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!
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A must try !
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cait 04.12.2012
These look sooooo yummy! I want to make them but not everyone in my family likes to eat peppers and green onions. Do you think it would be fine to puree them and then add them to the ground chicken and other spices?
Iowa Girl Eats 04.16.2012
I’m sure that’d be just fine! :)
Michele A. 04.11.2012
These were sheer AWESOMENESS! I actually used diced-up roasted red peppers since I forgot to pick up some fresh ones… But – they were sooo yummy with the avocados… OMG! Thank you for a great addition to our usual weeknight dinner fare! :)
jennie 04.10.2012
made these for dinner tonight. they were great. thanks bree!
Jennifer 04.09.2012
DEEEEE-licious! I wanted to make these RIGHT NOW, so in lieu of a meat grinder or a friendly butcher, I tenderized the beejezus out of some boneless skinless until it fell apart. My husband loved these, too, which is quite a compliment, since you can see the veggies inside. :) Thanks for the recipe! Going into our rotation! :)
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Anna 04.05.2012
Made these last night on the grill… EXCELLENT! I´ll be making them again very soon :)
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Who doesn’t love babies ;)
And who wouldn’t love these, these look delicious!
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Joanna 04.03.2012
These were fabulous. Served ’em up with avocado slices and chipotle mayo. Such an easy, delish dinner. I’m such a fan of your site!!
Lindsay 04.02.2012
LOVED these burgers! I couldn’t believe how flavorful they were without making me feel weighed down.
Christy 04.02.2012
Found you on Pinterest and made these tonight. They were outta control! Definitely going on our “list”. Thanks!
Angie-a pinch of this 04.02.2012
Finally made these tonight… I cut up my chicken breast in uniformish chunks, and gave them a whirl in the cuisinart :) Worked like a dream!
We actually outdoor grilled, cause the hubs got the coals going before i reread your advice not to :) We just did ’em on well greased foil, and I added some bread crumbs so they wouldn’t be so sticky, and all was perfect!!!
Erin 04.02.2012
I just made these this weekend. I made a double batch (Thank GOD!) so that I would have plenty of leftovers to freeze and thaw when time is of the essence. These are mind blowing! PURE SAVORY DELICIOUSNESS! Thanks so much for sharing.