These Chili Lime Chicken Burgers with Avocado Salsa are juicy, flavorful, and packed with a zesty kick! Infused with fresh lime, smoky chili seasoning, and topped with creamy avocado salsa, these burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. Serve them on buns, in lettuce wraps, or over a salad for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful – The chili-lime marinade keeps the chicken burgers moist and delicious.
- Healthy and high-protein – A great alternative to beef burgers.
- Fresh and vibrant – The avocado salsa adds a creamy and refreshing balance.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
- Versatile serving options – Enjoy on a bun, in a lettuce wrap, or over a salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Burgers:
- Ground chicken
- Garlic (minced)
- Lime zest and juice
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Egg (to bind)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for texture)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For the Avocado Salsa:
- Avocado (diced)
- Cherry tomatoes (chopped)
- Red onion (finely diced)
- Cilantro (chopped)
- Lime juice
- Jalapeño (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings & Serving:
- Whole wheat or brioche buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced cheese (pepper jack or cheddar)
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
Directions
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Stir until just combined (avoid overmixing).
2. Form and Cook the Burgers
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook burgers for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Make the Avocado Salsa
- In a small bowl, mix avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Burgers
- Toast buns if desired.
- Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the chili lime chicken patty, then top with avocado salsa.
- Add extra toppings like cheese, Greek yogurt, or extra lime juice.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Pair with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper or extra jalapeño to the salsa.
- Low-carb option – Serve in lettuce wraps instead of a bun.
- Cheesy twist – Mix shredded cheese into the burger mixture.
- Grilled version – Cook burgers on a grill over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes per side.
- Dairy-free – Skip cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side or in the microwave for 1 minute.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
Use an egg and breadcrumbs to bind the mixture and avoid overmixing.
Can I make these burgers in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best way to make them extra juicy?
Use dark meat ground chicken or add a little olive oil to the mixture.
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
How do I keep avocado salsa from browning?
Add extra lime juice and store in an airtight container.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Try pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, or chipotle mayo.
Do I need to marinate the chicken mixture?
No, but letting it sit for 15 minutes enhances the flavor.
Can I make mini sliders instead?
Yes! Form smaller patties and reduce cooking time to about 3–4 minutes per side.
What sides go best with these burgers?
Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, grilled veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad.
Conclusion
These Chili Lime Chicken Burgers with Avocado Salsa are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and juicy, satisfying burgers. With a perfect balance of spice, citrus, and creaminess, they’re easy to make and perfect for a quick, healthy meal. Try them today and enjoy a delicious, zesty bite!
PrintChili Lime Chicken Burgers with Avocado Salsa
These Chili Lime Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with smoky spice and zesty lime! Topped with a fresh and creamy avocado salsa, they’re a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers—perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Burgers
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
Ingredients
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns (or lettuce wraps for low-carb)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce or arugula
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Burger Patties
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs, and cilantro until just combined.
- Form into 4 equal patties and place on a parchment-lined plate. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Step 2: Cook the Burgers
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat and brush with olive oil.
- Cook the burgers for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa
- In a bowl, gently toss avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- Layer the buns with lettuce, the chicken burger, and a generous scoop of avocado salsa.
- Serve with extra lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, add ½ tsp cayenne or diced jalapeños to the burger mixture.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping cheese toppings.
- Low-carb option: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.