Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken (preferably dark meat for juiciness)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs as a substitute)
- 4 slices Pepper Jack cheese
- 4 brioche or potato buns
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickled red onions, chipotle mayo
- Butter or oil, for toasting buns
If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper can mimic the smoky heat. For a dairy-free option, swap Pepper Jack for a sliced avocado or a vegan cheese alternative.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Overmixing can make the burgers tough, so be gentle.
- Add the beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs to the chicken mixture. The egg acts as a binder, and the breadcrumbs help keep the patties moist yet firm. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾-inch thick. I like to make a small indentation in the center of each patty with my thumb to prevent puffing up during cooking—Mama Lou taught me that little trick, and it works like a charm.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip carefully and cook for another 5 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, lay a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each patty and close the grill lid or cover the pan to melt the cheese.
- Meanwhile, butter the insides of the buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown. The toasty buns add a lovely crunch and prevent sogginess from juicy toppings.
- Assemble your burgers by placing the cheesy patty on the bottom bun, followed by your favorite toppings like creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and a dollop of chipotle mayo if you like an extra kick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! I always suggest gathering around the table with family or friends to savor these flavors together—it’s where the real magic happens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International