This spicy chicken burger is packed with flavor! The juicy chicken patties are mixed with zesty jalapeños and creamy pepper jack cheese for a tasty kick.
Honestly, I love how the heat from the jalapeños brightens up the burger. Pair it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the burger. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works great. For a vegetarian twist, try using black beans or chickpeas, mashed together with breadcrumbs for texture.
Jalapeño Pepper: Fresh jalapeños add a nice kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, scissors can help you mince milder peppers like bell peppers or banana peppers instead.
Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese is what gives the burger its signature flavor. If you can’t find it, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can substitute nicely. For extra heat, look for a spicy cheese blend!
Brioche Buns: I love brioche for its softness and slight sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps make a great substitute.
How Do I Keep My Chicken Patties Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken patties juicy can be tricky! Here’s how to do it right:
- Don’t over-mix the chicken mixture; gently fold in the ingredients to keep the texture light.
- Make sure you shape them evenly, so they cook at the same rate.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure they brown without drying out. A meat thermometer is a game changer; aim for 165°F (74°C).
- If you’re adding cheese, place it on the patty a minute before it’s done cooking to let it melt perfectly.
Easy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, for the patty mix)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese (optional, extra melting)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed (for topping)
- Mayonnaise (for topping)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickle slices (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus 15 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you’ll have delicious chicken burgers ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped jalapeño, shredded pepper jack cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and the optional chopped onion. Gently mix everything together until well combined—be careful not to overwork the chicken as it can make the patties tough.
2. Shape the Patties:
Lightly shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Make sure they’re compact but don’t press too hard! This will help keep them juicy.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lay the chicken patties in the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely browned. If you want extra melted cheese, add a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, you can toast the brioche buns. Just place them on the skillet or grill until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch to your burger!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
To put it all together, spread mayonnaise on the top half of each bun. On the bottom half, place a layer of lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a few rings of red onion. Then, carefully place the cooked chicken patty on top.
6. Add the Toppings:
Top the chicken patty with some mashed avocado for a creamy burst of flavor. Finally, close the burger with the top bun and add any pickle slices if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your spicy, juicy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger right away with your favorite sides, like fries or a fresh salad!
Dig in and relish the flavors!
FAQ for Easy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and offers a similar texture. Just keep in mind that turkey might have a slightly different flavor profile, so you may want to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
What Should I Do If the Patties Are Falling Apart While Cooking?
If your patties are crumbling, it’s likely due to the mixture being too wet or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure your ground chicken is well combined with the other ingredients. You can also add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help bind them together!
Can I Make These Burgers in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing the uncooked patties; just make sure to separate each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm them in a skillet on low heat or pop them in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy them on their own or in a salad for a quick meal!
