Is it just me or does the internet like to jump into the fall season wayyy too early every year? I cannot tell you how much it irks me to see influencers posting fall recipes right now… August is still the summer! And if anything, September is when it really feels like summer here in LA. August Fog-ust has been in full swing but every other day we get surprised with a beautifully sunny, hot summer day. And I am still basking in it. That means evenings in the backyard, walks down to the beach to watch the sunset, BBQs on Sundays and of course, the much loved added hours of daylight. I refuse to accept fall so I hope you continue enjoying my summer recipes!

I’ve been making this recipe on repeat this summer because I love regular burgers, but don’t need to overdose on red meat. These Hot Honey Chicken Burgers feel like an indulgence but aren’t particularly unhealthy (forget about the generous dose of honey and cheese ha). And if you have a Blackstone Grill, it’s a great dinner to add to the list for weekend BBQs. Our friends recently purchased one after a friends getaway together. Our airbnb had a Blackstone and it was just so easy to cook vegetables and meat at the same time for a crowd. Needless to say, I am a bit jealous they went out and bought one right after. I have been eyeing it ever since too. But maybe if I keep making these over and over again, we will be forced to buy one. But don’t fret, if you are like me and aren’t the proud owner of a Blackstone, these burgers are still super easy to make. Just use a flat grill over your stove top or use a large skillet. They will still come out delicious.

What I like about this meal is the minimal ingredient list (it’s mostly seasoning!) but a few notes. If you don’t have hot honey on hand, simply whisk together regular honey and your hot sauce of choice. I really like Texas Pete’s for this recipe but something like Frank’s works well too. And if you GF like me, if you see the Carbonaut Gluten Free Hamburger Buns – try them! They were shockingly good for touting themselves as a healthier bread option. Great texture, great flavor, and they did not disintegrate as we were eating the burgers. 

Serving Size: 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large bowl, mix ground chicken with seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper).
• Divide ground chicken into 4-6 balls and flatten into a burger shape. *Note, they will shrink a little bit but not as much as a regular burger so aim for the size of your bun. 
• Heat up a large skillet or flat griddle.
• Place burgers on hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes each side. 
• When flipping the burgers from side 1 to 2, brush a generous amount of hot honey (or quickly mixed honey and hot sauce) on cooked side of the burger.
• When the second side is cooked through, flip the burgers over once more, brushing hot honey on the second side and add sliced cheddar. 
• Remove from the heat as the cheese melts. 
• Meanwhile, toast your buns and roughly mash the avocado, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Layer the burger, smashed avocado, and lettuce. If you like a little spice, add a bit more hot sauce to the burger. Enjoy!