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.
Ooooooh I am craving asparagus right now, of all the things you showed! ;) I’ve made a knock off version of the TJ’s burgers, too, and I have some in the freezer that I am contemplating heating up right now!!
Congrats on Evie!
Aww, congrats! Your sister in law looks incredible after giving birth. :)
first of all, loving the name evie!
second, totally obsessed with chicken/turkey burgers on the grill. will have to try this recipe now that the weather’s getting warm!!
Aww what a sweet little face!
Those burgers looks delish! A must try ASAP!
oh duhh i just saw that you said red chili pepper flakes…when i read the title i just assumed chili powder…sorry!!!
congrats on the new niece!! how exciting :)
quick question…where is the chili in the chili lime chicken burgers? i may have missed something while reading the post! just curious :)
YAY for babies :)
Do you think in could ‘grind’ up chicken breast enough in a cuisanart food processor to work for a burger?
I’ve always wanted to try that to see. Let me know if you do?
Congrats to you, Aunt Kristin! :) Also, congrats to your brother and sister-in-law AND your parents who are probably just oozing joy! :-D
Congratulations! And yum! I love anything topped with guacamole :)
I’ve never had the TJ’s version of these, but yours look so good I think I’ll just try them and skip the store-bought ones :-)
Your niece is absolutely beautiful and I love her name! It’s so pretty :-) And 20 minutes at the hospital?! Way-to-go to your sister-in-law. That’s impressive!
I love your blog! Thank you so very much for this recipe! My husband and I love Trader Joe’s, Chili Lime Chicken Burgers. Sadly, the closest Trader Joe’s is 2 hours away and we’ve been craving the chicken burgers. We usually buy 4-6 boxes at a time. I can’t wait to make these and try them!
I totally agree — there’s nothing better than a fresh punch of lime.
I am going to make these ASAP and top with mango salsa — pretty sure mangos are on sale at HyVee for $0.88!
Congratulations on the new niece! I love her name…so cute!
I have had 2 of your recipes (chili lime burgers and the chic-fil-a nuggets) and they are very delicious. I love the portions that it comes out too. I have a hard time trying to cook for 2. Thanks for your ideas!!