These Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burgers are juicy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Chicken is seasoned with chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, warm spices, and fresh lime juice to create a burger that’s spicy without being overpowering. The result is a tender, flavorful patty that stays moist and cooks up beautifully on the stovetop.
What really sets these burgers apart is the homemade chipotle mayo. Creamy mayonnaise blended with chipotle peppers, lime juice, and garlic adds the perfect balance of heat and tang. Paired with melted pepper jack cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and pickles, every layer works together for that restaurant-quality bite at home.
And if you’re up for it, making the homemade sesame hamburger buns takes these burgers to the next level. They’re soft, fluffy, and sturdy enough to hold everything together, with just a hint of sweetness from coconut sugar. Whether you go all-in with homemade buns or keep it simple, these chipotle chicken burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, summer grilling, or feeding a crowd.
My Favorite Brands to Use in This Recipe:
- Bell & Evans Organic Chicken – Their chickens are raised without antibiotics or added hormones, fed a 100% organic, all-vegetable diet, and humanely cared for from hatch to harvest. What truly sets them apart is their air-chilled process. Instead of using chlorinated water baths like many brands, Bell & Evans air-chills their chicken resulting in better flavor, improved texture, and no added water weight. It means a crispier sear, juicier bites, and a more pure, natural taste. I trust it every time I want to serve something clean, simple, and truly delicious.
- Organic Vegetables– Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, preserving natural nutrients and flavors while reducing exposure to toxins. Opting for fresh, organic vegetables ensures you’re getting the cleanest, most nutrient-dense ingredients in every bit
- Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo – Made with real, wholesome ingredients and heart-healthy avocado oil instead of inflammatory seed oils like canola or soybean. It’s free from added sugars, artificial preservatives, and GMOs, making it a cleaner option for everyday meals. Rich in monounsaturated fats and full of flavor, it’s a nourishing swap that supports better health without sacrificing taste.
- Paleo Powder Breadcrumbs– These grain-free breadcrumbs are my go-to for crispy, gluten-free breading! They’re made with a blend of almond flour, flaxseed, and seasonings, giving the chicken a crunchy, golden coating without the use of traditional breadcrumbs or processed flours.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
Chipotle Chicken Burgers
- 1 lb Organic Chicken Breast
- 3-4 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Pepper
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
Chipotle Mayo
- 1/2 cup Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo
- 1 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder, Salt
Homemade Hamburger Buns
- 1 cup Warm Water
- 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast
- 2 tbsp Coconut Sugar
- 3 cups Flour
- 1 Egg
- 3 tbsp Melted Butter
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 egg (for the egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk (for the egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (for topping)
For Assembling
- 4 Burger Buns
- 4 slices Pepper Jack Cheese
- Lettuce Leaves
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Sliced Red Onions
- Pickles
Instructions
Homemade Hamburger Buns
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, coconut sugar, and yeast. Make sure the water is warm not hot. Let sit for 10–15 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, melted butter, and egg. Knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding a small amount of flour if needed.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a log and divide into 8–10 equal pieces (about 85 grams each). Shape into balls and gently flatten.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk egg and milk, brush over buns, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, rotating halfway, until golden brown.
Chipotle Chicken Burgers
- In a large bowl, combine chicken (cutting larger pieces in half), chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until fully incorporated. Let marinate for at least 15–30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, chopped chipotle pepper, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add avocado oil. Cook the chicken patties on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Top with pepper jack cheese, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook just until the cheese melts.
- Assemble burgers by spreading chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, chicken patty, pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, red onion, and pickles. Top with the bun and gently press.