Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a meal that feels both summery and satisfying, look no further than Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa. Imagine a juicy, flavor-packed chicken patty, nestled on a toasted bun and topped with creamy avocado, sweet bursts of corn, and zesty tomatoes—all tossed together in a salsa that tastes like sunshine. This is the burger you’ll find yourself craving all year long, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cozied up in your kitchen. It brings bright, fresh colors to the table, and every bite is a lovely mix of textures. Trust me, after one taste, Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa will be in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa comes from simple, whole ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component earns its spot, bringing either moisture, color, flavor, or crunch to the party. Here’s what you’ll need—plus a handy tip for each.
- Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it’s the perfect blank canvas to soak up delicious seasonings.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties and keep them juicy—swap for gluten-free if needed.
- Egg: The magic glue that holds your burgers together without drying them out.
- Garlic: A couple minced cloves add savory depth to every bite.
- Red onion (for burgers + salsa): Finely chopped for a mild sweetness and gentle crunch in both components.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky warmth to the patties without overpowering other flavors.
- Ground cumin: Brings earthy, aromatic vibes that perfectly complement the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those great flavors—don’t be shy!
- Ripe avocado: Creamy, naturally rich, and absolutely essential for that dreamy salsa.
- Corn kernels: Use fresh for crunch, grilled for smoky depth, or canned for convenience.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweet, juicy pop is just what your salsa needs—regular or heirloom are both fantastic.
- Lime juice: Bright, tangy, and the key to keeping your salsa vibrant (and avocado from browning).
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro lends herbal freshness—skip or swap with parsley if you prefer.
- Burger buns: Go classic, brioche, whole wheat, or gluten-free; they all work beautifully.
- Lettuce: A crisp layer adds texture and a fresh, cooling contrast.
- Sauce or spread (optional): Chipotle mayo or Greek yogurt can take your burger to the next level.
How to Make Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Burger Mixture
Start by combining your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything just until combined—you want to keep it tender and juicy! Don’t overwork the mixture or your burgers could turn out dense. Once blended, divide it into four equal balls and gently shape each into a patty. This is your moment to get a little hands-on, but don’t fret if the mixture feels soft; they’ll firm up as they cook.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Burgers
Heat a lightly oiled skillet or fire up your grill to medium heat. Place the formed patties on the hot surface and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to press down (that squeezes all the juiciness out). You’ll know they’re done when golden on both sides and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Kitchen tip: don’t rush! Giving them time to develop that savory, caramelized crust makes all the difference for Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Corn Salsa
While the burgers cook, it’s time to mix up the superstar topping. In a separate bowl, gently toss together your diced avocado, corn kernels, finely diced red onion, chopped cherry tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Give everything a careful stir—this salsa works best when the avocado holds its shape. Want an extra pop of flavor? Try using grilled corn to infuse a smoky-sweet edge that takes the whole salsa to the next level.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
Give your buns a quick toast, either on the grill or in your skillet, for an irresistible golden crunch. To assemble: start with a fresh lettuce leaf on the bottom bun (it helps keep everything sturdy), add your chicken patty, then generously spoon over the avocado corn salsa. Pile on any extra sauce or spread you love, pop on the top bun, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa are best enjoyed right away, while the patties are warm and that salsa is cool and zesty. Invite everyone to the table, serve up those beautiful burgers, and watch them disappear in record time!
How to Serve Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa
Garnishes
Elevate each plate by adding extra sprigs of cilantro, a lime wedge for squeezing, or a sprinkle of flaky salt on top of the salsa. A drizzle of chipotle mayo or a dash of smoked paprika gives an inviting, restaurant-worthy touch. With Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa, little details like these make every bite even more special.
Side Dishes
Classic sidekicks always work wonders: think sweet potato fries, crispy oven-roasted potatoes, or a big, fresh salad. For summer picnics, pair with watermelon or coleslaw. These burgers also love grilled veggies or crunchy slaw—the freshness of those sides plays beautifully with the flavors in the avocado corn salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not switch things up? Serve the chicken patties bunless over a bed of greens for a lighter, knife-and-fork meal, or try slider-sized patties for party platters. Stack everything open-faced on toasted sourdough or even serve the patties alongside extra salsa as a protein-packed salad bowl. Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa are as versatile as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover patties or salsa (lucky you!), store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The burgers will keep for up to 3 days, while the salsa is best enjoyed within 24 hours so the avocado stays fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
Chicken burger patties freeze beautifully—just wrap them individually (uncooked or cooked) and stash in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating. Hold off on freezing the avocado corn salsa, though, as the fresh ingredients don’t hold up well in the freezer.
Reheating
To warm up leftover patties, heat them gently in a skillet over low–medium heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll get the best texture from stovetop or oven. Always top with fresh salsa upon serving for the ideal Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and gives a slightly different flavor profile, but the same seasonings and salsa will complement it beautifully. Just watch for doneness, as turkey cooks very similarly to chicken.
How can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice crackers, and use gluten-free buns or crisp lettuce leaves as your burger base. With these small tweaks, Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa are deliciously GF-friendly!
Can I grill the burgers instead of pan-searing?
Yes, grilling works like a charm and adds a subtle smokiness to the patties. Just preheat your grill to medium and oil the grates well before cooking to prevent sticking.
What should I do if my burger mixture feels too wet?
If the mixture is a bit loose, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs at a time until it holds its shape. Ground chicken can vary in moisture content, so adjust as needed for perfect patties.
Do you have suggestions for sauces or spreads?
A dollop of chipotle mayo, Greek yogurt with herbs, classic ketchup, or even a spicy aioli all taste fantastic. Play around and discover your favorite pairing—the tangy salsa pairs deliciously with creamy, zesty, or even spicy sauces.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so cheerful about sharing Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa—bright, bold, and full of flavor in every bite. I hope you’ll give these a try, whether you’re making a quick dinner or celebrating a sunny weekend with friends. Gather your favorite people, pile high those buns, and get ready for a new favorite at your table!
Print
Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa are a delicious and healthy option for your summer grilling. Juicy ground chicken patties seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin are topped with a zesty avocado corn salsa, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Avocado Corn Salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Burger buns, lettuce, and your choice of sauce or spread (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Burgers: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, red onion, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until just combined. Shape into patties.
- Cook the Chicken Burgers: Cook the patties in a skillet or grill for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Make the Avocado Corn Salsa: Combine avocado, corn, red onion, tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast burger buns, then layer lettuce, a chicken patty, avocado corn salsa, and additional toppings.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with chipotle mayo or Greek yogurt spread.
- Grilled corn adds a smoky flavor to the salsa.
- For a lighter option, serve bunless over greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and salsa
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
