Simple Chipotle Hen Burgers – 20 Minutes

Some nights, the concept of cooking dinner feels heavier than the dinner itself.

That’s precisely why I created these chipotle hen burgers. When life feels full and vitality is low, I nonetheless need one thing that tastes good, feels satisfying, and doesn’t require a reducing board parade or a sink filled with dishes. These burgers are a type of meals that look spectacular on the plate however are secretly very low effort.

Anytime I would like dinner to hit with out overthinking it, burgers are my go-to. They’re straightforward to make, enjoyable to eat, and don’t ask a lot of me once I’m already operating on fumes. After making my air fryer hen burgers one too many occasions, I began enjoying round with totally different spice combos simply to maintain issues fascinating with out including further steps. This chipotle model was a fast win.

The ingredient checklist is brief, the meals processor does many of the work, and every little thing comes collectively rapidly on the stovetop or within the air fryer. No sautéing, no separate sauce, no further steps that sound affordable on paper however really feel inconceivable at 5:30 pm. You combine, form, and cook dinner. That’s it.

If you happen to’re feeling courageous, a bit chipotle mayo on high takes these over the sting and makes dinner really feel straightforward and enjoyable once more, even on nights when cooking is the very last thing you wish to take care of.

Ingredient highlight

A full checklist of the substances is under within the recipe card, that is only a spotlight of some key substances. 

• Floor hen – I like utilizing a 92/8 floor hen for these burgers. Having a bit fats within the combine helps hold them juicy and tender. You’ll be able to go leaner, however you’ll wish to hold a better eye on them since floor hen can dry out rapidly.
• Chipotle in adobo – These carry all of the smoky, spicy taste. Each the peppers and the sauce they’re packed in have warmth, so in case you’re not large on spice, begin with only one pepper. 
• Almond flour – As an alternative of breadcrumbs, I take advantage of almond flour to assist bind the burgers. It’s one thing I virtually all the time have readily available and it really works rather well right here. If you happen to want, a gluten-free panko breadcrumb will even do the job.

Step-by-step directions

Ideas for Success 

• No meals processor? No downside – If you happen to don’t have a meals processor, finely chop the chipotle in adobo and blend it with the almond flour and spices. The objective is simply to distribute the chipotle evenly all through the burgers.
• Regulate the spice stage to your consolation– Each the chipotle peppers and the sauce they’re packed in have warmth. If you happen to’re uncertain, begin with only one pepper. You’ll be able to all the time add extra spice later with a bit chipotle mayo on high.
• Use a lid when cooking on the stovetop – Protecting the pan helps the burgers cook dinner by evenly without having to flip them a number of occasions.
• Let carryover cooking do the work – If the burgers are simply shy of 165°F, flip off the warmth and depart them lined within the pan. The residual warmth will end cooking them with out drying them out.
• Let the burgers relaxation briefly earlier than serving – Giving them a minute or two off the warmth helps the juices redistribute and retains them juicy.
• Stovetop vs air fryer: – I examined these each methods they usually’re scrumptious both method. The stovetop provides one of the best texture, however in case you hate cleansing up after burgers, the air fryer is a good low-effort possibility.
• Freeze leftover chipotle in adobo – If you happen to don’t use the entire can, freeze the leftovers flat in a zip-top bag. You’ll be able to break off a pepper or two everytime you wish to add smoky warmth to a different meal.

Methods to Serve Floor Hen Chipotle Burgers

• On a bun (my go-to): Serve these on a bun with lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, and a drizzle of bottled ranch dressing. Simple, acquainted, and all the time a win.
• Lettuce wraps: Skip the bun and wrap the burgers in butter lettuce or romaine. Add chipotle mayo or a cilantro lime dressing for further taste with out further effort.
• Burger bowl fashion: Serve the burgers over greens with avocado, tomatoes, and lime tahini sauce (or no matter sauce you’re keen on). It is a nice possibility in case you’re out of buns however nonetheless need dinner to really feel full.