We’re calling this the best spicy chicken burger recipe for good reason. These juicy, flavorful ground chicken patties use just the right ingredients to deliver big taste with simple preparation.
What Type of Chicken to Use for Ground Chicken
Pre-ground chicken from the store is convenient and works perfectly for these burgers. If you can’t find it pre-ground, most butcher shops will grind meat for you on request.
DIY Ground Chicken
If you prefer to grind your own, I recommend a mix of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs. Combining thighs and breasts gives you more flavor and juiciness than using breasts alone. Removing the skin helps avoid excess connective tissue or tough pieces in the patty.
Use a meat grinder, food processor, or chop by hand. If using a food processor, pulse gently to avoid turning the meat into a paste.
How to Cook Chicken Burgers
This recipe uses a grill, but you can cook the patties several other ways depending on your equipment and preference:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F, place patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 365°F and cook 8–10 minutes.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: Cook over medium-high heat for 4–6 minutes per side on a nonstick surface.
For food safety, cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Grilled Ground Chicken Burger Tips & Tricks
- Combine the ingredients thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor and texture.
- Resist pressing the patties on the grill — flattening squeezes out the juices.
- Adding chopped, uncooked bacon keeps the patties moist and adds flavor; omit it for a leaner burger.
- Oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Pre-Making and Freezing Chicken Burgers
- You can mix the burger ingredients up to one day ahead; store the mixture covered in the refrigerator.
- Bring the mixture to room temperature before shaping and cooking for more even results.
- Freeze formed patties or fully cooked burgers for up to three months. Layer them between parchment or wax paper and store in a freezer-safe container.
Try these burger ideas next:
- Best Turkey Burgers
- Blue Cheese Burger Totchos
- Hot and Spicy Queso Fresco Burgers
- More ground chicken recipes
Spicy Chicken Burger
4
15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
I top these chicken burgers with caramelized onions, green leaf lettuce, sliced heirloom tomatoes and a Mexican-blend cheese. The patties are flavorful and juicy enough that condiments are optional.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- ½ jalapeno (no seeds) or ⅓ bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 slices uncooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 Tablespoon Lawry’s Fire Roasted Chile & Garlic spice mixture or another seasoning of your choice
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the cilantro and jalapeno (or bell pepper). If using bacon, cut into small pieces.
- Combine ground chicken, chopped pepper, cilantro, bacon (if using), seasoning and olive oil in a large bowl. Mix by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor until just combined.
- Preheat grill, skillet, or oven. If grilling or pan-cooking, oil the surface to prevent sticking.
- Form the mixture into four even patties. Cook immediately or refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4–5 minutes per side on the grill or skillet; bake or air-fry according to the timings above for those methods.
- Place on toasted buns with your preferred toppings and serve hot.
Notes
If grinding chicken at home, use three boneless, skinless thighs and three boneless, skinless breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces before pulsing. Don’t over-process. Swap jalapeno for bell pepper to make a milder burger. Offer toppings on the side so guests can customize.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 338
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 131mg
Sodium: 274mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 28g
Nutrition data provided by Nutritionix.