Quick Chili Lime Chicken Burgers & Avocado Salsa Recipe

Searing hot grills and summer afternoons call for these mouthwatering chili lime chicken burgers that pack a serious flavor punch.

The zesty combination of tangy lime and spicy chili creates an irresistible blend of tastes dancing across your palate.

Tender ground chicken becomes the perfect canvas for bold seasonings that elevate every single bite.

Fresh ingredients transform these burgers from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort.

The vibrant avocado salsa adds a cool, creamy contrast that cuts through the heat brilliantly.

Each burger promises a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone at your cookout asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and fire up the grill – these chicken burgers are about to become your new summer obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that creates a light, tender burger with zesty flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients while providing healthy fat.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Brings bright, citrusy tang and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic undertone with robust flavor punch.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Onion Powder: Spice blend creating complex, warming southwestern-style seasoning.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and maintain burger's structural integrity.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh, herbaceous note with distinctive southwestern accent.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste profile.

• Avocado: Creamy, buttery base that adds richness and smooth texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provides sweet, juicy burst of freshness.
• Red Onion: Introduces sharp, crisp bite and vibrant color.
• Cilantro: Reinforces herbal undertone and complements chicken flavors.
• Lime Juice: Brightens salsa and prevents avocado from browning.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and heightens salsa's natural flavors.

• Burger Buns: Provides sturdy foundation for assembling burger.
• Lettuce: Adds crisp, fresh layer with light crunch.
• Lime Wedges: Optional garnish for extra citrus kick.

Tools Used For Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining burger ingredients thoroughly.
• Parchment-lined plate: Helps burgers stay firm while chilling.
• Grater: For zesting fresh lime.
• Cutting board: Use for chopping herbs and preparing salsa ingredients.
• Skillet or grill pan: Essential for cooking chicken burgers evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Precise for seasoning the burger mixture.
• Spatula: Helps flip burgers without breaking them.
• Knife: Needed for chopping cilantro, onions, and tomatoes.
• Tongs: Great for handling burgers on the grill or skillet.

How To Cook Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Craft Burger Mixture

Blend ground chicken with zesty lime, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs in a mixing bowl. Gently combine ingredients without overmixing. Shape into four perfect patties and chill in the refrigerator to help them set.

• Sizzle and Cook

Fire up a grill or skillet with a light olive oil coating. Cook burgers over medium heat, flipping once, until they reach a safe golden brown and internal temperature indicates doneness.

• Whip Up Fresh Salsa

Dice ripe avocados, burst cherry tomatoes, and mince red onion. Toss with bright lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for a vibrant topping.

• Build Your Burger

Warm burger buns for extra texture. Layer crisp lettuce, juicy chicken patty, and crown with a generous spoonful of zesty avocado salsa. Serve with lime wedges for an extra citrus kick.

Tips For Better Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Quick Chilling Trick: Refrigerate burger patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help them maintain shape and prevent crumbling during grilling.
• Lean Protein Bonus: Ground chicken creates a lighter, healthier burger alternative with lower fat content compared to traditional beef patties.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly without losing texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder quantity to create mild or fiery versions – add extra for heat lovers or reduce for sensitive palates.
• Veggie Swap Alternative: Replace chicken with black beans or plant-based ground meat to transform this into a vegetarian-friendly burger recipe with similar zesty flavors.

Serving Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Tropical Beach Picnic Platter: Arrange burgers on a large wooden board with colorful citrus wedges, scatter fresh cilantro sprigs, and add small bowls of extra salsa for a vibrant, Instagram-worthy spread.
• Lettuce Wrap Twist: Skip traditional buns and wrap these zesty chicken burgers in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing alternative that highlights the bright chili-lime flavors.
• Taco Night Transformation: Crumble the cooked burger patties into soft corn tortillas, top with the avocado salsa, and add a drizzle of Mexican crema for a quick and delicious taco-style meal that reimagines the original recipe.
• Protein Bowl Remix: Slice the chicken burger and serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with the avocado salsa, and add a sprinkle of extra cilantro for a nutritious and satisfying grain bowl variation.

How To Store Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa

• Batch Prep Power: Prepare burger patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Uncooked chicken burger patties can be frozen individually between parchment paper layers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling or cooking.
• Salsa Shelf Life: Keep avocado salsa separate from burgers and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum 1-2 days. Add a thin layer of plastic wrap directly touching the salsa surface to prevent browning.
• Leftover Makeover: Transform remaining chili lime chicken burgers into a protein-packed salad by chopping and tossing with mixed greens, extra avocado salsa, and a zesty lime dressing for a quick next-day lunch option.

Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Burgers With Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy chili lime chicken burgers showcase zesty Mexican-inspired flavors with a refreshing avocado salsa. Herby, tangy patties paired with creamy salsa offer a perfect balance of heat and coolness for summer grilling.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (1 pound) ground chicken
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
• 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
• 4 burger buns (or lettuce wraps for low-carb)
• ½ cup shredded lettuce or arugula
• Extra lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Patty Preparation: Combine ground chicken with lime zest, chili powder, and herbs, mixing thoroughly until seasonings are evenly distributed and mixture becomes cohesive.
2. Chilling and Prepping: Form uniform patties and refrigerate to firm up, while simultaneously preheating grill or skillet with a light olive oil coating at moderate temperature.
3. Cooking Process: Grill patties meticulously, ensuring each side develops a golden crust and internal temperature reaches 165F, approximately 5-6 minutes per side, flipping only once to maintain juiciness.
4. Salsa Creation: Craft fresh avocado salsa by gently mixing diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro, dressing with lime juice and delicately seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Burger Assembly: Toast buns lightly for added crispness, layer with crisp lettuce, place perfectly cooked chicken patty, and top generously with vibrant avocado salsa.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with lime wedges, allowing diners to customize their flavor experience and add a bright citrusy accent to the dish.

Notes

• Chill Patties for Firmness: Refrigerate the chicken mixture for 15-30 minutes before shaping to help patties hold together and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil grill or skillet and avoid moving patties too much to create a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent breaking.
• Customize Salsa Consistency: Dice avocados just before serving to prevent browning and adjust chunkiness based on personal preference for a fresh, vibrant topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg