Jalapeño chicken burgers are juicy, spicy, and proof that poultry patties deserve a spot at the grill. Ground chicken mixes with fresh garlic, diced jalapeño, cilantro, onion, and a warm cumin-paprika-red pepper blend. Eight patties, one bowl, and a dollop of cold guacamole on top.
Jalapeño Chicken Burgers
Beef up your next burger with these juicy ground chicken patties, stuffed with onion, garlic, jalapeño, and a spicy blend of fresh cilantro, cumin, paprika, and red pepper. Cool down with a dollop of cold, creamy guacamole. Ground turkey will substitute seamlessly for the ground chicken here if you’d like a little variation.
Serves 8
3 pounds (1361 g) lean ground chicken or turkey
11⁄2 cups (480 ml) diced onion
1⁄2 cup (480 ml) chopped cilantro
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 diced jalapeño
2 teaspoons (10 ml) dried cumin
2 teaspoons (10 ml) dried paprika
2 teaspoons (10 ml) red pepper flakes
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and mix well until evenly combined.
- Form 8 patties and grill over medium-high heat for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The burgers are fully cooked once their internal temperatures reach 170°F (77°C).
Pro Tips
- Mix the seasonings through the ground chicken just until combined — overworking the meat makes the patties dense and tough.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, flipping only once; they're done at 170°F internal, since chicken needs to be cooked through.
- Deseed the jalapeño for gentle warmth or leave some seeds in for a proper fiery burger.
- Ground turkey substitutes seamlessly if that's what you have — expect slightly leaner patties that benefit from the guacamole on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burgers indoors?
Yes — a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat works. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until the centers hit 170°F.
How spicy are jalapeño chicken burgers?
A whole diced jalapeño plus two teaspoons of red pepper flakes give them real warmth. Halve the flakes for a milder family-friendly patty.
Can I freeze the patties?
Absolutely — freeze raw patties between parchment layers for up to 3 months and grill straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
What should I serve them with?
A cold scoop of guacamole on top is the classic move; they're also great over salad greens if you're skipping the bun entirely.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and mix well until evenly combined.
- Form 8 patties and grill over medium-high heat for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The burgers are fully cooked once their internal temperatures reach 170°F.
