Cilantro Chicken Burgers With Avocado Recipes

CHILE-LIME CHICKEN BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet, grill or large grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots or onions, bell peppers and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft but not browned, about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside to cool for 2 minutes.
• Add the ground chicken or turkey, cilantro, the lime zest, 2 tablespoons of the lime juice, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, the cumin and crushed red pepper to the bowl with the shallots and bell peppers. Mix well with your hands until combined. Divide into 4 equal mounds and form each into a 1-inch-thick patty.
• Cook the patties until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, combine the avocado with the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Lightly smash the avocado with a fork to combine.
• Top the bottom buns with the lettuce, patties, tomato slices and mashed avocados. Close the burgers and serve.

SMASHED AVOCADO-CHICKEN BURGERS

Steps:

• In a small serving bowl, combine the mayonnaise and soy sauce. Season with the juice of 1 lime wedge and salt as needed.
• In a medium mixing bowl, use a fork to mash and thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, mashed avocado, scallions, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon of the soy-lime mayonnaise. Add the chicken and gently combine. Form into 4 large balls.
• Heat a large (12-inch) cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium heat until very hot, 1½ to 2 minutes. Add the neutral oil or ghee, then add the chicken meatballs, spacing them out in the pan. Use a metal spatula to press them until they form ½-inch-thick patties. Cook without moving for 3½ to 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust has formed and they easily release from the pan. Flip the patties using the spatula and cook until done with a nice crust on the other side, about 3 minutes more. If the patties need more time, cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid scorching.
• Squeeze a lime wedge over the patties and serve sandwiched between the buns topped with lettuce, a healthy slathering of the lime-mayonnaise, avocado slices, jalapeño slices if using, and cilantro sprigs, if desired. Serve with the remaining lime wedges and mayonnaise on the side.