Name: HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 2-3 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste); 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ cup bread crumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free); 1 large egg; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped; Burger buns; Lettuce leaves; Tomato slices; Cheese slices (optional, e.g. pepper jack or cheddar); Spicy mayo sauce (optional, mayo mixed with sriracha or chipotle)

If you’re craving something bold and bursting with flavor, HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS are going to be your new go-to meal. These spicy, juicy patties pack a punch with every bite, delivering an exciting blend of heat and savoriness that will awaken your taste buds. Perfectly balanced with fresh ingredients and a fiery chili kick, this recipe will bring a flavorful twist to your typical burger night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Explosively Flavorful: The combination of chili spices and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering, bold taste you won’t forget.
Perfectly Juicy: These burgers stay moist and tender, avoiding dryness common in chicken patties.
Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferred chili kick.
Quick and Simple: Made with straightforward ingredients, this recipe is easy for any home cook to master in a short time.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether a family dinner or weekend gathering, these burgers will be the star of the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering quality ingredients is key to nailing these HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS. Each component contributes essential tastes and textures that together create a rich, satisfying bite.

Ground Chicken: Provides a lean yet juicy base for the patties.
Fresh Chili Peppers: Deliver that signature heat that defines the burger.
Garlic and Onion: Build a flavorful foundation and enhance umami depth.
Chili Powder and Cumin: Add smoky warmth and a complex spicy profile.
Bread Crumbs: Help keep the patties together and maintain tenderness.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything neatly in place.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
Olive Oil: For cooking the patties to a perfectly golden crisp.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Adds a burst of brightness and color on top.
Burger Buns and Toppings: Your choice of lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sauces that pair wonderfully.

Variations for HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS

Don’t hesitate to make these HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS your own. They’re incredibly adaptable, so whether you want to lighten the heat or experiment with different flavor profiles, customization is simple and fun.

Mild Version: Use fewer chili peppers or swap fresh peppers for smoked paprika for subtle warmth.
Cheesy Addition: Melt pepper jack or cheddar cheese on top for extra richness.
Green Chili Burger: Incorporate chopped jalapeños and tomatillo salsa for a tangy twist.
Gluten-Free: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
Spicy Mayo Sauce: Mix mayo with sriracha or chipotle for a creamy, spicy spread.
Vegetable Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers or grated zucchini into the patties for extra moisture and nutrients.

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How to Make HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping your fresh chili peppers, garlic, and onion. This ensures the heat and flavors spread evenly throughout the burger patties without any overpowering chunks.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Patty

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, egg, and the chopped fresh ingredients. Gently mix just until combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.

Step 3: Form Patties

Shape the mixture into evenly sized burger patties, making sure they are firm but not compressed too tightly, allowing for a light and fluffy texture once cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes each side or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F, creating a nice golden crust that seals in flavor and juices.

Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble

Lightly toast your burger buns on the skillet or grill for added texture. Stack the HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS with your favorite toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, fresh herbs, and spicy mayo or cheese.

Pro Tips for Making HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS

Don’t Overmix: Handle the mixture gently to keep patties tender rather than dense.
Adjust Chili Levels: Test a small patty first if you’re unsure how spicy you like your burgers.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked burgers every time without drying them out.
Rest Your Patties: Let cooked burgers rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices.
Toast the Buns: Adds texture and prevents sogginess when adding condiments.

How to Serve HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten the spicy flavors and add a pop of green. Thinly sliced red onions and pickled jalapeños also bring extra zest and crunch as garnishes.

Side Dishes

Pair these fiery burgers with cooling sides such as crisp coleslaw, creamy avocado salad, or cooling cucumber raita. Crispy sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob make fantastic complements too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS stacked high with colorful toppings on artisan buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. Present with a drizzle of spicy sauce on top for eye-catching appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cooked patties chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which makes for a quick next-day meal.

Freezing

Form patties and freeze uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They thaw and cook beautifully straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat cooked patties gently on the stovetop or in the oven to preserve juiciness rather than microwaving, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative and pairs beautifully with the chili spices.

How spicy are HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of chili peppers used, and you can easily dial it up or down based on your preference.

Are these burgers gluten-free?

To keep them gluten-free, replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

What’s the best way to keep patties juicy?

Don’t overmix the meat, include an egg and bread crumbs to bind moisture, and avoid overcooking the patties.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance and freeze them, or make the entire recipe up to a day before cooking and refrigerate.

Final Thoughts

HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS bring an exciting twist to your regular burger lineup with their spicy, juicy, and deeply flavorful profile. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and become a fast favorite. Don’t hesitate to turn up the heat and dive into these deliciously fiery burgers today!

HOT CHILI CHICKEN BURGERS

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free option available

Print Recipe

Description

Hot Chili Chicken Burgers are spicy, juicy chicken patties bursting with bold chili flavors, balanced by fresh ingredients and a fiery kick. Perfectly tender and customizable for heat level, these quick and flavorful burgers are ideal for any meal occasion.

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the fresh chili peppers, garlic, and onion to ensure the heat and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the burger patties without any overpowering chunks.
Mix the Burger Patty: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, bread crumbs, egg, and the chopped fresh ingredients. Gently mix just until combined to keep the patties tender and juicy.
Form Patties: Shape the mixture into evenly sized burger patties, making sure they are firm but not compressed too tightly, allowing for a light and fluffy texture once cooked.
Cook the Burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F, forming a nice golden crust that seals in flavor and juices.
Toast the Buns and Assemble: Lightly toast your burger buns on the skillet or grill for added texture. Stack the hot chili chicken burgers with your favorite toppings such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, fresh herbs, spicy mayo, or melted cheese.

Notes

Don’t overmix the burger mixture to keep patties tender rather than dense.
Adjust chili levels by testing a small patty first to suit your spice preference.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers are perfectly cooked without drying out.
Let cooked patties rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices.
Toast buns to add texture and prevent sogginess from condiments.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American