Southwestern-Style Burgers
Juicy Southwestern-style chicken burgers packed with green peppers, chili powder, and topped with creamy avocado and melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for casual outdoor grilling.
Ingredients
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/4 cup crushed tortillas ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound ground chicken ⓘ
- 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 4 kaiser rolls or hamburger buns, split ⓘ
- lettuce leaves ⓘ
- salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the beaten egg, crushed tortillas, chopped green pepper, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the ground chicken to the mixture and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into four 3/4-inch thick patties.
- Grill the patties on an uncovered grill over medium-hot coals.
- Cook for 15 to 18 minutes or until no longer pink, turning once.
- Top each patty with avocado slices and slices of Monterey Jack cheese.
- Grill for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- To serve, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun.
- Top with a cooked patty and salsa, then cover with the top half of the bun.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cumin or smoked paprika with the patty mixture. If you don't have ground chicken, ground turkey can be a great substitute. To enhance the texture, use crushed corn chips instead of tortillas. Ensure the patties are evenly shaped for consistent cooking on the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Southwestern-style burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh corn salad for a delightful meal. You can also pair them with a light beer or a refreshing iced tea. For an extra kick, offer jalapeños or hot sauce on the side and browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burgers in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be cautious not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern-Style Burgers contains roughly 515 calories, with 28g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1018mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before cooking to ensure even grilling.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If Monterey Jack cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a sharper flavor or added spice. Both options melt well and complement the southwestern flavors of the burger.
Can I bake the patties instead of grilling them?
Absolutely! To bake the patties, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the patties on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are fully cooked. This method is a great alternative if grilling isn't possible.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).