These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are a delicious, smoky, and slightly spicy twist on a classic burger. Made with ground chicken, seasoned with chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, and chili powder, these burgers are grilled to perfection and topped with melty cheddar cheese. They’re served on toasted buns with creamy, spicy-sweet mayo, avocado, and grilled corn. Perfect for summer grilling or any casual meal, these burgers are flavorful and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 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

• 4 burger buns (toasted)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• 1/2 cup grilled corn

• Lime juice

• Mashed avocado

For the Sweet Smoky Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo

• 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Burgers: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, chopped chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into four portions and form into burger patties. Rub the burgers with a bit of olive oil.

2. Cook the Burgers: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill the burgers for 8-10 minutes on each side until cooked through and crispy. Add a slice of cheddar cheese to each burger during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to melt.

3. Make the Corn Salad: In a small bowl, combine the grilled corn, fresh cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and sea salt. Stir to mix well.

4. Prepare the Mayo: In another bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chopped chipotle, and sweet Thai chili sauce. Stir until smooth and well combined.

5. Assemble the Burgers: Spread the sweet smoky mayo on the bottom buns. Top with the cheesy chicken patties, a layer of mashed avocado, and the cilantro corn salad. Place the top bun and serve with extra mayo on the side.

Nutrients

Per Serving (1 burger with toppings):

• Calories: ~535 kcal

• Protein: ~35-40 grams

• Fat: ~28-32 grams

  • Saturated Fat: ~8-10 grams

• Carbohydrates: ~30-35 grams

  • Fiber: ~4 grams

  • Sugars: ~5-7 grams

• Cholesterol: ~80-100 mg

• Sodium: ~800-900 mg

• Calcium: ~150-200 mg (from cheese)

• Iron: ~2-3 mg

This burger offers a good balance of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from avocado and mayo, and a delightful flavor profile with the smoky chipotle and sweet mayo.

Why Chicken? The Benefits of Ground Chicken Burgers

Ground chicken is a great alternative to traditional beef when you’re looking for a leaner option. While beef can be rich and hearty, chicken offers a lighter protein source without sacrificing flavor or texture. The ground chicken in these burgers is seasoned to perfection, allowing it to stand up to the bold flavors of chipotle, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

In addition to being lower in fat and calories compared to beef, ground chicken provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also allows the other ingredients—like the smoky mayo, creamy avocado, and zesty grilled corn—to shine without being overwhelmed by the heaviness of a beef patty. The versatility of chicken also means it can absorb the flavors of the spices and seasonings, resulting in a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with personality.

The Smoky and Spicy Flavor Profile

The key to these Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers is the spice blend. The chipotle in adobo sauce adds a smoky depth and a mild level of heat, making the chicken burgers come alive with flavor. Smoked paprika brings out even more of that smoky undertone, while chili powder adds a touch of earthiness and heat, creating a perfectly balanced spice profile.

To take the flavor even further, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese is melted on top of each burger. The creamy, tangy cheese perfectly complements the spiced chicken, while adding a richness that makes each bite satisfying. The cheddar’s sharpness cuts through the heat from the chipotle, balancing the dish and enhancing the overall flavor.

The Sweet Smoky Mayo: A Creamy and Tangy Topping

No burger is complete without a delicious sauce, and the sweet smoky mayo in this recipe is a game-changer. Made with mayonnaise, chopped chipotle, and sweet Thai chili sauce, the mayo is creamy with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and smokiness. The sweet Thai chili sauce brings a slight sweetness that plays off the smoky heat of the chipotle, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

This mayo adds the perfect finishing touch to the burgers, adding moisture and creaminess that complements the tender chicken patties. It also acts as a great spread on the buns, giving each bite a rich, velvety texture. The mayo is also an ideal base for the other toppings, ensuring that every ingredient sticks together and enhances the flavor profile of the burger.

The Grilled Corn Salad: A Fresh and Zesty Side

While the burgers themselves are packed with flavor, the grilled corn salad adds a fresh, zesty side that brightens up the dish. The grilled corn kernels provide a smoky, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the burgers. Mixed with fresh cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of sea salt, the corn salad is vibrant and tangy, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.

The salad not only adds a burst of color to the plate but also brings in a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the soft and juicy chicken patty. The combination of the smoky corn and the bright lime juice brings balance to the dish, cutting through the richness of the mayo and the avocado.

Assembling the Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Assembling these burgers is as simple as it is delicious. Start by spreading a generous amount of the sweet smoky mayo on the bottom of the toasted burger buns. Place the juicy chicken patties, now topped with melted cheddar cheese, on the buns. Add a layer of creamy mashed avocado, then top with a spoonful of the grilled corn salad. Finally, add the top bun, and you’ve got a burger that’s a true flavor-packed masterpiece.

The creamy mayo, tangy corn salad, and fresh avocado work together to create a balanced and satisfying burger. The crispy, toasted buns hold everything together, making it easy to eat without losing any of the incredible flavors. Each bite is a mix of smoky, spicy, creamy, and fresh elements that come together in perfect harmony.

A Balanced and Nutritious Meal

These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers offer a great balance of macronutrients that make them a healthy yet indulgent meal. With the lean protein from the ground chicken, healthy fats from the avocado and mayo, and fiber from the corn and panko breadcrumbs, this burger is filling and satisfying without being overly heavy.

The cheddar cheese provides calcium and a rich flavor, while the avocado brings in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The corn adds fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, while the cilantro and lime provide an additional burst of freshness. This burger is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without sacrificing nutrition.

Customization Options

While these Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are delicious as written, they can easily be customized to suit your personal tastes or dietary preferences. For example, if you prefer a spicier burger, you can add extra chipotle in adobo or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or the mayo. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chipotle or substitute the chipotle in adobo with a less spicy pepper, such as bell pepper or roasted red pepper.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use a whole wheat or gluten-free bun, or opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun to make it even lower in carbs. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for a lighter cheese option like mozzarella or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

For those who prefer a different type of meat, these burgers can easily be adapted to ground turkey or even beef, depending on your preferences.

Perfect for Summer Grilling

These Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are ideal for summer grilling. The smoky flavor from the chipotle and grilled corn pairs perfectly with a sunny outdoor meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a casual gathering, or simply want to enjoy a flavorful meal on a warm evening, these burgers are sure to impress your guests. The grill marks on the burgers and corn add an extra layer of flavor and texture, making these burgers an even more satisfying meal to enjoy on a summer day.

Conclusion

Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers offer a delicious twist on the classic chicken burger. With smoky chipotle, creamy mayo, fresh corn salad, and melted cheddar, this burger is full of flavor and texture that will satisfy your cravings. The balance of heat, sweetness, and richness makes these burgers a perfect choice for any meal, and the option to customize them to suit your preferences ensures they can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re grilling on a summer evening or craving a hearty meal at home, these burgers are sure to become a favorite.