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Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers

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These smoky chipotle turkey burgers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, featuring bold chipotle peppers, fresh cilantro, and a hint of lime. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs, they’re lean but never dry and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (about 1–2 peppers with sauce)
  • 1/4 cup onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 whole wheat or brioche burger buns (toasted, if desired)
  • Fresh lettuce leaves
  • Sliced tomato
  • Red onion rings
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
  • Cheese slices (pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack, optional)
  • Chipotle mayo or plain Greek yogurt (for spreading on buns)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, grate onion, mince garlic, and chop cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice and measure out spices.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped chipotle, grated onion, minced garlic, cilantro, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Gently mix until just combined.
  3. Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Lightly oil your hands and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick, making a slight indent in the center of each.
  4. Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty during the last minute and cover to melt.
  6. Optional: Toast the buns cut-side-down on the grill or in a dry skillet until golden.
  7. Assemble burgers: Spread chipotle mayo or Greek yogurt on each bun, layer with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, top with the turkey burger, add avocado if desired, and finish with the bun top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For juicier burgers, use 93% lean ground turkey and don’t skip the grated onion or olive oil. If the mixture feels too soft, chill patties before grilling. For gluten-free, use GF buns. Adjust chipotle for spice preference. Leftover patties can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen uncooked for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey burger, chipotle, smoky, healthy, easy dinner, grill, spicy, weeknight, meal prep, BBQ

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/smoky-chipotle-turkey-burgers-recipe-easy-juicy-and-flavor-packed-dinner/