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A juicy chicken burger topped with creamy sauce, avocado corn salsa, and fresh lettuce on a toasted brioche bun.
Maryam

Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa

Juicy, herb-packed chicken burgers topped with a bright, creamy avocado corn salsa that tastes like summer on a bun.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 428

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Burgers
  • 1.25 lb ground chicken not extra-lean, or burgers will be dry
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for salsa
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 4 brioche buns toasted
For the Avocado Corn Salsa
  • 1.5 cups fresh corn kernels from about 2 ears, or thawed frozen
  • 1 ripe avocado diced
  • 2 tbsp red onion finely diced
  • 1 lime juiced, about 2 tbsp
  • 1 jalapeno seeded and minced, optional

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Grill Pan or Outdoor Grill
  • Medium bowl for salsa

Method
 

Make the Salsa
  1. In a medium bowl, gently fold together corn, avocado, red onion, lime juice, jalapeno if using, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust lime or salt. Set aside - the lime juice will keep the avocado green while you cook the burgers.
Form and Cook the Burgers
  1. In a large bowl, use your hands to gently combine ground chicken, garlic, 1/4 cup cilantro, cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Do not overmix or burgers will be tough. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into 3/4-inch thick patties, making a slight depression in the center of each to prevent puffing.
  2. Heat olive oil in a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add patties and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until well-browned and release easily. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The center should feel firm when pressed.
  3. While burgers rest, toast the brioche buns cut-side down on the grill pan or grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Place each chicken patty on a toasted bun bottom. Spoon a generous 1/3 cup of avocado corn salsa over the patty, letting some spill onto the plate. Top with bun and serve immediately with extra salsa on the side.

Notes

For the juiciest burgers, use ground chicken with some fat content - 93% lean works well; 99% lean will be dry. The salsa is best made within 30 minutes of serving since avocado browns eventually, though the lime juice buys you time. No grill? A cast-iron skillet works beautifully - just get it ripping hot first.