Grilled California Chicken Burger

No ratings yet

Grilled California Chicken Burger

This Grilled California Chicken Burger combines seasoned grilled chicken, smoky ham, creamy avocado, melted cheese, and chipotle spread in one bold, delicious stack. It’s fresh, flavorful, and made for warm-weather grilling.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Californian

Keyword: California burger, chipotle mayo burger, grilled chicken sandwich, summer grilling

Servings: servings

Calories: 750kcal

Author: Chef Jenn

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Burgers

4 burger buns
2 chicken breasts tenderloins removed
4 leaves green leaf lettuce washed or shredded
1 avocado ripe, but not too soft
1 tomato thickly sliced
4 slices smoked ham sliced
3 tablespoons neutral oil
4 slices pepper jack cheese

Burger Seasoning

1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
½ tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder

Chipotle Spread

½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
2 teaspoons honey
1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 small garlic clove finely minced

Instructions

Mix the chipotle spread ingredients until smooth, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Combine the burger seasoning in a bowl.
Slice each chicken breast in half to make 4 cutlets, then brush with 2 tablespoons of oil and coat with seasoning.
Cut the avocado into thick slices and brush with the remaining tablespoon of oil.
Preheat the grill to medium-high.
Grill avocado slices for 3 to 5 minutes per side and ham slices for 1 minute per side.
Lower the heat and grill chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Add cheese in the final minute.
Toast the buns on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until golden.
Assemble with chipotle spread, avocado, chicken, ham, tomato, and lettuce. Serve warm.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling so it stays juicy.
Prepare the chipotle spread a day in advance for deeper flavor.
Grilling the avocado gives it a richer taste and helps it hold its shape.
Use a digital fork thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked perfectly without guesswork.

Nutrition