When I ask Travis for suggestions for what to make for dinner, I can pretty much expect 1 of 2 responses: Tacos (any combination of beef, chicken, shrimp, whatever, as long as it’s in a tortilla, he’s happy) or burgers. Typical, right?
To be honest, I would be pretty content with alternating between those 2 meals too, at least for a while.
I am a creature of habit, but also live by the mantra that “Variety is the spice of life.” I’m a Gemini-I can’t help this split personality.
Annnnyway, I was strolling down the aisles in Trader Joe’s last weekend, taking a peek at all of their pre-made dinner options for inspiration for my weekly menu. Their Chili Lime Chicken Burgers caught my eye and I decided I would like to try my hand at making them myself! Also, it’s mid-October and still in the 90’s, so burgers sounded so fitting! Here’s where the variation in my life comes into play…yes they are burgers, but they are also far from our usual bacon and beef burgers. See how spontaneous I can be!? (#typeAproblems)
These burgers came out light, juicy (despite the low-fat level), just a tad spicy, and refreshing with the taste of lime. I went ahead and used the BBQ since it was hotter than you-know-what in my kitchen, but on second thought, they probably would have come out even juicier and prettier had I used the indoor griddle or Cast Iron Skillet. Ya live and ya learn! 
Ingredients:
(Makes 8-10 burgers)
- 2lbs ground chicken (turkey would work too!)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced small
- 1 cup onion, diced small
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- juice of 2 limes
- Pepperjack cheese, sliced-optional (I ended up not adding any at the end, mostly out of laziness 🙂 )
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in a large mixing bowl.
- Heat your grill or pan. Form burgers and add to a plate.
- Add burgers to hot grill or pan. They did fine on the grill, but would probably be even juicier and prettier if made in a grill pan. Plus I am not the grill master in the house and Travis was not home 😉 Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side.
- While the burgers are grilling, prepare the toppings. I went with lettuce “buns”, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and ended up adding mustard. I also roasted sweet potato fries and zucchini and mushrooms tossed in avocado oil, salt, and pepper in the oven at 400º for about 25 minutes. If using, add slices of cheese just before the burgers are ready to come off the grill.
- Once everything is prepared, assemble your juicy burger and enjoy!
We both had no problem polishing off two burgers each, and were happy to have leftovers for lunch the next day! The sides made the perfect addition to a filling, healthy, and delicious meal! See, it variety is a good thing! 
A Trader Joe's Copycat and a perfect alternative to your usual burger night!
- 2 lbs ground chicken turkey would work too
- 1/2 cup bell pepper diced small
- 1 cup onion diced small
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- juice of 2 limes
- Pepper Jack cheese sliced, optional
-
1. Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in a large mixing bowl.
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2. Heat your grill or pan to medium-high. Form burger patties and add to a plate.
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3. Add burgers to hot grill or pan. They did fine on the grill, but would probably be even juicier (and prettier) if made in a grill pan. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side.
-
4. While the burgers are grilling, prepare the toppings. I went with lettuce "buns", tomatoes, onion, avocado, and ended up adding mustard. I also roasted sweet potato fries and zucchini and mushrooms tossed in avocado oil, salt, and pepper. If using, add slices of cheese just before the burger is ready to come off the grill.
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5. Once everything is prepared, assemble your juicy burgers and preferred toppings and enjoy!
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