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Southwest Chicken Burgers

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Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these mouthwatering southwest chicken burgers! Perfectly seasoned ground chicken is transformed into juicy, flavor-packed patties that bring a taste of the Southwest right to your backyard grill or kitchen stovetop. With zesty ingredients like chipotle pico, fresh cilantro, and a hint of lime, these burgers deliver a bold kick in every bite.
Course Dinner
Keyword burgers, ground chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 burgers

Equipment

  • Large Pan
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Ground Chicken
  • 1 can Black Beans
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground Chili
  • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1 & 1/2 Cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 1 Avocado
  • 1 can Can Corn
  • Store Bought Pico de Gallo
  • Lettuce
  • Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Burger Buns
  • Lime Juice

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, onion powder. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
    1 lb. Ground Chicken, 1/2 tsp. Ground Chili, 1 tsp. Garlic Powder, 1 & 1/2 Cumin, 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper, 1 tsp. Salt, 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
  • Shape the mixture into patties, about 4-5 per pound of chicken, depending on your preferred size.
  • Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each burger to melt. (Optional) toast your buns.
    Pepper Jack Cheese, Burger Buns
  • In a bowl, mash the drained black beans with a fork or potato masher, adding 1-2 tablespoons of water as needed until you reach a smooth but slightly chunky consistency and add the same seasonings that you added to the chicken burgers.
    1 can Black Beans, 1/2 tsp. Ground Chili, 1 tsp. Garlic Powder, 1 & 1/2 Cumin, 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper, 1 tsp. Salt, 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder
  • In a separate bowl, combine the drained corn and pico de gallo.Stir until well mixed. Set aside. Add salt as needed.
    1 can Can Corn, Store Bought Pico de Gallo
  • In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocados with lime juice and a pinch of salt until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    1 Avocado, Lime Juice, 1 tsp. Salt
  • Start with a bottom bun and spread a generous layer of the avocado mixture. Add a spoonful of the corn and pico de gallo mix on top. Place the cooked chicken burger with melted pepper jack cheese next. Then fresh lettuce leaves. Finally, add a spoonful of the mashed black bean mixture. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
    Lettuce

Notes

Storage Tips For This Recipe

  • Cooked Chicken Burgers:
  • Refrigeration: Store cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
  • Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooked burgers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Raw Chicken Burger Patties:
  • Refrigeration: If you prepare the patties in advance, store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Use them within 1-2 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
  • Black Bean Mixture:
  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover black bean mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the black bean mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
  • Corn and Pico de Gallo Mix:
  • Refrigeration: Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so consider making it in smaller batches if you expect leftovers.
  • Freezing: Avoid freezing this mixture, as the texture of the pico de gallo can become mushy upon thawing.
  • Avocado Spread:
  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover avocado spread in an airtight container. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the spread before sealing. Use within 1-2 days for best quality.
  • Freezing: Freezing avocado spread is not recommended, as it can change the texture. If you have leftover avocado, consider using it in smoothies or other recipes instead.

Reheating Tips:

  • Reheating Cooked Burgers:
  • Reheat the chicken burgers in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If reheating from frozen, you can cook them directly from frozen, increasing the cooking time slightly.
  • Keeping Components Separate:
  • To maintain freshness, consider storing the burger components (patties, toppings, and spreads) separately and assembling them just before serving.

FAQ's Related to This Recipe

  • Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
  • Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavors and cooking methods remain the same.
  • Can I grill the burgers?
  • Absolutely! These burgers can be grilled on medium heat. Just make sure to watch them closely to prevent sticking, and oil the grill grates if necessary.
  • What can I use instead of black beans?
  • If you don't have black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even lentils for a different twist.
  • How do I know when the chicken burgers are cooked through?
  • The chicken burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for safety.
  • Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can prepare the chicken patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. They can be cooked fresh when you’re ready to serve.
  • What sides go well with Southwest Chicken Burgers?
  • Great sides include sweet potato fries, corn on the cob, a fresh garden salad, or a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.