The Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger

Why I love it

I love the Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger because it’s full of fresh, bold flavors that go beyond your typical chicken burger. The ground chicken patty is juicy and packed with a delicious blend of lemon zest, garlic, and cumin, giving it a vibrant and slightly smoky flavor that’s both zesty and satisfying. The melted pepper jack cheese adds just the right amount of heat, while the creamy avocado and crisp lettuce balance everything out. I particularly enjoy how the pickled onions add a tangy crunch, cutting through the richness of the patty and toppings. And let’s not forget the chipotle mayo it adds a smoky, creamy finish that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Every bite of this burger feels like a burst of freshness with just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect combination of flavors that keeps me coming back for more!

Introduction

Meet the Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger – a refreshing twist on the classic chicken burger that’s bursting with flavor! This recipe combines juicy ground chicken, infused with bright lemon zest and warm spices, to create a patty that’s tender, flavorful, and slightly smoky. Topped with creamy pepper jack cheese, fresh avocado, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickled onions, each bite delivers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. The addition of chipotle mayo adds a hint of smoky heat, perfectly complementing the vibrant, citrusy notes of the chicken. Nestled in toasted whole-wheat buns, this burger is not only packed with flavor but also makes a wholesome, delicious meal that’s sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner. Get ready to savor a burger that’s as lively as it is comforting!

Recipe

The Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger

Cheffery

The Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger is a refreshing, flavorful twist on the classic chicken burger. The juicy ground chicken patty is infused with lemon zest, smoked paprika, and cumin, giving it a zesty, smoky flavor that makes each bite pop. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese, creamy avocado, and tangy pickled onions, this burger offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The toasted whole-wheat buns add a hearty, nutty base, while the chipotle mayo gives it a final kick of smoky heat. Whether you’re grilling it up for a casual dinner or making it the star of your summer BBQ, the Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger is sure to impress with its bold and refreshing flavor profile.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 670 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken Patty:

• 1 500g ground chicken (preferably thigh meat for juiciness) Ground chicken thigh meat ensures the patty remains juicy, packed with flavor, and tender after cooking.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped Onions add a natural sweetness and moisture to the chicken patty, helping to balance out the spices.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced Garlic adds a robust, savory undertone to the patty, pairing beautifully with the zesty seasoning.
• 1 tbsp lemon zest Lemon zest brings a fresh, tangy brightness to the chicken, lifting the overall flavor.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Dijon mustard adds a slightly spicy, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• 1 egg The egg acts as a binder, holding the chicken patty together while cooking.
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika Smoked paprika brings a mild heat and a smoky depth that complements the citrus notes.
• 1 tbsp cumin Cumin adds warmth and an earthy undertone that enhances the overall flavor of the patty.
• 1 Salt and pepper to taste Proper seasoning is essential for bringing out the best in the chicken and the spices.

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices pepper jack cheese Pepper jack cheese melts perfectly over the patty, adding a slight kick and creaminess to the burger.
• 1 Sliced avocado Avocado adds a creamy, smooth texture that balances the zesty and smoky flavors of the patty.
• 1 Fresh lettuce leaves Lettuce provides a crisp, refreshing crunch to complement the rich chicken patty.
• 1 Tomato slices Juicy, ripe tomatoes add a fresh, sweet flavor that enhances the overall profile of the burger.
• 1 Pickled onions Pickled onions provide a tangy crunch, cutting through the richness of the other toppings.
• 1 Chipotle mayo (optional for a smoky kick) Chipotle mayo brings a smoky, slightly spicy creaminess to the burger.

For the Buns:

• 4 whole-wheat burger buns (toasted) Whole-wheat buns add a nutty flavor and more texture, making the burger both hearty and healthy.

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chicken Patty Mix:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as that can make the patties tough.
  

Shape the Patties:

• Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape each one into a patty that’s about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps the patty cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up in the middle.
  

Cook the Patties:

• Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Add the pepper jack cheese slices during the last minute of cooking and cover the grill or skillet to allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the patty.
  

Toast the Buns:

• While the patties are cooking, toast the whole-wheat buns until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This step ensures the buns can hold up to the juicy patty and toppings without becoming soggy.

Assemble the Burger:

• To build your Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger, spread a layer of chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy chicken patty on top, followed by slices of avocado, lettuce, tomato, and pickled onions. Add the top bun, and your vibrant, zesty chicken burger is ready to enjoy!

Notes

The Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger is a refreshing twist on the classic chicken burger, combining bold citrus flavors with smoky, creamy toppings. If you’re looking for something with a bit more heat, check out our Spice Kick Chicken Burger for a fiery take on a chicken burger!

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Cuisine for The Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger
This burger belongs to American fusion cuisine, incorporating the classic elements of an American chicken burger with zesty, bright flavors from the lemon zest and cumin. The addition of chipotle mayo and pepper jack cheese gives it a Southwestern flair, making it a unique and exciting fusion of flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 670kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 44gFat: 40g

Keyword Chicken Burger, Citrus Chicken Patty, Pepper Jack Cheese, Avocado, Pickled Onions, Whole-Wheat Bun, Healthy Chicken Burger, Grilled Chicken Recipe, Chipotle Mayo,

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Conclusion

The Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger offers a refreshing, flavorful twist on the classic chicken burger, combining the brightness of lemon zest with smoky spices and creamy toppings. The ground chicken patty, with its tender texture and perfectly balanced seasoning, delivers bold flavors in every bite. Melted pepper jack cheese adds a subtle heat, while avocado and chipotle mayo provide a creamy richness that complements the patty’s zest. The fresh crunch of lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickled onions brings everything together, making this burger both satisfying and vibrant. Nestled in toasted whole-wheat buns, it’s a wholesome, hearty meal that feels indulgent yet refreshing. If you love experimenting with flavors, the Zesty Citrus Chicken Burger will not disappoint. And for those craving even more heat, check out our Spice Kick Chicken Burger for an extra fiery punch!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken breast instead of thigh meat?

Answer: Yes, you can use ground chicken breast, but keep in mind that it’s leaner than thigh meat and may not be as juicy. To retain moisture, you can add a little extra onion or a small amount of olive oil to the mixture. Alternatively, combining thigh and breast meat is a good way to get both leanness and juiciness.

2. What can I use as a substitute for Dijon mustard?

Answer: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole-grain mustard for a similar tangy taste and texture. You could also try adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dry mustard powder if you prefer a subtle mustard flavor.

3. Can I make the patties ahead of time and freeze them?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and freeze them. Shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw the patties in the fridge overnight before cooking.

4. How can I make this burger less spicy?

Answer: To reduce the spice level, you can use a milder cheese, like mozzarella or Swiss, instead of pepper jack. Additionally, you can omit the chipotle mayo or use regular mayo for a creamy topping without the extra heat. Skipping the smoked paprika or using a smaller amount can also help tone down the spice.

5. Can I cook these patties in the oven instead of on the grill or skillet?

Answer: Yes, you can bake the patties in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Add the cheese in the last few minutes to allow it to melt.