By: Sarah Lohm, Dietetic Intern

Before we officially say goodbye to summer, I’m making room for a few more meals on the grill! These Jalapeño Popper Burgers are one of my favorite ways to keep dinner simple while still making it feel a little special. They have all of the flavors I love about a jalapeño popper — spicy jalapeños, sharp cheddar, garlic, and smoky seasonings — tucked into a juicy chicken burger and topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce.

As a soon-to-be dietitian, I love meals that are both satisfying and flavorful while still packing in plenty of nutrition. The ground chicken adds a great source of protein, and adding fresh toppings and a side of vegetables, fruit, or sweet potato fries makes this an easy, well-rounded meal. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weeknight dinner or enjoying one of those last warm summer evenings with friends, these burgers are a fun way to savor the season while it lasts!

Jalapeño Popper Burgers

Summer grilling season isn’t over yet! These Jalapeño Popper Burgers put a fun twist on the classic burger, combining juicy ground chicken with fresh jalapeños, melty cheddar, and smoky spices. Topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and fresh summer toppings, they’re flavorful, easy to throw on the grill, and perfect for those last warm-weather dinners.

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Carbohydrates 8g

Fat 16.5g

Saturated Fat 5.75g

Sodium 373mg

Sugar 3.5g

Calories 298

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

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• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
• 2 jalapeños finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 green onions thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Optional)

• 1/2 cup Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp light mayonnaise optional
• 1 garlic clove finely grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & Pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 4 Whole-Wheat Burger Buns toasted
• Butter lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Pickled jalapeños optional
• Avocado slices optional

Instructions

 

Make the Creamy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Burgers

• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, and egg.
• Using clean hands or a spoon, gently mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties about 1/2-inch thick. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly. If time allows, refrigerate the patties for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
• Heat a grill or large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil. Cook the burgers for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• To assemble, spread the garlic sauce on the bottom bun. Top the burger with butter lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and jalapeños (if desired). Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
• Note: These burgers are also delicious served as lettuce wraps or alongside grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, or sweet potato fries.

Notes

*The nutrition figures above are for one serving and should be considered estimates. These estimates are for the burgers and yogurt sauce only. Nutrition figures for buns and/or other serving methods are not included. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in foods, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe.

Keyword Burger, Cookout, dinner, healthy dinner, healthy meals, Jalapeño, Jalepeno Popper, Recipes, summer cookout

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Let’s Make It!

Step One: If using creamy garlic sauce, whisk together ingredients and set aside.

Step Two: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, and egg.

Step Three: Using clean hands or a spoon, gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties about ½-inch thick. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly. If time allows, refrigerate the patties for 15–20 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.

Step Four: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with oil. Cook the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step Five: Top with desired toppings, and enjoy!

I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU TRY IT!

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