If you are craving something that blends the spicy kick of jalapeños with the tangy, zesty goodness of buffalo sauce, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful chicken patty that bursts with bold flavors, perfect for impressing friends at a casual cookout or simply spicing up your weeknight dinners. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between heat, creaminess, and savoriness, making every bite utterly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, providing layers of texture, flavor, and that irresistible spicy kick.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base for tender, juicy patties.
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce: Adds tangy heat that defines the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture, keeping patties firm but moist.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped: Brings fresh, moderate heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory depth subtly.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and amplifies all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly searing the patties with a golden crust.
- 4 burger buns: Soft, fresh buns to hold all the deliciousness together.
- 4 slices pepper jack or cheddar cheese: Melts wonderfully, complementing the spicy chicken.
- Lettuce leaves: Provide crisp freshness to balance heat.
- Sliced red onion: Adds crunch and a hint of sharpness.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Cooling topper that perfectly tames the spice.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by placing the ground chicken into a large bowl. Add the buffalo wing sauce, breadcrumbs, finely chopped jalapeño (seeded to control the heat), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can result in dense patties, so be delicate to keep them tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a neat patty. Try to keep them uniform in thickness for even cooking and to ensure they reach the perfect internal temperature.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, checking that they turn golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of your preferred cheese and cover the pan briefly to let it melt beautifully.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble
Toast the burger buns lightly if you wish—this adds a lovely texture contrast. Assemble the burger by layering a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, then your cheesy buffalo chicken patty. Drizzle on some additional buffalo sauce for an extra punch, add red onion slices for a bit of sharp crunch, and finish with a generous spoonful of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Cap it with the top bun and serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe
Garnishes
A crispy lettuce leaf and fresh red onion slices offer refreshing texture and flavor contrast that helps tame the spicy heat of the jalapeño and buffalo sauce. Don’t forget a cooling dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing; it’s the perfect counterbalance that brings everything together.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs exceptionally well with classic crispy fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or even a light cucumber salad. The cold and crisp sides beautifully offset the warm, spicy, and saucy burger, making every meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these patties as sliders for a party or use large lettuce leaves instead of buns for a low-carb option. Wrapping the burger filling inside a warm pita or flatbread offers a Mediterranean-inspired spin that’s just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the burger components separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked patties for up to 2 months by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a zip-top bag. This makes meal prep easier and keeps the flavor locked in for later enjoyment.
Reheating
Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain moisture without drying them out. Add fresh toppings and a quick toast to buns for that just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in the Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and provides a similar mild flavor, allowing the buffalo sauce and jalapeño to shine through.
How spicy is this burger with the jalapeño included?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the seeded jalapeño, so it’s manageable for most spice lovers. You can always adjust the heat by adding more jalapeño or including the seeds if you like it hotter.
Can I make these burgers on a grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds great smoky flavor. Just make sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking and cook the patties evenly.
What’s the best cheese to use for this burger?
Pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick that complements the buffalo sauce, but sharp cheddar melts beautifully and offers a comforting richness. Either is great based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
The Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe can be a hit with kids who tolerate mild spice. To reduce the heat, simply use less jalapeño and milder buffalo sauce or substitute with a sweeter wing sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like biting into a perfectly cooked Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger that marries heat, tang, and creaminess all in one delicious package. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a new favorite in your home cooking arsenal. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just discover your ultimate go-to burger for every occasion!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A flavorful and spicy Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Burger featuring ground chicken mixed with buffalo wing sauce, jalapeños, and spices, cooked to juicy perfection and topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, red onion, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced red onion
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for topping
Instructions
- Mix the burger ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, buffalo wing sauce, breadcrumbs, finely chopped jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until ingredients are evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the patties are nicely browned and fully cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- Toast the buns and assemble: Toast the burger buns if desired. On the bottom bun, place a lettuce leaf, then add the cheesy buffalo chicken patty. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce, add sliced red onions, and spoon on ranch or blue cheese dressing. Top with the upper bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of additional hot sauce.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken if preferred.
- These patties are delicious in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
