Why You’ll Love these Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers
While ground turkey has a reputation for creating dry, bland burgers, these Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers are anything but ordinary.
I’m obsessed with how the dark meat turkey stays incredibly juicy, while cilantro and red onion add brightness to every bite.
The real magic happens with that smoky chipotle mayo-sour cream sauce, adding a creamy heat that’ll make you forget you’re not eating beef.
And who can resist the combo of melty Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles?
Trust me, these burgers strike that perfect balance between healthy-ish and indulgent that I’m always searching for in a weeknight dinner.
What Ingredients are in Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers?
When it comes to creating truly exceptional turkey burgers, the ingredients make all the difference. These Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers rely on dark meat ground turkey as their base, which contains just enough fat to keep the patties juicy and flavorful—something you’ll definitely miss if you substitute with the leaner white meat variety.
The combination of fresh ingredients and smoky elements creates a burger that’s complex, satisfying, and anything but boring.
- 1½ pounds ground dark meat turkey
- 1 small red onion, minced
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chipotle chile in adobo, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
- Vegetable oil (for brushing the grill)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns, split
- 4 leaves red leaf lettuce
- 8 slices hickory smoked bacon, cooked
- 2 dill pickles, sliced diagonally
The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful balance of flavors and textures. Don’t skimp on the chipotle in adobo—it’s what gives these burgers their signature smoky heat.
And while you might be tempted to use a different cheese, Swiss has just the right amount of nuttiness and melt factor to complement the spicy chipotle sauce.
Are you a pickle lover? Feel free to add more than the recipe suggests. The tangy crunch provides the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce and rich turkey patty.
How to Make these Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers
Making these smoky turkey burgers starts with creating the perfect patty mixture. In a medium bowl, combine 1½ pounds of ground dark meat turkey (the dark meat is essential for juiciness), 1 small minced red onion, 3 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro, and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of coarse salt and some freshly ground pepper, then mix everything gently with your hands—overworking the meat will make your burgers tough, and nobody wants that. Shape the mixture into four ½-inch thick patties, cover them, and let them chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until they’re cold and firm. This resting time is non-negotiable if you want burgers that hold together on the grill.
While your patties are chilling, prepare that incredible chipotle sauce that gives these burgers their signature smoky flavor. In a food processor or blender, puree ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ cup chipotle chile in adobo, and 1 teaspoon of adobo sauce until smooth. The sauce can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated—in fact, letting it sit actually improves the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high and brush it with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Season both sides of your turkey patties with salt and pepper, then grill them for about 5 minutes per side until they’re cooked through. During the final 30 seconds of cooking, top each burger with 2 slices of Swiss cheese and let it melt into gooey perfection.
Don’t forget to toast those sesame seed buns on the grill for about 30 seconds—that golden crunch makes all the difference.
Assembly is where everything comes together into burger bliss. Spread that spicy chipotle mixture generously on both halves of your toasted buns. On the bottom half, layer a leaf of red leaf lettuce, the cheesy turkey patty, 2 slices of crispy hickory smoked bacon, and a few diagonal slices of dill pickle.
The combination of cool lettuce, spicy sauce, smoky bacon, and tangy pickles creates a symphony of flavors that will make you forget you’re eating turkey instead of beef. Cap it all off with the top bun, press down slightly (not too much or you’ll squish all that goodness out), and serve immediately while everything is still warm and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers Substitutions and Variations
For those of us who love flexibility in the kitchen, these smoky chipotle turkey burgers welcome all sorts of creative substitutions and variations.
Can’t find dark meat turkey? Ground chicken thighs work beautifully. Not a fan of Swiss? Pepper jack or smoked gouda bring delicious alternatives to the table.
The chipotle sauce can handle tweaks too – lighten it up with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or dial up the heat with extra adobo sauce.
Veggie lovers might add sliced avocado or grilled poblanos.
And those buns? Try brioche for richness or go low-carb with lettuce wraps.
What to Serve with Smoky Chipotle Turkey Burgers
The perfect side dishes for these smoky chipotle turkey burgers should complement their bold, spicy profile while creating a well-rounded meal.
I love pairing them with crispy sweet potato fries, which balance the heat with their natural sweetness. A simple coleslaw with lime dressing works wonders too, offering a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm burgers.
For something lighter, try a grilled corn salad with avocado and black beans. The smokiness echoes the chipotle flavors beautifully.
And don’t forget revitalizing drinks – an icy limeade or Mexican-style beer with lime cuts through the richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
When you sink your teeth into these smoky chipotle turkey burgers, you’ll quickly understand why they’ve become a staple in my summer grilling rotation.
The combination of dark meat turkey, fresh cilantro, and that creamy-spicy chipotle sauce creates a burger that’s both healthier and, dare I say, more interesting than its beef counterpart.
I love how these burgers strike that perfect balance between healthy and indulgent.
The Swiss cheese melts beautifully, while the bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch.
Honestly, who needs beef when turkey can taste this good?
For a complete meal with comforting flavors, you could serve these alongside a cheesy green bean casserole that combines protein and vegetables in one delicious dish.
If you’re looking for another delicious recipe to serve alongside these burgers, try making golden-brown potato pancakes for a crispy, satisfying side dish.
