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Spice up your weeknight dinner with these juicy chicken fajita burgers. Ground chicken gets a tasty fajita seasoning and tops are loaded with sweet cooked peppers and onions, melty Monterey Jack, plus smooth guacamole. They're quick to whip up and bring a fresh twist to a classic meal that's super satisfying.
I first made these when I wanted fajitas but something easy to hold. Everyone loved them so much they’re now a go-to dinner at our house.
What You Need
- Fresh lime juice: adds zing to both guacamole and the chicken mix
- Avocado: mashed for creamy guacamole that cools down the spices
- Monterey Jack cheese: melts nicely and adds rich flavor without stealing the show
- Red bell pepper and yellow onion: sautéed for sweet, soft crunch and caramelized flavor
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder: create the true taste of fajitas
- Ground chicken: lean and juicy, great for holding all those spices
- Fresh cilantro: gives a fresh bright flavor that lifts the whole dish
- Buns: pick ones that are soft but strong enough to hold everything together
How To Make It
- Make The Guacamole First
- Use a fork to mash avocado until it's almost smooth but still a bit chunky. Mix in chopped cilantro, diced onion, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and add more lime or salt to get it just right. This guac adds smooth brightness that balances the spices.
- Mix The Chicken
- Combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken and gently mix with your hands until everything is combined. Shape into four equal patties. Lay them on parchment paper so they don't stick.
- Cook Peppers And Onions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Toss in thin sliced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Stir occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes until they soften and start to brown a little. Take them out and set aside.
- Cook The Patties
- Turn heat down to medium, add more olive oil if pan looks dry. Add chicken patties and let cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip carefully so they don’t break. Put a slice of Monterey Jack on each patty and keep cooking until the patties reach 165°F inside and cheese melts.
- Put The Burgers Together
- If you like, toast or warm the buns. Place a patty on the bottom bun, top with the cooked peppers and onions, then spoon the guacamole on. Finish with the top bun and serve right away for the best taste and texture.
I love how fresh lime juice lifts every bite, from the chicken mix to the guacamole. The first time I served these was out on the porch with a cold drink. That citrus hit was the perfect match for smoky spices and it stuck with me—simple, happy moments.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of water and cover to keep them moist. Store guacamole separately because it goes brown quickly. Before serving, stir in some fresh lime juice to brighten it up again.
Swap Ideas
You can use ground turkey or lean pork instead of chicken with the same spice mix. Switch Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack to add some heat. If you can't find fresh cilantro, flat leaf parsley works but tastes different. Store-bought guacamole is fine if it has simple fresh ingredients and no extras.
Serving Tips
Try these with crunchy sweet potato fries or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Add salsa or pickled jalapeños for extra zing. You can even wrap the burgers in big lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
These chicken fajita burgers rewrite a classic with fresh, bold flavors that work any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Which spices give these burgers their fajita kick?
It’s a blend of chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and a little garlic powder, finished off with a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten it up.
- → How do I get peppers and onions soft but still a bit crisp?
Cook the sliced peppers and onions in a pan over medium-high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes so they get tender but keep a little snap and color.
- → What cheese works best melted on these chicken patties?
Monterey Jack melts nice and smooth and adds a gentle, creamy flavor that matches perfectly with the spiced chicken and toppings.
- → How can I make tasty guacamole for topping the burgers?
Mash up ripe avocado with chopped cilantro, diced onion, a pinch of garlic powder, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper until creamy and well mixed.
- → Is ground turkey a good swap for chicken here?
Definitely, ground turkey works well and goes great with the fajita spices and all the toppings in this dish.