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!
Kate Cremisino 04.02.2012
Just made these tonight. SO SO SO SO GOOD. Husband and I gobbled them up! Definitely adding this to our regular line up of meal options!
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Paul 04.01.2012
Holy cow–just made these for lunch (using ground turkey), and they are amazing. Wonderful flavor, perfect for an 80 degree Iowa day! Thanks!
Ruth 04.01.2012
They sound wonderful. I am writing this recipe down.
Sarah 04.01.2012
I made these last night, they were a huge hit! Thanks for sharing.
anastasia 03.31.2012
i tried these last night – they were a hit!!! easy too! will defn make them again!
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Elizabeth 03.30.2012
I am all over these. They look so tasty! Anything with guac has to be good, right? Going to put them on my next menu plan.
Cynthia 03.30.2012
Congrats on becoming an aunt again!!! She is absolutely adorable!! The burgers look amazing, can’t wait to make them :)
jad18 03.30.2012
So sweet and your sister-in-law looks great for just having a baby. I think girls are going to take over the world. I know about 15 people who have had babies within the past 6 months or are due within the next few months and all have been girls except 1 boy and 1 to be determined (the couple is waiting to be surprised).
Villy @ For the love of Feeding 03.30.2012
The burgers look yummy! Congrats on being an aunt! Being an aunt rocks!! Enjoy!
A 03.29.2012
Thank you for creating and sharing this recipe! I made it for dinner this evening and it was delicious!
Greg 03.29.2012
They looked tasty, so I made them for tonight’s dinner. First bite reminded me why I never make turkey burgers. No meat flavor. Everything else tasted fine but needed some base meat flavor balance.
The overall recipe looks great, but next time I think I’ll substitute 93% lean ground beef instead.
Great presentation. Thumbs up. Got my attention.
Lauren 03.29.2012
What beautiful-amazing looking pictures! They look great, keep up the amazing work!! ;)
Emily @LivingLongfellow 03.29.2012
congrats on the niece! 20 minutes is incredible! no wonder your sister-in-law looks so good!
MigraineMe 03.29.2012
Congrats on the new niece! She looks so sweet! :)
Mandy 03.29.2012
Oh my gosh, I want to make these burgers ASAP! They look so good!
And congratulations on the new little one!
Jennifer 03.29.2012
You are my hero! I have been suffering ever since my move to a place with no Trader Joe’s nearby for 6 hours, and now I can make one of my favorite things from there at home.
BTW Congratulations! How exciting, a niece to spoil! :)
sara 03.29.2012
Who doesn’t love babies! Congrats!
Tonya 03.29.2012
These look amazing! On a NON-food related note, in the picture, it looks like you have white tile counter tops. How on earth do you keep the grout looking so WHITE? Mine looks atrocious! :(
Iowa Girl Eats 03.29.2012
Ugh I have NO idea – I HATE them. A “gift” from the previous owners!