Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! One of my all-time favorites that I whip up during the summer months (or honestly any time the craving strikes) is the delicious Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa. This dish has become a staple at my backyard barbecues and family gatherings, and it always gets rave reviews—like, “Are you sure you didn’t get this from a fancy restaurant?” kind of rave!
Let me tell you, there’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a juicy, flavorful chicken burger piled high with that vibrant, fresh avocado corn salsa. I remember the first time I made these for my friends—they were skeptical about a chicken burger being that good, but by the end of the meal, all I could see were empty plates and smiling faces. Plus, it’s a bonus that it feels a bit fancy while being super easy to pull together. So, let’s get cooking!
What’s in Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa?
Ground Chicken: The star of this dish! Ground chicken is lean, juicy, and takes on flavors beautifully. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to beef if you’re looking for something lighter.
Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic! It adds a lovely depth of flavor to the chicken. I prefer using fresh garlic cloves—that aroma is just divine!
Chili Powder: This spice brings a gentle kick of heat. If you like a little more spice in your life, feel free to add a touch more!
Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin is a flavor that pairs wonderfully with ground chicken. It really elevates the taste of the burgers.
Salt & Pepper: Basic but essential to enhance all the flavors in the burger.
Avocado: Creamy and nutritious, avocados elevate any dish. They add richness to the salsa and balance with the fresh ingredients.
Fresh Corn: Summertime sweetness at its best! You can use fresh corn on the cob or frozen corn for convenience.
Cilantro: The fresh herb that ties the salsa together with a burst of flavor. I know it’s a love-it-or-hate-it ingredient, so feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens up the salsa and gives it that zesty freshness.
Is Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with wholesome ingredients that not only taste great but also offer various health benefits.
Ground Chicken: A great source of protein, ground chicken is low in fat compared to traditional beef. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to maintain a leaner diet.
Avocado: These creamy gems are chock-full of healthy fats (think heart-healthy monounsaturated fats), vitamins, and minerals. They’re great for your skin and overall health.
Corn: Fresh corn is not just sweet; it’s also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Cilantro and Lime: Both ingredients add antioxidants and provide a refreshing twist to the dish without any added calories.
Now, while this meal is relatively healthy, it’s important to remember portion sizes and balance in your overall diet. Pair these burgers with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground chicken (preferably lean)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup fresh corn, cooked (or frozen, thawed)
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Burger buns for serving
Serves: 4
How to Make Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa?
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix as it makes the burgers tough!
2. Shape the mixture into four patties, making them a bit wider than your burger buns because they will shrink slightly while cooking.
3. Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. While the burgers are cooking, prepare the avocado corn salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, corn, cilantro (if using), and lime juice. Gently stir everything together to avoid mashing the avocado too much. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Once the burgers are cooked, place them on burger buns and top generously with the avocado corn salsa.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the happy smiles of your family and friends as they dig in!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Chicken Burgers
What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can switch up the spices for a different flavor profile or add cheese on top of the burgers (I’m a sucker for pepper jack cheese for that extra kick).
Feeling a bit adventurous? Try adding some grilled onions or jalapeños to provide even more flavor. Serve these burgers with sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw for a complete meal.
Don’t forget, you can make the avocado corn salsa ahead of time—it actually tastes better after sitting for a while as the flavors meld together!
I hope you find joy in making these Chicken Burgers with Avocado Corn Salsa as much as I do. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser and a great way to showcase fresh summer produce. Give it a try, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
