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.
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! :)
Made these last night on the grill… EXCELLENT! I´ll be making them again very soon :)
Who doesn’t love babies ;)
And who wouldn’t love these, these look delicious!
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!!
LOVED these burgers! I couldn’t believe how flavorful they were without making me feel weighed down.
Found you on Pinterest and made these tonight. They were outta control! Definitely going on our “list”. Thanks!
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!!!
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.
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!
Holy cow–just made these for lunch (using ground turkey), and they are amazing. Wonderful flavor, perfect for an 80 degree Iowa day! Thanks!
They sound wonderful. I am writing this recipe down.
I made these last night, they were a huge hit! Thanks for sharing.
i tried these last night – they were a hit!!! easy too! will defn make them again!