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Every summer, this jalapeño pepper jack chicken burger totally takes over my kitchen. These patties are crazy juicy with loads of gooey cheese and crisp peppers—my family devours them the second they hit the table. That garlicky mayo? It bumps the flavor up a notch. Honestly, you might not even think about beef burgers again.
Irresistible Reasons You'll Want This Burger
I whipped this up when I was craving something zesty and lighter than a typical beef burger. Jalapeños packed with a hint of spice, oozy pepper jack cheese—each bite is awesome. And that roasted garlic mayo? I’m not ashamed to say I’ll sneak a spoonful right from the jar.
Your Must-Haves
- Pepper Jack Cheese: A full cup shredded guarantees ultimate meltiness.
- Ground Chicken: Grab 2 pounds of good quality chicken—it’s what makes these burgers so tasty.
- Cilantro: Around a quarter cup fresh and chopped, it brightens everything up.
- Jalapeño: Two medium ones, chopped up small, so you get just enough heat.
- Seasoning: All you need is some salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Unbeatable Garlic Mayo Stuff
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze about a teaspoon in for a little zip.
- Mayonnaise: Use a half cup of whatever mayo you love for a creamy base.
- Garlic: Take a whole bulb; roasting it brings out this sweet, rich flavor.
- Salt: The tiniest dash ties everything together just right.
How To Shape Those Patties
- Form the Patties
- Divide up the mix into 8 balls and shape them gently. Parchment paper helps keep things neat.
- Mix Ingredients
- Throw your chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro in a bowl. Use your hands and don’t over-mix—gentle is key for soft burgers.
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Hit the Grill
- Cook the Patties
- Flip them after five minutes so both sides cook—make sure they reach 165°F inside.
- Preheat the Grill
- Fire up the grill on medium high. Oiling the grates first really helps the burgers not stick.
Easy Pan Method
- Cook Patties
- Toss in a few burgers at a time—don’t crowd them. Cover the pan at the end for the dreamiest melted cheese.
- Heat Oil
- Add olive oil to your skillet and warm it up on medium.
Roasting Garlic, The Secret Way
- Roast
- Into a hot 400°F oven it goes for 30 minutes. Get ready for the best smell ever.
- Prepare the Garlic
- Cut off the garlic top, pour on a bit of oil, and wrap it up in foil nice and tight.
Whip Up That Awesome Mayo
When the garlic’s cool, just squeeze those soft cloves right into the mayo. Blend in lemon juice and salt—it’s so tasty you might lick the spoon clean.
My Game-Changing Suggestions
I’ve learned that being super gentle is what makes these burgers juicy. If the mixture seems a bit soggy, you’re doing great. That’s what you want for the best texture.
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Make It Your Own
If I’m out of chicken, I use ground turkey—works just as well. Bump the jalapeños up or down depending on what you like. And for less heat, try swapping in regular cheddar.
Topping Time
Pile on ripe avocado, crisp lettuce—honestly, I love extra pickled jalapeños as the topper. Or load it up with a scoop of guac. It’s wild.
Awesome Combos
I think these go best with a soft brioche bun. Crispy fries? Definitely. Sometimes I go for coleslaw or even grilled corn for that summer vibe.
Stash Some For Later
Stick extras in the fridge—they’ll last about four days. Freezing? Yup, three months easy, making them perfect for meal prep.
Warm Up Leftovers
An oven at 350°F for ten minutes does the trick. Skip the microwave because that just ruins them every time.
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How To Keep Them Tender
You want a hot pan and a lid to hold in all the juices. That way every bite stays soft and moist.
Don’t Forget That Garlic Mayo
Go ahead and make double the amount. It keeps fine for five days in the fridge and goes great on sandwiches or as a dip for veggies too.
Stovetop Tricks
A trusty skillet gives these burgers the perfect crust. Cover them at the end for perfectly gooey cheese every single time.
Fast Facts
Are chicken burgers better for you than beef? They totally are! You’ll get a lighter option without losing out on flavor—ideal if you’re cutting back on red meat.
One More Reason To Dig In
Spicy chicken burgers like these are a go-to for me. There’s just the right heat, the cheese pulls, and that dreamy garlic mayo. Try them—they might just be your new favorite!
Wrap-Up
Quick and flavorful chicken burgers with a spicy zing. Made with simple ingredients for a no-fuss meal that's ready in no time.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prep these burgers early?
Yes, shape the patties a day in advance and keep them refrigerated between wax paper layers. Store the garlic mayo up to 5 days ahead.
- → How do I check if the burgers are fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to make sure the center hits 165°F. On the grill, cook about 8 minutes per side, or 12-15 minutes total in a pan.
- → What if I want the burgers less spicy?
Skip the jalapenos or switch out the pepper jack for mild cheese. The garlic, onion, and herbs will still pack plenty of flavor.
- → What should I serve on the side?
Go classic with fries, coleslaw, or a crisp salad. The garlic mayo also doubles as a tasty dip for veggies or chips.
- → Is ground turkey an okay substitute?
Turkey works just as well. Follow the same cooking instructions for equally tasty results.