Everything you thought you knew about a grilled turkey burger? Throw it out. Unless you knew how to make this incredible chipotle lime turkey burger, somehow. Then you can keep that.
Grilled turkey burger
However you feel about turkey burgers, you might have the impression that they're hard to pull off from scratch. There are a million pitfalls leading to dry burgers that fall apart on the grill. I'm glad you're here.
Chipotle lime turkey burger
This chipotle lime turkey burger makes exactly zero compromises: flavor, texture, power—all present in this delicious dish. You're not going to believe how good this one is.
Turkey burger ingredients
- Ground turkey - What did you expect?
- Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce - This is the real key to this burger.
- Breadcrumbs - Or maybe it's this.
- Egg - Okay, it's all the key.
- Lime juice - Flavor city.
- Garlic and onion powder - More flavor, please.
- Salt and pepper - flavor achieved.
Chipotile lime sauce ingredients
- Nonfat greek yogurt - Tangy goodness.
- Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce - Reprising its role.
- Lime juice - Also returning.
- Honey - Hidden gem of this sauce.
- Garlic powder - Can't have too much garlic.
- Salt - Can have too much salt—but you won't!
How do you make turkey burgers that don't fall apart?
That's the big question! Here's the big answer: it depends. The key with this particular recipe was using the powerful egg-and-breadcrumb mixture to regulate the moisture levels and bind everything together. On top of that, giving it time to set up in the fridge is crucial. Don't skip a step! I promise they'll be done soon.
How to make grilled turkey burger
- Add all of the burger patty ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into burger patties and place in the fridge for 15 mins to let them firm. (To portion, divide into 4ths; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total mixture weight, not including dish, by 4).
- While the burger patties are refrigerating, add all of the sauce ingredients into a small bowl (or blender). Blend or stir vigorously until sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Add burger patties to a heated grill. Grill until patties are cooked thoroughly (an internal temperature of 165 degrees).
- Serve with a bun, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sauce, or whatever you love on your burger.
- Enjoy!
What do you serve with a turkey burger?
These hold up to a classic bun/condiments situation quite well, but don't limit them to just that! They're great on a salad, or even in more creative applications. Let me know what you try!
How long does it take to grill a turkey burger?
This, again, depends on your setup. On the first real test, I think it took 4 mins/side on a hot charcoal grill. We've also done these on a cast iron pan inside.
What temperature do you grill turkey burgers?
The recommended internal temperature for ground turkey is 165F. So, that's what I recommend!
How to store grilled turkey burgers
I was able to toss these in a tupperware container and return to them for leftovers (which I definitely did!).
How to reheat turkey burgers
The microwave is a champ here, though I've yet to try out the oven. Let me know if you do!
Are turkey burgers healthy?
The macro breakdown definitely makes these chipotle lime turkey burgers healthy for me. With 34g of protein per serving and only 2.6g of fat, I definitely feel great about having these in the rotation for a healthy nutrition plan.
Is a turkey burger healthier than a hamburger?
The extra lean nature of this turkey makes it a healthy choice over certain types of ground beef, but don't expect the turkey-for-beef substitution to magically make something good for you! Look to the other ingredients and the portions, for example.
Looking for more easy dinner recipes?
Try one of these popular easy dinner recipes:
Can I have the recipe?
If you try this recipe and love it, please rate it and me know your thoughts! I hope you enjoy this chipotle lime turkey burger!
Chipotle Lime Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
Chipotle Lime Burger
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce diced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Chipotle Lime Sauce
- 1 cup nonfat greek yogurt
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all of the burger patty ingredients to a large bowl. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into burger patties and place in the fridge for 15 mins to let them firm. (To portion, divide into 4ths; for a more exact portion measurement, divide total mixture weight, not including dish, by 4).
- While the burger patties are refrigerating, add all of the sauce ingredients into a small bowl (or blender). Blend or stir vigorously until sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Add burger patties to a heated grill. Grill until patties are cooked thoroughly (an internal temperature of 165 degrees).
- Serve with a bun, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sauce, or whatever you love on your burger.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition only includes burger patty & sauce
- To make gluten free: Instead of breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
- To make dairy-free: Use a dairy-free yogurt for the chipotle sauce
Tori says
It is hard for me to love a Turkey burger- but these have a great flavor- and it makes more than I need so it is an easy lunch for work!
Lauren says
These were good, but the sauce is amazing! Definitely will make again
Kassandra Hopkins says
We LOVE these burgers. My boyfriend refused to eat turkey burgers until we tried this recipe during a Tighter Together challenge. We now make them often- sometimes even at his request 😉 The sauce is phenomenal and any leftovers make a great burger salad!
Katherine Powers says
So easy and delicious!!!!
Regina Parks says
Go to burger recipe. So dang good and easily adaptable spice level to make family friendly:)
Sarah says
The store was out of ground turkey so I used ground chicken, and it worked well! So easy to just throw on the George Foreman when I got home from work in the evenings (no decision fatigue with these delicious burgers prepped in the fridge). Great flavors and, as a sauce person, let me tell you that this recipe makes a lot of sauce. EXCELLENT WORK JORDO. You’ve done it again.
Kathy says
Absolutely LOVED these burgers! It was the first time and made any type of turkey burger and now this will be my go-to!!!
Regina Parks says
My favorite turkey burgers ever! So good, so juicy and easily customizable for spice level 🔥 for the kiddos.
Stephanie Goelz says
These burgers are delicious. Even my kids like them.
Katrina M says
Easy to make in a pinch, & so good. Added avocado & pineapple on top.
Angela Formiller says
I just made these for the first time about 2 weeks ago and have made them 3 times since! So easy and yummy. I love that they don’t fall apart like other chicken/turkey burgers do. Plus all the flavor in the sauce.
Jordan Smith says
So happy to hear this is better than your typical turkey burger! And I agree, the sauce is IT.
Hannah R says
Ive tried many a turkey burger recipe and this one was so simple and so good. My husband said we dont need any other turkey burger recipe anymore. We had a lot of sauce leftover and weve been using it at every meal.
Jordan Smith says
I'm so glad to hear you & your husband love this turkey burger recipe! Turkey burgers are tricky & I love that these hit the mark for y'all. Enjoy!
Regina Parks says
Obsessed with these. So dang good.
Virginia says
These burgers are so simple to make, but full of flavor! My husband and I loved these! Even my toddler enjoyed the sauce. Definitely adding this to our dinner rotation!
kaylen says
So good! Will definitely be making these a part of our go-to meals. We served with colby jack cheese, lettuce, and avocado.
Jordan Smith says
Hey Kaylen, your cheese and avocado pairings sound PERFECT. So happy you enjoyed this recipe!