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Smoky BBQ Turkey Burgers

Smoky BBQ turkey burgers with flame-kissed char and melty pepper jack on a toasted brioche bun. Juicy turkey patties get brushed with a chipotle-smoky BBQ glaze and finished at 165°F for a tender, not-dry bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Turkey Patties
  • 1.5 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
BBQ Sauce Glaze
  • 0.5 cup smoky BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp chipotle chili powder
Toppings & Assembly
  • 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
  • 4 pepper jack cheese slices
  • 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 4 butter lettuce leaves
  • 0.25 cup dill pickle chips
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make turkey patties
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, making sure not to overwork the meat for tender patties.
  2. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and press into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing while cooking.
Mix the smoky BBQ glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk smoky BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and chipotle chili powder until smooth. Set aside so it’s ready for brushing during grilling.
Grill the patties
  1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush the surface with olive oil. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving them until a deep char forms.
  2. Flip the patties and brush generously with the smoky BBQ glaze. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the glaze starts to caramelize.
  3. Brush again with more glaze, then lay a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty. Cover and cook 1–2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Toast buns and assemble
  1. While patties rest, toast brioche buns cut-side down on the grill for 1–2 minutes until golden. Keep them warm so they stay slightly crisp.
  2. Mix mayonnaise with sriracha (if using) and spread on both bun halves. Use a thin layer so it doesn’t soak through the buns.
  3. Assemble each burger with bottom bun → butter lettuce → tomato → turkey patty → dill pickle chips → red onion → top bun. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Pro tip: Mix just until combined and avoid pressing the patties hard once shaped—this keeps them juicy on the grill. Store leftover assembled toppings separately: keep patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat to 165°F and toast buns fresh. Freezing: freeze cooked patties (no buns/toppings) up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge, and reheat on the grill pan. Dietary swap: use reduced-fat pepper jack or cheddar if you want a lighter melt.