Spinach Chicken Burgers: Juicy, Cheesy, and Ready in 30 Minutes!
Tired of plain old chicken burgers? Get ready for a delicious upgrade! These Spinach Chicken Burgers are incredibly juicy, packed with savory flavors, and loaded with the goodness of fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar. They’re hearty, surprisingly easy to make, and can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthier grill-out.
Why You’ll Love These Burgers
- Flavorful & Juicy: The spinach and cheese keep the chicken incredibly moist and add a fantastic depth of flavor.
- Quick & Easy: From mixing to serving, these burgers are designed for efficiency.
- Hearty & Healthy-ish: A leaner alternative to beef burgers without sacrificing satisfaction.
- Customizable: Adapt the toppings to your heart’s content!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful Spinach Chicken Burgers:
Ingredients:
- 450 g (approximately 1 lb) ground chicken
- 100 g (approximately 3.5 oz or about 3 cups loosely packed) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 100 g (approximately 1 cup) shredded white cheddar cheese (or sharp cheddar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional, but adds nice flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving (Optional):
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Your favorite burger toppings: sliced tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, etc.
Instructions: Building Your Better Burger!
1. Prepare the Spinach:
If your spinach isn’t already finely chopped, give it a good chop. For best results and to prevent soggy burgers, you can briefly sauté the chopped spinach in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until it wilts and any excess moisture evaporates. Squeeze out any remaining water with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. This step is optional but recommended for a firmer burger patty.
2. Mix the Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped (and potentially wilted/drained) fresh spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, lightly beaten egg, onion powder, dried oregano (if using), salt, and black pepper. Using your hands (or a spoon), gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough.
3. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a ¾-inch thick patty, slightly larger than your burger buns, as they will shrink a little during cooking. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent the burger from bulging in the middle.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your patties. Avoid pressing down on the patties, as this will squeeze out the juices.
5. Assemble and Serve:
While the burgers are cooking, prepare your desired burger buns and toppings. Once the burgers are cooked, transfer them to toasted buns. Pile high with your favorite toppings like sliced tomatoes, fresh lettuce, red onion, pickles, and condiments.
Tips for Juicy & Flavorful Burgers
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the ground chicken can lead to a tough, dry burger. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Wet Hands: If the mixture is sticky, dampen your hands with a little water before forming the patties.
- Cheese Choice: White cheddar is fantastic, but smoked cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella can also work well.
- Grilling Option: These burgers can also be grilled! Preheat your grill to medium heat, brush the grates with a little oil, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Add Heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the burger mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours.
Enjoy these incredibly delicious, juicy, and easy Spinach Chicken Burgers! They’re a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier burger night without sacrificing any flavor.