These tender, juicy chicken burgers are packed with heat and flavor and topped with a firey pepperjack cheese and your chosen burger toppings!
WHAT’S NEW?
The past few months, and more specifically the past few weeks have been challenging. Personally, professionally, I’m ready to ring in 2026. I hate wishing away time, but sometimes…it’s just time to look towards the future. Tough times pass and this tough season will pass, too. In some ways, I’m finishing the year strong – Mark and I are crusing to the Caribbean next month, I’ve met my reading goal of 50 books in 2025, and my Christmas cards have been ordered and delivered. WHO AM I!?
Christmas is in 39 days – it doesn’t seem possible. I’m in denial. I am looking forward to a royal icing cooking class I’m taking with coworkers in December, however! Baking is not my forte. Moreover, I really don’t enjoy baking, whatsoever. Cooking is so much more…forgiving. Adaptable. Customized. No one likes everything the same as everyone else. These Spicy Chicken Burgers can bring some mild heat or a full on blast of fire, you choose! Move over traditional beef burgers, these healthy spicy chicken burgers got it goin’ on!
ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE
- Spice-Lovers: Gotta like SOME spicy for these to work for you, but if you like to really ramp things up, consider doubling or even tripling the heat in this recipe.
- Non-Grillers: Ya know, I love grilling. Sometimes. Whipping these chicken burgers up in a skillet is easy, available to all, and helps ensure fully cooked burgers! The perfect recipe for beginner cooks!
- Weeknight Warriors: Ready in under 20 minutes, these kickin’ chicken burgers are perfect for busy weeknights!
KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Ground Chicken: Using ground chicken breast includes the lean white meat of the chicken or skinless chicken breasts making for healthy chicken burgers! Feel free to use ground turkey or a ground chicken mixture that includes chicken thighs and dark meat, as preferred.
- Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs (my preference) or traditional breadcrumbs is the best way to help lean burger patties retain moiture, ensuring juicy, flavorful burgers!
- Spices: The smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper do not add heat. Tweak these ingredients based on your preference or pantry availability!
- Cayenne: The primary source of heat comes from cayenne pepper – start with 1/8 teaspoon or consider omitting if cooking for kids.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offering some heat and beautiful specs of red, this is a more subtle heat that can be increased or decreased, as preferred.
- Sriracha: Adding a bit of heat and moisture, this Sriracha sauce is optional or can be subbed out for a hot sauce of you love!
- Cheese: Pepper jack cheese goes great with the flavor profile of the chicken burgers and adds a bit of additional heat. That said, using blue cheese is a tangy way to cool down the spice from the burgers and is absolutely delicious!
- Buns: I opted for a sesame brioche bun out of preference, but these chicken patties can be served without a bun or between lettuce slices or as a lettuce wrap for a lower carb option.
NUTRITIONAL MERITS
- Rich in protein offering 37 grams per serving
- Lower in calories and saturated fat than a traditional beef burger
FAQ
I’ve never cooked burgers in a skillet. Are there any tips you can give?
Easy peasy! Get your skillet hot with a healthy fat (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.) and add your burger patties in a single layer. Then leave them, don’t move them. I complete about 2/3 of the total cooking time before flipping, ensuring they hold together and form a slight crust and golden brown without over-cooking.
How can I work with ground chicken breast more easily? I’tskind of “sticky” and hard to work.
You’re spot-on! Start with clean, slightly wet hands to keep the chicken from sticking to you. Similarly, lay your prepared patties in parchment paper or a plate that is slightly wet.
Are there any other toppings you would recommend?
As pictured, I kept things simple with pepperjack, lettuce, a slice of fresh tomato, and pickle slices (I used my homemade garlic dill pickles). That said, blue cheese in place of pepper jack is SO good. You can also try a spicy mayo, onion, olives, BBQ sauce, or the usual burger fixings on top of the burger – ketchup, mustard, etc.
VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS
- Use a large skillet to avoid over-crowding. Work in batches of 2-3 burgers at a time, if needed.
- Try a toasted bun for a fancy finish!
- Store leftover burger patties (unassembled) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To rewarm burgers, microwave between moist paper towels
Spicy Chicken Burgers
These tender, juicy chicken burgers are packed with heat and flavor and topped with a firey pepperjack cheese and your chosen burger toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne (optional)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp sriracha
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4 slices pepperjack cheese
- 4 sesame hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, panko, and seasonings (smoked paprika through crushed red pepper), as well as the sriracha.
- Combine thoroughly and create 4 patties of about 5 inch diameter and place on a wet plate or parchment paper in an even layer.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 7-8 minutes; flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165 F is reached.
- Immediately top with cheese and serve in bun with desired toppings.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 prepared burgerAmount Per Serving: Calories: 405Total Fat: 14.5gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 554mgCarbohydrates: 31.3gFiber: 2.0gSugar: 5.5gProtein: 37.0g
Like things a lil SPICY?
- Blackened Swordfish with Spicy Remoulade
- Spicy Turkey and Black Bean Chili
- Mango Habanero Salsa
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw and Creamy Sriracha Sauce
- 30-Minute Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles with Shrimp
- Spicy Ramen Noodles
- 20-Minute Spicy Thai Noodles
- Spicy Fish Bowls with Mango Pico
Be well,
