These Spicy Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers are an easy summer recipe to make on the grill. A simple, healthier way to elevate classic burgers, they’re perfect for cookouts and summer parties your guests will love.
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Today’s post features a grilling recipe from Justin, who handles most of the cookouts in our house. The Fourth of July is one of our favorite days to fire up the grill and entertain family and friends, and this spicy-sweet turkey burger has become a go-to for summer gatherings.
We love the combination of sweet and spicy in this burger. Sweet chili sauce added to the turkey keeps the patties moist and gives them a bright, tangy heat that pairs beautifully with pepper jack cheese. Finish the burger with crispy bacon, creamy avocado and crunchy French fried onions for a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.
Spicy Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers
These Spicy Sweet Chili Turkey Burgers are an easy, flavorful summer recipe that puts a healthy twist on the classic cheeseburger. They’re ideal for backyard barbecues and parties.
Ingredients
Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, plus extra for glazing
- 3 tablespoons minced dried onions
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings:
- 3 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (for topping)
- 9 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 tablespoons French fried onions
- 4 burger buns (brioche recommended)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sheet pan (for bacon or resting)
- Grill or grill pan
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and lightly spray the grates with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, dried minced onions, salt and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Divide and shape into four equal patties.
- Grill the patties about 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last few minutes of cooking on the second side, brush each patty with additional sweet chili sauce, top with pepper jack cheese and close the grill to melt the cheese. Toast the buns briefly on the grill if desired.
- Assemble the burgers: place each patty on a bun, drizzle a little more sweet chili sauce, then add bacon, sliced avocado and French fried onions.
- Top with the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
Sweet chili sauce keeps the turkey patties moist and adds a lively sweet-heat flavor—don’t skip glazing the burgers at the end. Pepper jack cheese brings extra spice, while bacon, avocado and crispy onions create a balanced, satisfying bite.
Nutrition (per burger)
- Calories: 696 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 1637 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 21 g
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for summer cookouts and an easy way to offer a lighter burger without sacrificing bold flavor. Pair with oven fries and a simple green bean salad for a complete meal your guests will enjoy.
Bookmark this post or save it to your recipe collection for quick access at your next barbecue.