Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Burgers with Guacamole
These Cheddar Jalapeño Chicken Burgers with Guacamole are juicy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Made with ground chicken, sharp cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and topped with creamy homemade guacamole, this easy chicken burger recipe is perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds ground chicken not ultra-lean
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 –2 fresh jalapeños finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves optional
- Sliced tomato optional
- Seasonings & Flavor Base:
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for stovetop cooking
- For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped cilantro
- Pantry Staples:
- Oil or nonstick spray for grill
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form Patties:
- Divide mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Shape into patties and make a small indent in the center of each.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes if time allows.
- Cook the Burgers:
- Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium heat (375–400°F).
- Lightly oil grates.
- Grill patties for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Stovetop Method:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare Guacamole:
- Mash avocados with lime juice, red onion, and salt.
- Stir in cilantro if using.
- Rest & Assemble:
- Let burgers rest 3–5 minutes.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Layer lettuce, chicken burger, guacamole, and tomato on buns.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use slightly higher-fat ground chicken for juicier burgers.
- Do not press burgers while cooking; this releases moisture.
- Chill patties before cooking to help them hold shape.
- Store cooked patties up to 3 days in refrigerator.
- Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months.
- Always cook chicken to 165°F internal temperature.