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My spicy jalapeño pepper jack chicken burger has become a summer sensation in my kitchen. Every time I make these juicy patties loaded with melty cheese and fresh peppers my family goes crazy. The roasted garlic mayo takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me this burger will make you forget about regular beef burgers.
Why This Burger is Pure Magic
I created this recipe when I wanted something lighter than beef but packed with bold flavors. The combination of spicy jalapeños and creamy pepper jack cheese creates pure magic in every bite. Plus that roasted garlic mayo I could honestly eat it straight from the jar.
What You'll Need
- Ground Chicken: Get yourself 2 pounds of fresh ground chicken. Quality matters here since it's our star ingredient.
- Jalapeño: I use 2 medium jalapeños finely diced. They bring the perfect kick without overpowering.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded makes these burgers incredibly gooey and delicious.
- Cilantro: A handful about 1/4 cup fresh chopped adds such lovely brightness.
- Seasoning: Simple salt pepper and garlic powder work wonders here.
For That Amazing Garlic Mayo
- Garlic: Grab a whole bulb trust me roasting transforms it into sweet caramelized heaven.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup of your favorite mayo creates the perfect base.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash about a teaspoon brightens everything up.
- Salt: A tiny pinch brings all the flavors together.
Creating Your Burgers
- Mix Ingredients
- Combine your chicken jalapeños cheese and herbs in a big bowl. I always mix gently with my hands until just combined keeping those patties tender.
- Form the Patties
- Split into 8 portions and shape them carefully. I love using parchment paper here it makes life so much easier.
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Time to Grill
- Preheat the Grill
- Get your grill nice and hot on medium high. A quick oil on those grates keeps everything moving smoothly.
- Cook the Patties
- These beauties need about 5 minutes per side. Cook until they hit that safe 165°F inside.
Stovetop Magic
- Heat Oil
- Warm up your favorite skillet with some olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Patties
- Give them space about 3 to 4 at a time. I love how the cheese gets all melty under the cover at the end.
Roasted Garlic Goodness
- Prepare the Garlic
- Take your garlic bulb slice the top drizzle with oil and wrap it snug in foil.
- Roast
- Pop it in a 400°F oven for about half an hour. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Making That Special Mayo
Once your garlic is cool enough to handle squeeze out those gorgeous golden cloves. Mash them into your mayo with a splash of lemon juice and pinch of salt. This sauce is absolutely addictive.
My Secret Tips
Years of making these have taught me gentle hands make the juiciest burgers. If the mixture feels wet don't worry that's exactly what we want for perfect patties.
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Mix It Up Your Way
Sometimes I use ground turkey when that's what I have. Feel free to adjust those jalapeños to your heat preference. Want it milder? Regular cheddar works beautifully too.
Dress It Up
Load these up with creamy avocado crisp lettuce or my personal favorite extra pickled jalapeños. A dollop of guacamole takes these over the top.
Perfect Pairings
These beauties deserve a perfect bun I love using brioche. Serve them with crispy fries or my summer coleslaw recipe. Grilled corn on the cob makes it a feast.
Save Some for Later
These keep beautifully in the fridge for about 4 days. If you're meal prepping pop them in the freezer they'll stay good for 3 months.
Bringing Them Back to Life
The oven works best for reheating about 10 minutes at 350°F. I skip the microwave it just doesn't do these justice.
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Keep Them Juicy
High heat and a covered pan are your friends here. That's how we lock in all those amazing juices keeping every bite perfectly moist.
About That Mayo
Make extra garlic mayo trust me. It stays good in the fridge for 5 days and tastes amazing on everything from sandwiches to veggie dips.
Stovetop Success
A good skillet works wonders for these burgers. That lid trick at the end melts the cheese perfectly every single time.
Quick Answers
Are chicken burgers healthier than beef? Yes they're leaner but still incredibly satisfying. Perfect for those watching their red meat intake without sacrificing flavor.
One Last Bite
These spicy chicken burgers have become a staple in my weekly rotation. They're the perfect balance of heat cheese and that incredible roasted garlic mayo. Give them a try I know they'll become your new favorite too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can form the patties up to 24 hours ahead and store them in the fridge. Just separate them with wax paper and cover well. The roasted garlic mayo can be made up to 5 days in advance.
- → How do I know when the chicken burgers are done?
Chicken burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They typically take about 8 minutes per side on the grill or 12-15 minutes total in a skillet.
- → Can I make these burgers less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce or remove the jalapenos and use regular cheese instead of pepper jack. The burgers will still be flavorful from the garlic, onion, and herbs.
- → What can I serve with these burgers?
These burgers pair well with classic sides like french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. The roasted garlic mayo also makes a great dip for vegetables or chips.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. The cooking time and temperature remain the same for both meats.
Conclusion
A delicious and spicy chicken burger recipe that combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.