While we appreciate a classic turkey burger, these Green Chile Turkey Burgers elevate the experience entirely! They’re bursting with the smoky depth of fire-roasted green chiles, perfectly balanced seasonings, and creamy, subtly spiced Pepper Jack cheese – truly delightful!

Looking for more burger inspiration? Explore some of our other top-rated burger recipes, including our hearty beef Inside-Out Cheeseburgers with Corn Salsa, exotic Teriyaki Burgers, or these incredibly quick and easy Chicken Burgers.

Ultimate Green Chile Turkey Burgers: A Burst of Flavor

Imagine craving the comforting warmth of a green-chile-infused dish like our White Turkey Chili, but the weather outside calls for something lighter and more refreshing. That’s precisely when these incredible Green Chile Turkey Burgers come to the rescue! They offer the same beloved chili flavor profile but in a juicy, handheld format that’s perfect for any season. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of spices, a rich depth of flavor, and a satisfying texture that will leave you craving more.

While the expertly crafted patties are undeniably the star, there’s an undeniable magic that happens when they’re paired with a perfectly buttered and toasted brioche bun. Layered with crisp vegetables, the succulent turkey patty, and creamy, ripe avocado, it creates an epicurean delight – a truly swoon-worthy experience!

Don’t just take our word for it. Even my father, who was notoriously skeptical of ground turkey, became an instant convert. After trying some leftover burgers, he sent me a text message that simply read: “Best burger ever!!!!!!! Really. This is what I want for my birthday.” High praise indeed for a burger that redefines expectations!

Crafting the Perfect Green Chile Turkey Burger: Key Ingredients Explained

The secret to these sensational Green Chile Turkey Burgers lies in a few carefully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating their unique flavor and texture profile:

• Premium Ground Turkey: For the best results, always opt for ground turkey sold in a carton or tray, rather than the “chub-style” that comes in a plastic tube. Chub-style turkey tends to be less flavorful and often retains excess water, making it harder to form patties and resulting in a less satisfying burger. We highly recommend using 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio ground turkey. This balance ensures a juicy, tender patty without being overly greasy. Ultra-lean 99/1 ground turkey, while low in fat, often results in a dry and flavorless burger due to the lack of moisture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs for Superior Texture: While regular breadcrumbs work, panko breadcrumbs are a game-changer for these burgers. Panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, is renowned for its lighter, airier, and more delicate texture. When incorporated into the patties, it creates a subtle crispiness and prevents the burger from becoming dense or rubbery, delivering a much more nuanced and enjoyable bite.
• Fire-Roasted Diced Green Chiles: This ingredient is non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Fire-roasted chiles bring a depth of smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy notes that significantly enhance the overall taste without any extra effort on your part. Simply open a can, drain well, and add to the mix for an instant flavor boost.
• Minced Garlic for Convenience and Flavor: To save valuable prep time without sacrificing flavor, pre-minced garlic from a jar is an excellent choice. It offers the pungent, aromatic kick needed to complement the other savory ingredients, ensuring consistent flavor throughout the patties.
• Creamy Pepper Jack Cheese: This semi-soft cheese is an ideal addition, offering a beautiful creaminess that melts wonderfully into the turkey patty. Its subtle, spicy kick from the added peppers perfectly complements the green chiles, bringing a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Customizing Your Green Chile Turkey Burger Spice Levels

These Green Chile Turkey Burgers are versatile enough to cater to everyone’s preferred spice tolerance:

• For a Milder Experience: Opt for mild green chiles. If you wish to further reduce the heat, you can easily substitute the Pepper Jack cheese with its milder cousin, Monterey Jack cheese.
• For an Extra Kick: If you love heat, choose medium or even hot green chiles. For an even more intense spice, consider adding a pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of ground cayenne pepper to the patty mixture during preparation.

Essential Toppings for an Unforgettable Green Chile Turkey Burger

While the turkey patty itself is incredibly flavorful, the right toppings complete the Green Chile Turkey Burger experience. My absolute must-have topping is a perfectly ripe avocado. The cool, creamy texture of avocado is simply unbeatable when paired with the savory, subtly spicy turkey patty, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and balancing the flavors beautifully. Here are some other essential toppings:

• Crisp Lettuce: A fresh, crunchy layer of lettuce adds a refreshing contrast. Butter, romaine, Boston, or green leaf lettuce all work wonderfully. We typically reach for green leaf lettuce for its mild flavor and pleasant texture.
• Juicy Tomatoes: A thick, ripe slice of tomato can truly elevate a burger. Choose firm, flavorful varieties like Beefsteak or Roma for the best results. Here’s a list of the best tomatoes to use for burgers.
• Zesty Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the burger. For a sweeter, more mellow flavor, consider caramelized onions, which add a gourmet touch.
• Rich Mayonnaise: Don’t underestimate the power of good mayonnaise! We highly recommend a high-quality brand like Hellman’s or Best Foods® on these burgers. The creamy texture and rich flavor of premium mayo act as a binder, pulling all the disparate elements together into a cohesive, delicious bite. It’s truly a secret weapon for an exceptional burger.
• Optional Extras: Feel free to experiment with other toppings like crispy bacon, tangy pickles, a fried egg for extra richness, or a dollop of a smoky chipotle aioli.

The Unbeatable Foundation: Why Brioche Buns are a Must-Try!

In our humble opinion, a Green Chile Turkey Burger reaches its peak of perfection when nestled within a briochebun. The inherent sweetness and rich, buttery flavor of brioche perfectly complement the savory and spicy notes of the turkey patty, creating an exquisite flavor balance. But simply having brioche isn’t enough – you simply must toast them with a generous spread of melted butter. Trust us, this simple step transforms a good burger into an extraordinary one!

Here’s how to achieve perfectly toasted brioche buns: generously spread softened butter on the cut sides of each bun. Place them, butter-side down, on a large skillet or grill preheated over medium heat. Toast the buns for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become slightly crisp. Remove from heat immediately. Subsequent batches will toast even quicker as the pan retains more heat, so keep a close eye on them!

Expert Tips for Crafting Flawless Green Chile Turkey Burgers

Achieving the perfect turkey burger requires a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips for juicy, flavorful patties that hold their shape beautifully:

• Chill the Patties Before Cooking: This is a crucial step for burger perfection. When a cold meat patty meets a hot skillet or grill, it immediately creates a beautiful sear on the exterior. This not only contributes to a wonderful crust and texture but also significantly helps the patties maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
• Maintain Cold Meat Temperature: Heat from your hands or a warm environment can cause the fat in the ground turkey to start melting before it even hits the pan. If the fat renders out too early, the meat won’t bind effectively, leading to a dry, crumbly burger. Work quickly when mixing and forming patties, and keep the ground turkey refrigerated as much as possible until you’re ready to cook.
• Flip Once, Never Press: This is a golden rule for all burgers. Once your patties are on the heat, resist the urge to press down on them with your spatula. Pressing forces out the precious juices and flavor from the burger. That satisfying sizzle you hear when pressing is actually the sound of your delicious burger becoming dry and less flavorful.
• Use a Large, Wide Metal Spatula: A sturdy and wide metal spatula is your best friend when cooking burgers. It provides the necessary support to easily flip patties without breakage and to remove them from the cooking surface cleanly.
• Rest Your Burgers: Just like with steaks or other cooked meats, allowing your burgers to rest for 1-2 minutes after they’ve finished cooking is vital. This brief resting period allows the internal juices, which have migrated to the center during cooking, to redistribute evenly throughout the patty. The result is a uniformly moist and flavorful burger every time.
• Cook to the Right Temperature: Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure they are perfectly cooked without over-drying.

Expert Patty Shaping Techniques

When forming your Green Chile Turkey Burger patties, it’s important to remember that they will naturally shrink during cooking. To account for this, I typically shape my burgers about 1/2-inch wider than the bun. This ensures a perfectly sized patty that fits your bun without disappearing.

Here’s my preferred method for creating firm, even patties: Begin by portioning out the seasoned meat mixture into equal mounds on a sheet pan that has been double-lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Working with one mound at a time, gently but firmly press the meat against the sheet pan to help form a solid, well-bound patty. You can also create a slight indentation in the center of each patty; this helps prevent the burger from bulging in the middle and ensures a more even cooking.

Once the patties are formed and ready to cook, discard the parchment paper from the sheet pan. If the pan remained clean thanks to the double lining, you can then place your cooked patties directly back onto it for easy transport to the serving station.

Explore More Favorite Ground Turkey Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these Green Chile Turkey Burgers and are looking for more ways to enjoy healthy and delicious ground turkey, check out these fantastic recipes:

• Asian Ground Turkey with a creamy sriracha mayo
• Turkey Picadillo featuring golden potatoes
• Hearty Turkey Bolognese served over perfectly cooked spaghetti
• A quick and satisfying Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet topped with melted Cheddar cheese
• Classic comfort in Turkey Sloppy Joes served on buttered buns

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 3 users.

Green Chile Turkey Burgers

By Chelsea Lords

Turkey Burgers are delicious, but these Green Chile Turkey Burgers are truly next-level! Packed with the smoky flavor of fire-roasted green chiles, perfectly balanced seasonings, and luscious melty Pepper Jack cheese—they’re incredibly satisfying and easy to make!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Resting Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 41 minutes

Servings: 5 burgers

Equipment

• Large skillet or grill

Ingredients

Turkey Burger Patties

• 1 pound ground turkey, 93/7 (see Note 1)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup freshly shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, well drained (see Note 2)
• 2 green onions, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 buns (we highly recommend brioche buns!) plus softened butter
• Toppings as desired (see Note 3)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients for the turkey burger patties in a large bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture will be soft and moist.
2. Form the mixture into 5 equal-sized patties, each weighing approximately 5 ounces and about 3/4-inch thick. Shape them slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking (see Note 4). Place the formed patties on a lined sheet pan and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or while you prepare your other ingredients.
3. While the patties are chilling, prepare your desired toppings: thinly slice tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and avocado (or mash the avocado into guacamole). Butter and toast your buns according to the method described in Note 5.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (alternatively, preheat your grill). Cook 2-3 patties at a time for 2–3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked patties to a plate to rest slightly. Repeat with the remaining patties.
5. Assemble your burgers: Place the bottom bun on a plate. Spread with mayonnaise, then layer with lettuce, a cooked turkey patty, avocado, tomato, and onion. Spread mayonnaise on the top bun, then gently place it to complete your burger. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Ground Turkey Selection: For optimal flavor and texture, use ground turkey sold in a carton or tray rather than chub-style (in a plastic tube), which tends to be less flavorful and more watery. We recommend a 93/7 fat content for juiciness; avoid 99/1 ultra-lean turkey as it can result in a dry and flavorless burger.

Note 2: Green Chile Variety: Use fire-roasted diced green chiles for an enhanced smoky flavor. Adjust the spice level by choosing mild green chiles for less heat, or medium to hot chiles if you prefer a spicier burger.

Note 3: Recommended Toppings: For the best experience, we suggest good-quality mayonnaise, fresh green leaf lettuce, ripe (soft) avocado or homemade guacamole, thinly sliced tomato, and red onion. Feel free to add other favorites like pickles or bacon.

Note 4: Patty Texture and Shaping: If your turkey burger mixture feels too wet or sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes to firm up, or lightly spray your hands with cooking oil while forming the patties. When shaping, create a small indentation in the center of each patty to help prevent it from bulging during cooking.

• How to Form Patties: Portion the meat into equal mounds on a double-lined sheet pan. Press each mound against the pan to form a firm, even patty. After cooking, you can reuse the clean sheet pan for the cooked patties if no juices have seeped through the lining.

Note 5: Perfect Toasted Buns: To toast buns: Liberally spread softened butter on the inside of the buns. Place them, butter-side down, on a large pan or grill over medium heat for 30–60 seconds, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove from heat promptly. Subsequent batches will toast faster as the pan gets hotter, so monitor closely.

Nutrition Note: The nutrition information provided is an approximation for one burger patty only. The calorie count and other nutritional values will vary depending on your choice of toppings and buns.

Storage: Store any leftover Green Chile Turkey Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness and prevent sogginess, keep the cooked patties and toppings separate from the buns. Reheat the patties gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, then assemble with fresh components.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 320 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.4g | Protein: 26.7g | Fat: 15.7g | Cholesterol: 119.4mg | Sodium: 845.5mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 1.7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

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