Bacon Jalapeno Chicken Smash Burger

These Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Smash Burgers are amazing and packed with flavor! Seasoned ground chicken pressed into thin patties, cooked with thinly sliced ​​red onions and jalapeños, caramelized and sandwiched between toasted brioche buns with Havarti cheese, crispy bacon and lettuce. Makes 4 servings.

Who doesn’t love a good burger?

Let me bring this Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Smash Burger to your attention! It’s my newest obsession. For a while I made them once a week for either dinner or weekday meals for lunch. The flavor is fantastic, the caramelized sautéed onions and jalapeños pair phenomenal with the bacon and Havarti. And it’s such a quick and easy recipe that it’s perfect for any day of the week.

To make these Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Smash Burgers you will need:

• bacon – To keep these burgers lean, I like to use bacon cut in the middle.
• lean ground chicken – I have not tested this with extra lean ground chicken.
• garlic powder – Adds a flavor that is sweeter yet milder than fresh garlic.
• onion powder – Gives additional strong onion flavor.
• kosher salt – Improves the taste of the burger patties.
• freshly ground black pepper – Adds some subtle bite and flavor.
• jalapeno – Adds delicious, tangy flavor and texture.
• Red onion – Gives delicious and slightly hot onion taste.
• Havarti cheese – Or use white American cheese.
• Brioche Burger Bun – Sturdy yet soft, these buns make every burger extra special.
• Garlic Aioli – Or just use mayonnaise.
• lettuce – Ensures crisp freshness.

Place 8 slices of bacon in the center of a cool, large skillet. Heat on medium-medium, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Place the crispy bacon on a plate lined with kitchen paper and set aside.

Meanwhile, place 1 pound of chopped chicken in a bowl. Sprinkle generously with garlic powder, onion powder, a few pinches of kosher salt, and some freshly ground black pepper.

What Kind of Ground Chicken is Best for Making Burgers?

I use a lean ground chicken. I didn’t test this recipe with extra lean bread as I feel the fat is necessary for great texture and flavor.

Divide into 4 servings (4 ounces).

Then mix everything together carefully and form round balls.

Place each ball on a piece of wax paper.

Cover with a second piece of wax paper and press down gently with the flat of a meat mallet, glass, or measuring cup until you get a thin but not too thin batter.

Carefully remove the top piece of wax paper and top the patty with a slice of red onion and a few jalapeños.

Replace the wax paper and gently but firmly press the onions and jalapeños into the patty. Repeat the process with the remaining burgers.

Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and spray with either olive oil or avocado oil nonstick spray. Once hot, portion 2 burgers on top, onion/jalapeño side down, and cook for 4 minutes.

Turn carefully and cook for 3 minutes. Put on a clean plate and Repeat the process with the last burger.

Place each burger in the pan (jalapeño/onion side up) and top each with a slice of Havarti cheese. Turn off the burner and cover with a lid.

Allow the cheese to melt in the steam for a minute or two.

Toast 4 brioche burger buns. Top the bottom half with mayonnaise or garlic aioli, a burger patty, bacon, and lettuce.

What to serve with chicken burgers?

Enjoy! And if you try this Bacon Jalapeño Chicken Smash Burger recipe let me know! Take a picture and tag me Twitter or Instagram!