Add a punch of flavor to your dinner table with these delicious chicken avocado burgers! Avocado adds tenderness and moisture to this zesty chicken burger, and it’s the star of the show in the refreshing avocado burger sauce too. This recipe is perfect for avocado lovers! {Gluten-free & Paleo}
Table of Contents
Juicy Chicken Burger Recipe
Avocado is the not so secret ingredient that’s in these avocado chicken burgers, but you’d be surprised at how much flavor and moisture they add to the meat!
They are the perfect healthy fat to make lean chicken mince a bit more tender and flavorful. After you try it for the first time, you’ll want to add avocado to all of your chicken burger patties!
Why We Love These Avocado Burgers
- Moist & flavorful: Thanks to the healthy fat in the avocado and the jalapeno pieces, these ground chicken burgers are full of flavor and turn out juicy every time!
- Quick & easy: After preparing the burger meat, you let the patties rest while you make the avocado burger topping. Once the meat is on the grill or skillet, it’s just a matter of minutes before it’s ready!
- Spicy & refreshing: Although we often keep our meals a bit milder for the kids, it’s nice to have a little heat from the jalapenos once in a while! Plus, the avocado spread for the burgers is cooling and helps cut any bite.
Ingredient Notes
For the burgers
- Avocado: You’ll need ripe avocados to mix with the ground chicken breasts. They add lots of moisture and tenderness, just like you normally get from fat.
- Ground chicken: Choose your favorite ground chicken, whether that’s chicken breasts or thighs. Feel free to substitute ground turkey and make turkey burgers instead.
- Garlic: A little minced clove adds a savoriness that balances the heat of the jalapeno really well.
- Jalapeno: Finely diced jalapeno gets into every bite of the patties for tons of flavor without being too spicy.
- Salt & pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
For the avocado burger sauce
- Avocado: Add the fresh avocado to the bowl of a food processor or bowl to prepare the crema.
- Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds a refreshing creaminess. It has more protein and less fat than sour cream and is a healthier option.
- Lime juice: A little lime juice keeps the avocado from browning and adds a bright zing of flavor to the burger spread.
- Water: This is optional to help thin out the sauce to the perfect texture, making it easier to blend.
- Kosher salt
How to Make Chicken Burgers with Avocado – Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Prep Avocado Burgers
- In a large bowl, mash the avocado.
- Add ground chicken, garlic, jalapeno pepper, salt and pepper and mix until combined.
- Form into 4-5 patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Place patties on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties have slightly firmed up.
Step 2 – Make Avocado Spread for Burgers
- Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for the avocado crema in a mini blender or food processor. Pulse until a smooth sauce forms. Add more water if needed until you achieve desired consistency.
Step 3 – Cook & Serve!
- When ready to cook burgers, oil and preheat a grill or cast iron pan to medium high heat. Cook the burgers until seared and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a platter and serve with a bun, avocado sauce, and desired toppings.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Tips for the Best Chicken Burgers
- Choose ripe (but not brown) avocados for best results. It will be easier to mash and incorporate into the burger patty, and combine into the sauce.
- If making these burgers for kids, you may wish to leave out the jalapeno pepper if they’re sensitive to any spice. They’re not spicy burgers, but do have a bit of a kick.
- Be sure to put the patties in the freezer to allow them to firm up slightly before cooking. If you skip this step, they’ll be more likely to fall apart on the grill.
- Oil the grates of grill really well with paper towel or a brush and only flip the burgers when they’re cooked enough to hold together when flipped.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! This is a great trick to make a lean cut of meat like ground chicken taste much richer and have a softer texture. Mash up the avocado and mix it into the ground chicken with other seasonings, then grill, fry, or bake like normal.
Chicken burgers are a great healthy alternative to regular burgers! Chicken is high in protein and low in fat, making it easier to add creamy toppings like this avocado burger topping without enjoying too many calories for the day. They taste great served on burger buns or enjoyed in a lettuce wrap for a low carb option.
Although everyone has their favorite method, I prefer to cook these avocado chicken burgers on the grill. It adds a nice char and smokey flavor that really enhances the flavors of the ingredients. However, they can also be griddled in a large skillet or even baked in the oven, so prepare them in whatever way works best for you. Just be sure to let the patties freeze until slightly firm before you cook them or they may fall apart.
Storage & Reheating Guidelines
Refrigerator: Once cooked, you can store the leftover avocado chicken burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store any leftover avocado spread separately.
Freezer: The burgers can also be frozen and kept in a freezer-safe bag for several months. Be sure to let the avocado chicken burgers thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat: Reheat the burger patties in the microwave or air fryer for 3-4 minutes or until fully warmed, then top with the leftover avocado sauce or avocado slices.
Topping Ideas
This chicken avocado burger recipe tastes great with a variety of toppings!
Try it with:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced cheese (pepper jack is a great choice)
- Pickles
- Bacon
- Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Roasted Garlic Spread
Serving Suggestions
These chicken burgers are the perfect main dish for any meal! To turn them into a whole meal, pair them with any of these sides or salads.
- Grilled Corn Avocado Salad
- Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Healthy Roasted Potatoes
- Healthy Dill Potato Salad
Recipe Variations
- For avocado cheese burger: Add a slice of your favorite cheese to your burger patty for some melty goodness.
- Switch up the meat: Instead of chicken, use ground turkey, ground pork, or even lean ground beef!
- For extra spice: Add red pepper flakes, a little hot sauce, or even pickled jalapeno brine to your patty mixture for some heat. You can even skip the avocado sauce and serve the burgers with sriracha mayo instead!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Pesto Chicken Burgers
- Burger Salad Bowl
- Worcestershire Sauce Burger
- Chicken Parm Burgers
- Chicken Avocado Poppers
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Chicken Avocado Burgers
Ingredients
For the chicken avocado burgers
- 1/2 medium ripe avocado
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeno pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
For the avocado burger sauce
- 1 medium avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Juice from half a lime (about 1 tablespoon lime juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water (or more as needed)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mash the avocado. Add ground chicken, garlic, jalapeno pepper, salt and pepper and mix until combined. Form into 4-5 patties, about ½ inch thick. Place patties on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 20-25 minutes, or until the patties have slightly firmed up.
- Meanwhile combine all ingredients for the avocado crema in a mini blender or food processor. Pulse until a smooth sauce forms. Add more water if needed until you achieve desired consistency.
- When ready to cook burgers, oil and preheat a grill or cast iron pan to medium high heat. Cook the burgers until seared and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a platter and serve with a bun, avocado sauce, and desired toppings.
Notes
- Choose ripe (but not brown) avocados for best results. It will be easier to mash and incorporate into the burger patty, and combine into the sauce.
- If making these burgers for kids, you may wish to leave out the jalapeno pepper if they’re sensitive to any spice. They’re not spicy burgers, but do have a bit of a kick.
- Be sure to put the patties in the freezer to allow them to firm up slightly before cooking. If you skip this step, they’ll be more likely to fall apart on the grill.
- Oil the grates of grill really well with paper towel or a brush and only flip the burgers when they’re cooked enough to hold together when flipped.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in May 2018 and was updated June 2023 to include more helpful tips and photos.
Thanks for such a lovely, simple recipe
Very nice post….I love to cook these healthier and yummy recipe…
I LOVE that you put the avocado INNNNN the burger meat! SO GENIUS!
Elysia when I come visit we’ll have these for lunch, right? I love jalapeño!
You had me at avocado. YUM! Just in time for grilling season! :)
Thanks Emily — such a huge fan of avocado!
While not a burger eater myself, my boys would be all over these. The spicier the better
Oh yeah — I agree! The jalapeño adds a nice kick of flavour!