safe to say, they never complained again!

FAQs About Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

Bring the Heat to Your Dinner Table

There’s just something magical about biting into a Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger—the smoky kick, the creamy mayo, and the melty cheese all in one bite. It’s bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. So fire up that skillet (or grill) and get ready for burger night done right!

Make it a fun dinner event—set out toppings in little bowls and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Pair it with crispy fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even grilled corn for the ultimate summer feast. And if you have leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), they make a fantastic lunch the next day. Once you try this burger, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

More Tasty Chicken Ideas to Try Next

Looking for inspiration beyond burger night? This section is perfect for when you want to change things up without losing that big, bold flavor you love. Whether you’re firing up the grill, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, these recipes deliver the same wow factor as the Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger. Think of it as your shortcut to becoming the weeknight dinner hero without having to overthink what’s next on the menu.

If you loved this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger, you’ll enjoy exploring other bold and flavorful dishes! Check out these delicious options:

• Fire up the grill with these juicy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs for a sweet and smoky bite.
• Try a low-carb but flavor-packed meal like the Keto Chipotle Chicken.
• Craving another sandwich night? You’ll love the crispy crunch of the Crispy Lemon Pepper Chicken Sandwich.
• For a hearty handheld meal, the cheesy and spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak is always a hit.

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x

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Description

This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burger is juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor. Topped with creamy chipotle mayo, fresh veggies, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Patties:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp adobo sauce

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)

• 1 egg

For the Chipotle Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt to taste

For Assembling:

• 4 toasted burger buns

• 4 slices pepper jack cheese (optional)

• Lettuce leaves

• Sliced tomatoes

• Sliced red onions

• Pickled jalapeños (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make Patties: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, spices, lime juice, breadcrumbs, and egg until well combined.

2. Shape Patties: Divide into 4 equal portions, shape into patties, and press a small indentation in the center.

3. Cook Patties:

   • Grill: Preheat to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill 5 minutes per side until 165°F inside.

   • Stovetop: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook 5–6 minutes per side.

   • Add cheese in the last minute of cooking if desired.

4. Make Chipotle Mayo: Mix mayo, chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.

5. Assemble Burgers: Spread chipotle mayo on buns, layer lettuce, patty, tomato, onion, and jalapeños.

6. Serve: Enjoy immediately with fries or a fresh salad.

Notes

Use panko for extra crunch.
For less spice, remove seeds from chipotle peppers or skip jalapeños.
Patties can be shaped ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling or Pan Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg