Description

Juicy and spicy chicken burgers infused with fresh jalapeños, red onion, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for game day, these burgers offer a lighter alternative to beef while delivering bold flavor and a smoky char.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground chicken (mix of breast and thigh meat)
2–3 medium fresh jalapeños, finely diced
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
8 brioche or potato rolls
Avocado or guacamole
Spicy mayo (mayonnaise mixed with hot sauce or chipotle powder)
Pepper Jack cheese (optional)

Instructions

Finely dice the jalapeños and red onion. Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, half a cup of panko breadcrumbs, and the spices (cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper).
Add the ground chicken to the bowl. Gently fold in the diced vegetables, cilantro, and remaining panko breadcrumbs. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and make a slight indentation in the center with your thumb.
Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F – 400°F). Clean grates and brush with high-smoke-point oil.
Grill patties for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Add cheese during the last minute if using.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Toast buns cut-side down on the grill for about 30 seconds.
Assemble burgers with spicy mayo, patty, avocado, and top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds. Keep some seeds for medium heat. Do not press down on burgers while cooking to retain juices. Ensure grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking. Can be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if not grilling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger with bun an
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 680
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 32

Keywords: spicy jalapeno chicken burgers, game day recipe, grilled chicken burgers, healthy burger recipe, jalapeno chicken, summer grilling, easy dinner