Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger with Roasted Garlic Mayo Recipe
A flavorful Jalapeño Pepper Jack Chicken Burger featuring juicy ground chicken patties infused with jalapeño peppers, pepper jack cheese, and fresh cilantro. Served with a creamy roasted garlic mayo and fresh guacamole, these burgers are perfect for grilling season and packed with bold, zesty flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including garlic roasting time)
- Yield: 8 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Burger Patties
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 3/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Vegetable or olive oil, for grilling
- 8 slices of cheese (optional; American or white cheddar recommended)
- 8 hamburger buns
Roasted Garlic Mayo
- 1 head garlic
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Guacamole
- 2 large avocados
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Roasted Garlic Mayo: Place the head of garlic on a piece of foil, drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Wrap tightly in foil and bake in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 40 minutes or until softened. Once cooled, squeeze out the garlic cloves into a bowl. Add 1/3 cup mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the burgers.
- Mix Burger Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, finely diced onion, diced jalapeño peppers, paprika, kosher salt, ground pepper, shredded pepper jack cheese, and chopped cilantro. Gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Form Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Prepare Grill Grate: Lightly oil a paper towel with vegetable or olive oil and use it to coat the grill grate to prevent sticking.
- Grill Patties: Place the patties on the grill over direct heat and cover. Cook for 8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In the last minute of grilling, top each patty with a slice of cheese if desired and allow it to melt.
- Prepare Guacamole: Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork, then add lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast the hamburger buns lightly on the grill if desired. Spread roasted garlic mayo on buns, add the grilled chicken patties topped with melted cheese, and finish with a generous spoonful of guacamole or additional favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity according to desired spiciness.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Optionally toast the buns on the grill for added texture.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor in both the patties and guacamole.
- Roasting garlic in foil keeps it moist and caramelized without drying out.
