A couple weeks ago I was cleaning up some old posts and came across a Trader Joe’s night dinner including Chicken Chili Lime Burgers, which I had loved at the time.
I remember wanting to recreate them at home at some point, 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 last night I came up with a recipe that both Ben and I 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!
How to Make Copy Cat Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers:
For four burgers, you’ll need 1lb ground chicken. I used ground chicken with 5% fat so my burgers would be nice and juicy, but you could 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.
You can make these a couple hours ahead of time if need be, just make sure they sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or so before cooking.
Next, heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers are more of an indoor grill vs outdoor grill type of burger, which is just as well because I found out last weekend that the grill Ben and I have been using for the past four years was recalled like 2 years ago for faulty, I don’t know, flame thingies (?) which could set the grill door (or whatever it’s called) on fire. Awesome!
At any rate, 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!
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Copy Cat Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
Description
Copy Cat Trader Joe's Chili Lime Chicken Burgers are a zesty, fresh twist on chicken for dinner!
Ingredients
- 1lb 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 lime, cut in half
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 buns, toasted
- For the guacamole:
- 1 avocado
- garlic salt
- lime juice, to taste
Directions
- Combine chicken, green onions, bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes and juice of half a lime in a large bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined, then form into 4 patties and spray each side generously with non-stick spray.
- Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill burgers for 3-4 minutes a side, or until cooked all the way through. Place a slice of cheese on top of each burger, then cover with a large pot lid, and allow to melt for about a minute. Remove burgers to a plate, tent with foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Place each burger on a toasted bun then top with guacamole.
- For the guacamole: Mash all ingredients together with a potato masher or fork.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Soooooo much better than I could have even hoped for! Satisfying, filling, and kind of spicy with a cooling touch from the fresh guacamole. Fantastic! I hope you enjoy!
Summer 03.29.2012
Why do you leave the burgers out for 10 min at room temperature before cooking?? Just curious..
Iowa Girl Eats 03.29.2012
It’s so the outside doesn’t cook faster than the inside and get dried out!
Justine Duppong @ Life With Cheeseburgers 03.29.2012
Babies and burgers–who would not absolutely love this post? :)
I’ve been wanting to try some new turkey or chicken burger recipes. My husband is a total burger and fries kind of guy but we’re trying to find some recipes that we both like!
Amanda @ Semi-Health Nut 03.29.2012
Oh my this looks amazing!! You had me at squeezed lime! ;-)
Congrats on the new family member! So fun!
Sloane @ My Life in Florida 03.29.2012
I miss Trader Joes! I showed the picture of your tomato and asparagus to my fiance, and he decided that is what we are having with dinner!
Renee Benda 03.29.2012
Congratulations, new little babies are the best! These Burgers look amazing I can’t wait to try them on my husband!
Katrine 03.29.2012
Your sister-in-law looks like she just left the salon! Who looks that good after giving birth?? WOW! Your burgers look great to, BTW. Thanks for sharing
Carrie 03.29.2012
My easy, lazy guacomole (instead of smashed avocado with lime) is to just mix fresh salsa with avocado. Add in more lime juice and cilantro if so inclined. Takes two seconds.
Urban Wife 03.29.2012
Congrats on your beautiful niece! :)
These burgers look delish. I love the addition of lime.
katie 03.29.2012
Uggh autocorrect! I meant to say I’ve never seen it that cheap*
katie 03.29.2012
Congrats on the new babe! What’s your secret for gettin the ground chicken for 1.99 ice necwr seen it that cheap at hyvee?
Iowa Girl Eats 03.29.2012
I actually thought it was $5.99 when I bought it, and didn’t realize til I was blogging that I had gotten it for $1.99! I have no idea why it was so cheap. Must have had an over-supply or something!
pam 03.29.2012
what an adorable bundle of sweetness! just love, love, love your blog and your freakin’ cuteness!
Mo 03.29.2012
I’m so happy you posted this…those are go-to easy dinners for my family but I love the option of easily making them without having all the processed yuck that anything like that has (esp sodium). So KUDOS and I cannot wait to make these!!!
Tessa 03.29.2012
This looks so summery. Yum! Congrats on the new niece!
Alison 03.28.2012
Yay for babies! Those burgers look amazing. Definitely going to give them a try!! Anything topped with guacamole has my vote!
Trisha 03.28.2012
Finn is a big brother!! Hurray! Love the name Evie, though Poppy was pretty cute too. :) Congrats, Auntie.
These burgers look SO good, definitely on the menu soon!
sara 03.28.2012
CONGRATS to your brother & Sister in law!!! Love her name, too. What’s her middle name? That burger looks amazing, I will have to try it!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) 03.28.2012
Congrats on the niece!
Those burgers look so delicious!
Michelle 03.28.2012
What a beautiful addition to your family!
Those burgers look delish!
Courtney 03.28.2012
Hi there! Congrats on your niece!! She is precious. I am sending this recipe out to a friend of mine who is a chef to see if there is any way to make it vegetarian…it looks amazing and the flavor combo sounds right up my alley! I also loved the frozen breakfast burritos! You have such a great blog :) Thank you for your posts! xo
Lexi 03.28.2012
20 minutes?! If they have another, I hope your brother is prepared to deliver it at home!