Copycat Trader Joe's Chili Lime Chicken Burgers are a zesty, fresh twist on basic burgers. Switch up burger night with this craveable recipe!
A couple of weeks ago I was cleaning up old posts here on IGE and came across a Trader Joe’s night dinner including Chicken Chili Lime Burgers, which my husband and I had loved at the time.
I remember wanting to recreate them at home and had even typed out the ingredient list from the package so I could come back later and have a shopping list all ready to go.
I’m so glad I did, because I was able to use the ingredient list to create a burger we liked even better than the original. I present to you a zesty twist on a TJ’s fave: Homemade Chili Lime Chicken Burgers. You’ve got to try these!
Copycat Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
Start by adding 1lb ground chicken to a large mixing bowl. I recommend ground chicken with 5% fat so the burgers stay nice and juicy, though you can use ground chicken breast for a slightly leaner alternative.
Next add chopped green onions, minced red pepper, and chopped cilantro.
Followed by minced garlic, salt, and red chili pepper flakes, which give the burgers even more zip.
The real hero, though, is the juice of half a lime. It give the burgers a real punch!
Mix all the ingredients together with clean hands, then form the mixture into 4 patties.
Next, heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers are more of an indoor grill vs outdoor grill burger. Spray each side of the burgers very well with non-stick spray then grill for 3-4 minutes a side, or until cooked all the way through.
When the burgers are nearly cooked on the second side, add a slice of Pepper Jack Cheese, then place a large pot lid on top to allow the cheese to melt.
While the cheese is melting, mix up a batch of Lazy’s Girl’s Guacamole – that’s just 1 avocado mashed with lime juice and garlic salt. The best!
Place the burgers onto a toasted bun then top with guac!
These easy chicken burgers are truly satisfying, totally filling, and I love the contrast between the creamy, cool guacamole, and the sizzling burgers. I hope you enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lime
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 buns, toasted
For the Lazy Girl's Guacamole:
- 1 avocado
- garlic salt
- 1/2 lime
Directions
For the Chili Lime Chicken Burgers:
- Combine chicken, green onions, bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, and lime juice in a large bowl. Mix until just combined then form into 4 patties and spray each side generously with nonstick spray.
- Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat then cook burgers for 3-4 minutes a side, or until cooked through. Place a slice of cheese on top of each burger then cover with a large lid and allow cheese to melt. Remove burgers to a plate then tent with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Place each burger on a toasted bun then top with Lazy Girl's Guacamole.
For the Lazy Girl's Guacamole:
- Mash all ingredients together with a fork.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Your recipe looks delicious. Can the uncooked patties be frozen for later use? Thank you.
Absolutely!
Amazeballs.
i made these last night..unlike most comments..i made this recipe exactly as explained..and they were absolutely delicious..i made a double batch and froze them for next time..i sure did miss my Trader Joe’s version but no more!
SO glad you enjoyed, Janice! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
I’ve been making these burgers for years and everyone gets very excited when they learn they’re on the menu. Definitely a family favorite. Thank you!
Aww, I love to hear that, Laura! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
I made these tonight, and they are fantastic! In fact, my grocery store was out of ground chicken so I made them with ground turkey and they were still amazing. However, I have a couple of comments/questions.
First, I followed the recipe and read the blog later, so that may have been my mistake. However, the blog says to mince the red pepper and the recipe says to chop it. I do believe the burger would’ve held together better had I minced the red onion instead of just chopped it.
Also, I love a quick and easy guacamole. I followed the recipe and used garlic POWDER with salt and pepper. However, the blog says garlic SALT and lime juice. No mention of lime juice in the recipe or pepper in the blog. I’m sure you know the difference between garlic powder and garlic salt, and it’s curious to me that the blog says to use one and the recipe says to use the other. Which do you recommend?
All fixed up for you – thanks for the heads up!
I’ve made these twice now and they’re great! Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoy these, Emily!! Really appreciate your star rating, too!