Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Save and Register Form


Save this recipe, and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, Chef Jenn will send you more great recipes every week!

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sliced ham on a bun, served with potato chips on a white plate.

Grilled California Chicken Burger

Chef Jenn
The Grilled California Chicken Burger stacks seasoned grilled chicken with smoky ham, creamy avocado, melty cheese, and chipotle spread. It’s bold, fresh, and built for summer grilling.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe [btn-google-source] Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Californian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 745 kcal

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 vegetable 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
  • 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove finely minced

Instructions
 

  • Mix the chipotle spread ingredients in a small bowl until smooth, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  • In a separate bowl, stir together the burger seasoning.
  • Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets and brush with 2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  • Cut the avocado into thick slices and brush them with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Grill the avocado for 3 to 5 minutes per side until grill marks appear, and grill the ham for 1 minute per side.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Add cheese during the final minute.
  • Toast the buns on the grill for about 2 minutes until golden.
  • To assemble, spread chipotle spread on both buns, then layer with grilled avocado, chicken, ham, tomato, lettuce, and the top bun. Serve warm.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before assembling to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Make the chipotle spread a day in advance to give the flavors more time to develop.
  • Grilling the avocado adds a smoky flavor and helps it hold its shape inside the burger.
  • Use a digital fork thermometer for quick and accurate temperature checks without needing extra tools.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 745kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 39gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 2674mgPotassium: 959mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1939IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 271mgIron: 4mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword California burger, chipotle mayo burger, grilled chicken sandwich, summer grilling
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!