These Easy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burgers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, spicy jalapeños, and creamy pepper jack cheese come together for a tasty treat.
Get ready for a fun grilling session! I love how these burgers bring a little kick to my BBQ. Pair them with your favorite toppings, and you’re in for a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the show! If you prefer, ground turkey or even lean ground beef can make a tasty swap. Just keep the cooking times in mind as they can vary.
Jalapeño: Fresh jalapeños add a nice kick, but you can substitute with mild green peppers if you want less heat. For an extra spicy option, try serrano peppers!
Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese brings a melty, spicy flavor. You can easily swap it for Monterey Jack for a milder taste, or add a bit of shredded cheddar for extra sharpness.
Guacamole: Fresh guacamole is a perfect topping, but you can use store-bought if you’re short on time. Or, mashed avocado works well, too!
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Cook Chicken Patties?
Shaping and cooking chicken patties can be tricky since they can dry out. Here’s how to get it right:
- When mixing the ingredients, don’t overwork the chicken. Just combine until blended for juicier burgers.
- Shape each patty gently, making them slightly larger than the buns since they shrink as they cook.
- Cooking at medium heat helps them cook through without burning the outside. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer for safety.
Toasty buns make a big difference too! Toasting them adds a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy patties.
Easy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 4 slices of tomato
- 4 slices of red onion
- 1/2 cup guacamole or mashed avocado
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Optional: pickles, ketchup, mustard for serving
- Cooking oil or nonstick spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious burger recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and mixing everything together. Then, the cooking will take around 15-20 minutes, including the time to toast the buns. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped jalapeño, shredded pepper jack cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well combined but be careful not to overmix. This will ensure your patties stay juicy!
2. Shape the Patties:
Once mixed, divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and form each part into a patty. Make them a bit larger than your buns since they’ll shrink slightly while cooking.
3. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Heat up your grill or a skillet over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with cooking oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Place the chicken patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and deliciously juicy!
5. Toast the Buns:
In the last minute of cooking, put the burger buns on the grill or in the pan to toast until they’re golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch and texture to your burgers.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread mayonnaise over the top half of each toasted bun. Then, on the bottom half, layer a lettuce leaf, a slice of tomato, and red onion.
7. Add the Chicken Patty:
Place the cooked chicken patty on top of the veggies, then add a generous spoonful of guacamole or mashed avocado for that creamy texture.
8. Top it Off:
Finish assembling your burger by placing the mayonnaise-coated top bun onto your creation. Press down gently to hold it all together.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious jalapeño pepper jack chicken burgers immediately with some crinkle-cut fries on the side. Feel free to add any extra toppings like pickles, ketchup, or mustard to suit your taste!
Enjoy these flavorful, spicy, and cheesy chicken burgers that perfectly balance creamy avocado with a jalapeño kick!
FAQ for Easy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the lean-to-fat ratio.
How Spicy Are These Burgers?
The spiciness largely depends on the jalapeño you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before adding it to the mixture. For more heat, keep some seeds in or add a few additional finely chopped jalapeños!
Can I Make the Patties in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time! Shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to separate each patty with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or use a microwave. Enjoy with fresh toppings to give them a revitalized taste!
