Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, and sauté until they’re softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with fajita seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned chicken mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making sure they’re evenly sized. If you have a burger press, this is a great time to use it for uniform patties.
- Cook the Patties: In the same skillet used for the vegetables, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken patties over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and have a nice golden-brown crust.
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns if desired. Place a chicken patty on the bottom half of each bun, then top with the sautéed bell peppers and onions. Add any optional toppings such as avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Fajita Burgers hot, with your favorite side dishes like fries, salad, or chips and guacamole.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less fajita seasoning. For a milder burger, reduce the amount of seasoning or skip the smoked paprika.
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! In addition to the suggested toppings, you can add pickled jalapeños, lettuce, or even a fried egg for extra flavor.
- Ground Chicken: If you can’t find ground chicken, you can substitute with ground turkey. Both work well and have similar cooking times.
- Cooking Method: These burgers can also be grilled for an extra smoky flavor. Just be sure to oil the grill grates well to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Variations and Swaps
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground chicken with a plant-based ground meat alternative. The seasoning and cooking method remain the same.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking for a gooey, cheesy addition.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like it hot, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or drizzle hot sauce on top of the assembled burger.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving. If you’ve assembled the burgers, it’s best to store the components separately to avoid soggy buns. The fajita vegetables can also be stored in a separate container and reheated as needed.