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.
Why do you leave the burgers out for 10 min at room temperature before cooking?? Just curious..
It’s so the outside doesn’t cook faster than the inside and get dried out!
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!
Oh my this looks amazing!! You had me at squeezed lime! ;-)
Congrats on the new family member! So fun!
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!
Congratulations, new little babies are the best! These Burgers look amazing I can’t wait to try them on my husband!
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
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.
Congrats on your beautiful niece! :)
These burgers look delish. I love the addition of lime.
Uggh autocorrect! I meant to say I’ve never seen it that cheap*
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?
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!
what an adorable bundle of sweetness! just love, love, love your blog and your freakin’ cuteness!
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!!!
This looks so summery. Yum! Congrats on the new niece!