Ingredients
- Ground chicken: 1.5 lbs
- Fajita seasoning mix: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (plus extra for sautéing)
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Lime juice: 1 teaspoon
- Monterey Jack cheese slices: 4 slices
- Burger buns or Ciabatta rolls: 4
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the ground chicken, fajita seasoning mix, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the lime juice in a large bowl. Gently mix the ingredients until just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into four equally sized patties.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken patties for 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top of each patty and cover to melt. Remove patties and set aside.
- Step 3: While the patties cook, heat a separate skillet or the now-empty patty skillet with a small amount of oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper and yellow onion and sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, softened, and lightly caramelized, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.
- Step 4: Lightly toast the burger buns or rolls, either by placing them cut-side down on the grill for 1 minute or in a toaster oven until golden brown.
- Step 5: Assemble the burgers: Place one chicken fajita patty on the bottom bun, top with a generous serving of the sautéed fajita peppers and onions, and cover with the top bun. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftover cooked patties and the sautéed pepper/onion mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat separately before assembly for the best texture.
- To reheat the chicken patties without drying them out, wrap them loosely in foil with a teaspoon of water or broth and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- For a truly satisfying fajita experience, serve these burgers alongside a dollop of fresh guacamole or a spoonful of cool sour cream (or Mexican crema) to balance the spices.
- When mixing the ground chicken, incorporate the seasoning gently using your hands just until everything holds together; overmixing is the biggest mistake and results in tough, dense burgers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American