Ingredients
For the burgers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For the guacamole (optional)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Lime juice, to taste
Toppings (optional)
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomato
Instructions
1. Make the burger mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Mix everything well using your hands.
2. Form the patties
- Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties of roughly the same thickness.
3. Cook the patties
- Skillet: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the burgers, following the same timing as above.
4. To melt cheese (optional)
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each patty.
- Cover with a lid or aluminum foil to help melt the cheese.
5. Make the guacamole (optional)
- Mash the avocado in a small bowl. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Assemble the burgers
- Toast the buns if desired.
- Place a burger on each bun.
- Top with guacamole (if using), lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like.
- Serve immediately.
Tips
Mix gently: Don’t overwork the chicken mixture, or the burgers might become tough.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes. Add other chopped vegetables if you like.
Serving ideas: Serve these burgers with your favorite sides like sweet potato fries, salad, or a simple slaw.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Trader Joe’s-inspired chili lime chicken burgers!
