BBQ Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers

These BBQ Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Apple Slaw is sweet, smokey, savory, and packed with so much flavor. It’s easy to make on the stove (or grill!), and will quickly become your new favorite burger.

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The Best BBQ Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers with Apple Slaw

There’s just something about a good, juicy burger and fries situation. Am I right? I love a classic beef burger but I often like to use a leaner meat ground turkey or ground chicken. Just because I’m using a leaner meat doesn’t mean there’s less flavor involved though and these BBQ Chipotle Cheddar Chicken Burgers are proof of that.

These chicken burgers are packed with flavor at every layer. The flavor combination is a play on the barbecue and slaw combo I grew up eating as a kid and they are so good.

The chicken burger patties are full of spices and the toasty brioche buns are covered with a creamy chipotle mayo. Finally, each burger is topped off with melty cheese and a crisp sweet and tangy apple slaw. Plus, you don’t even need to fire up the grill. Just cook everything on the stove, and you’ll be ready to eat in no time! 

More Reader Favorite Burgers

• Greek Turkey Burgers
• The Best Chicken Burgers
• Avocado Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Aioli
• Healthy Burger Bowls with Special Sauce
• Greek Chicken Burgers with Creamy Tzatziki

Recipe Ingredients

Chipotle mayo: you can typically find chipotle mayo in the condiment section of your local grocery store. However, I prefer to make my own homemade chipotle mayonnaise.  

Apple slaw: this combo of crisp apples, shredded cabbage, and a sweet and tangy dressing is the perfect way to top these burgers.

Ground chicken: for the juiciest and most flavorful burgers I like to use ground dark meat chicken.

Seasonings: onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika create a savory flavor with a touch of spice. 

BBQ Sauce: use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce to add the best smoky flavor to each burger.

Cheese: a slice of sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect way to finish these burgers.

How to Make This Cheddar Chipotle Burger Recipe 

Step One: Add the ground chicken, salt, and spices to a large mixing bowl. Use your fingers to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overmix. 

Step Two: Divide the ground chicken mixture into four 5-ounce patties that are roughly ¾ inch thick and 4 inches wide. 

Step Three: Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then the patties. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Then, flip, and continue to cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush each burger liberally with around 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce while they finish cooking. 

Step Four: When the burgers are fully cooked, turn off the heat. Then, add 1 slice of cheese to each patty, and cover the pan with the lid to help melt the cheese. If it needs a little help melting, add 1 tablespoon of water to create a bit of extra steam. 

Step Five: Remove the chicken patties from the pan, and assemble the burgers. To do so, spread a bit of the chipotle mayo on the toasted buns. Then, add a burger patty and apple slaw, and finish with the top bun. Enjoy! 

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Burgers

• Use your hands to mix the burgers and prevent over-mixing. Wet your fingers to help prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands.
• Place the patties on wax or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to your plate or each other. This makes removing them from the plate to cook much easier.
• Avoid pressing the burgers down while they are cooking. This will ensure you get super juicy delicious burgers every time.
• Use a meat thermometer to cook the burgers perfectly, and prevent over or under-cooking them. They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Toast those buns! don’t forget to toast your burger buns a bit before assembling your burgers. If you like you can brush a little melted butter on them for extra flavor!

Serving Suggestions 

With so much going on, you can easily serve these burgers on their own. However, if you want to add a side, try pairing your burgers with options like: 

• Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Roasted Asparagus
• Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans
• Greek Salad
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I make these burgers on the grill? 

Absolutely! Grill the cheddar burgers over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Transfer the patties to a plate, add the cheese, and cover them to help it melt. Then, continue to assemble the patties. 

Can I prep the burgers ahead of time? 

Sure! You can combine the ingredients and shape the burger patties up to a day in advance. Store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. 

Or, cook the burgers, and reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through. If you do cook the patties ahead of time, I recommend omitting the cheese until just before serving. 

Can I freeze these BBQ chipotle cheddar burgers? 

Yes! I often prep a double batch of burger patties and freeze them before cooking. To do so, combine the ingredients, shape the patties, and flash-freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag, place parchment paper between each patty, and freeze for up to 3 months. 

To cook, remove a few patties from the freezer, and let them thaw in the fridge. Once the patties have thawed, follow the recipe as usual, cooking the patties and assembling the burgers. 

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

• Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs
• Ground Chicken Tacos
• Greek Chicken Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
• Easy Buffalo Chicken Bites
• BBQ Chicken Meatballs

I hope you give this BBQ Chipotle Cheddar Burger Recipe with Apple Slaw a try! They are easy to make and packed with flavor! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

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Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat