Discover the smoky, spicy flavor of Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers, a mouthwatering fusion of juicy chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a vibrant chipotle kick. Perfect for your next BBQ or a quick meal, these burgers bring together bold flavors and satisfying textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether grilled or pan-seared, these chicken burgers are the ultimate combination of cheesy goodness and smoky heat wrapped in a tender, flavorful patty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor Profile: The mix of chipotle spice and sharp cheddar creates an irresistibly smoky and spicy taste.
Juicy, Tender Patties: Made with ground chicken and clever seasoning to lock in moisture and tenderness.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous BBQs.
Customizable Heat: You can dial up or down the chipotle for your preferred spice level.
Crowd-Pleaser: Combines familiar flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it straightforward with simple, accessible ingredients, each bringing a unique characteristic to the burger’s bold taste and perfect texture.

Ground Chicken: A lean and tender base for juicy burgers that hold up well on the grill or stovetop.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Adds smoky, spicy depth that defines the burger’s personality.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully inside the patties adding creamy richness.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Boosts savory flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
Egg: Helps bind the patties together for easy flipping and a perfect texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Gives structure and a slight crunch to the chicken patties.
Fresh Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the smoky heat.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.

Variations for Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Feel free to experiment! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your dietary needs, available ingredients, or flavor preferences.

Spicy Lovers’ Version: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different cheesy twist.
Herb Variation: Add chopped fresh basil or oregano for an herbal shift in flavor.
Smoky Alternative: Incorporate smoked paprika alongside chipotle for deeper smokiness.

Why Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers Rock

How to Make Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by finely chopping chipotle peppers and fresh cilantro. Grate your cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. This prep work ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the burger.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, grated cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg, panko breadcrumbs, and cilantro. Mix gently but thoroughly, making sure the cheese and chipotle are well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into equal portions and form into thick, evenly sized patties to ensure even cooking. Make a small indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Heat your grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the cheese starts to ooze slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Toast your favorite buns and layer the Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado for added texture and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Use Freshly Ground Chicken: Fresh meat has better texture and flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients combine to keep patties tender and juicy.
Indent the Patties: Make a small dip in each patty’s center to prevent puffing up while cooking.
Medium Heat is Key: Cooking over medium heat ensures thorough cooking without drying out the chicken.
Rest Before Serving: Let the burgers rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and flavors.

How to Serve Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, sliced red onion, and creamy avocado provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors of the burger.

Side Dishes

Pair your burgers with classic BBQ sides like crunchy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or sweet potato fries for a complete, satisfying meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the burgers open-faced on a toasted bun with a drizzle of chipotle mayo and pickled jalapeños for an exciting presentation and extra burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to keep the cheese melty without drying the meat.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute, though it may have a slightly different texture and milder flavor, so adjust spices to taste.

How spicy are these burgers?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.

What buns work best for these burgers?

Soft brioche or potato buns complement the bold flavors and hold up nicely under the juicy patties.

Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep the patties tender and allergen-friendly.

Is there a way to make these burgers ahead for a party?

Yes, form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight or freeze for longer storage, then cook just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers bring a wonderful blend of smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors that make them stand out on any plate. Whether you’re grilling for friends or whipping up a quick dinner, these burgers deliver satisfaction in every bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a new favorite that’s packed with personality and packed with flavor!

Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Print Recipe

Bold Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers feature juicy ground chicken patties infused with smoky chipotle peppers and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, these burgers offer a spicy, cheesy, and tender bite ideal for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. Customize the heat level and enjoy a crowd-pleasing recipe that balances bold flavors with satisfying textures.

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients – Finely chop chipotle peppers and fresh cilantro. Grate cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Preparing these ingredients ensures even flavor distribution throughout the patties.
Step 2: Mix the Burger Mixture – In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, grated cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg, panko breadcrumbs, and cilantro. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend all flavors without overmixing.
Step 3: Shape the Patties – Divide the mixture into equal portions and form thick, evenly sized patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection – Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and cheese starts to slightly ooze.
Step 5: Assemble the Burgers – Toast your favorite buns and layer the burgers with fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or any preferred garnishes.

Notes

Use freshly ground chicken for better texture and flavor.
Do not overmix the burger mixture to keep patties tender and juicy.
Indent patties in the center to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
Cook over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken while ensuring thorough cooking.
Allow burgers to rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun and toppings)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: chipotle chicken burger, cheddar chicken burger, spicy chicken burger, grilled chicken patty, BBQ chicken burger, smoky chicken burger