Spicy Chicken Burgers Recipe

If you love a burger with a fiery kick and a creamy, smoky sauce, these Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli are about to become your new obsession! Juicy, boldly seasoned chicken patties meet a zippy homemade aioli, tucked into a soft bun with all your favorite toppings. This recipe is equal parts comfort food classic and irresistible flavor adventure!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it real—these Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli look fancy, but the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Each component is there for a reason, whether it’s boosting juiciness, delivering the perfect hit of heat, or creating that signature smoky richness.

• Lean ground chicken or turkey: The foundation of your burgers, offering a tender, juicy bite with a light flavor that plays perfectly with bold seasonings.
• Olive oil: A splash adds richness and keeps the patties from drying out on the grill or in the air fryer.
• Garlic (minced): Brings depth and just the right savory edge to every bite.
• Cayenne pepper: The secret to a slow-building, satisfying heat—add more if you’re feeling daring, or less for a milder burger.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a bold, smoky flavor that balances all the heat with a gentle warmth.
• Chili powder: Provides earthy, robust depth to the burger patties and the aioli.
• Black pepper: For a sharp touch that wakes up all your taste buds.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Ensures every patty has little flecks of heat throughout.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor and balancing the spice.
• Franks Red Hot Sauce (or any hot sauce): Delivers big flavor and juicy tang inside the burgers and in the aioli.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy, luxurious base for your chipotle aioli.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the aioli and ties the whole burger together.
• Chipotle powder: The hero behind that smoky, deep, and distinctive aioli flavor.
• Sesame seed buns: Classic, soft, and sturdy enough to hold all your saucy, flavorful layers.
• Optional toppings (tomatoes, spicy pickles, red onion slices, lettuce): Add crunch, freshness, and even more personality to every burger!

Variations

The magic of Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli is how easily you can make it your own! Each component is ripe for tweaking—whether you want to dial down the spice, lighten things up, or just use whatever you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite riffs:

• Make It Milder: Skip the cayenne and halve the hot sauce if you’re feeding spice-sensitive friends or little ones.
• Lettuce Wrap It: Swap your bun for crisp lettuce leaves to keep it low-carb and gluten-free without losing any flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Aioli: Sub half—or all—of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version of that creamy, tangy sauce.
• Change Up the Protein: Ground turkey works beautifully for equally juicy, flavorful results.
• Add Cheese: Melt a slice of pepper jack or smoked cheddar right on top while the burgers finish cooking for oozy, spicy goodness.

How to Make Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli

Step 1: Mix the Burger Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your ground chicken (or turkey), olive oil, minced garlic, spices, salt, and a generous splash of hot sauce. I highly recommend getting in there with your hands—it’s the best way to make sure everything’s combined without overmixing. The goal: a cohesive, tender mixture packed with bold flavor.

Step 2: Shape Your Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 or 5 even burgers—consistency is key for even cooking. Shape them a touch larger than your buns, since they’ll shrink a smidge as they cook. Flatten gently in the center so they cook through without ballooning up.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

You have options! For the air fryer, cook the burgers at 370ºF for about 12-14 minutes until they reach 165ºF in the center. On the grill, preheat to medium-high and cook burgers 5-6 minutes per side. However you cook, check your temperature—overcooked chicken gets dry fast!

Step 4: Whip Up Chipotle Aioli

While the burgers cook, stir together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chili powder, chipotle powder, more hot sauce, and a little extra garlic if you’re garlic-obsessed like me. Taste and tweak until it’s perfect: creamy, smoky, and as spicy as your heart desires.

Step 5: Assemble & Enjoy

Place each patty on a toasted sesame bun or crisp lettuce wrap, add your favorite crunchy and juicy toppings, and finish with a generous drizzle (or dollop!) of chipotle aioli. There’s nothing better than that first, messy bite—dig in!

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli

Garnishes

Pile your Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli high with leafy lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy red onion, and spicy pickles for the ultimate contrast of flavors and textures. A little fresh cilantro or extra pinch of chipotle powder can take things right over the top!

Side Dishes

Serve with sweet potato fries, classic kettle chips, or a crisp, crunchy slaw. For a healthier twist, a fresh green salad or grilled corn makes an irresistible side—especially when you have a little extra aioli for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini sliders for game day, or wrap your patty in a large lettuce leaf for refreshing low-carb “burgers.” You can even pile the spicy chicken mixture onto flatbreads or into pita pockets with extra veggies and a dollop of that fabulous aioli—it’s endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the burger patties and aioli separately for the freshest results when reheating and assembling.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked burger patties for up to 2 months—let them cool completely, then layer with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. Freeze aioli separately in a small airtight container (it may need a quick stir after thawing).

Reheating

Warm your burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long, as that can make chicken patties rubbery. Slather on a fresh layer of chipotle aioli and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a burger night upgrade, these Spicy Chicken Burgers with Chipotle Aioli are simply unbeatable. The balance of heat, smokiness, and creamy sauce will have everyone reaching for seconds—so don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to experience that first saucy, spicy, totally satisfying bite!

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