White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers: Juicy, Flavorful & Healthy!
Elevate your burger game with these incredibly juicy and flavorful White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers! Lean ground chicken is beautifully seasoned and mixed with vibrant fresh spinach and savory shredded white cheddar cheese, creating a burger that’s anything but bland. Baked or grilled to perfection, these burgers are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing an ounce of taste or satisfaction. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy BBQ option, or a delicious meal prep component!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Burgers
- Juicy & Flavorful: Spinach adds moisture, while white cheddar brings a sharp, creamy element.
- Healthier Alternative: A leaner option than beef, packed with greens.
- Easy to Make: Simple mixing and forming, perfect for a fuss-free meal.
- Versatile: Delicious on a bun, over a salad, or as part of a bowl.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious way to sneak in some spinach!
What You’ll Need
Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients to craft your amazing White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (preferably 90% lean or higher)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (make sure to squeeze out any excess water if it’s been washed, to prevent soggy burgers)
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko for a lighter texture, or regular)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional, but adds nice flavor)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking burgers, if pan-frying)
- For serving: Burger buns (toasted), lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, your favorite condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, aioli).
Instructions: Mix, Form, Cook, and Serve!
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach (ensure it’s well-drained), ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese, ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried thyme (if using), ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Using your hands (or a spoon), gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers.
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ¾-inch thick patty, about 4 inches in diameter. If you plan to grill, make them slightly flatter, as they tend to puff up. Pro Tip: Create a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from bulging in the middle.
3. Cook the Burgers (Choose Your Method):
Option A: Pan-Frying (Recommended for Juiciness) Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken burgers in the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown, cooked through, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C).
Option B: Grilling Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 375-400°F / 190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the chicken burgers on the preheated grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until well-marked, cooked through, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on the burgers, as this squeezes out juices.
Option C: Baking (For a hands-off approach) Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the chicken burger patties on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165°F (74°C). For a crisper exterior, you can finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
4. Assemble and Serve:
Once the burgers are cooked, transfer them to a plate. Assemble your White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings: fresh lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, pickles, and a generous dollop of mayonnaise, mustard, or a zesty aioli.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Burgers
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing chicken burger meat can make it tough and dry. Mix gently until just combined.
- Chill the Patties (Optional): If you have time, chilling the formed patties for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator can help them firm up and hold their shape better during cooking.
- Squeeze Spinach Dry: If your spinach is freshly washed, ensure you squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Too much moisture can make the burgers fall apart or be soggy.
- Cook to Temperature: Chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Avoid Pressing: Do not press down on the burgers with your spatula while cooking. This pushes out precious juices, leading to dry burgers.
- Toasting Buns: Always toast your burger buns! It adds texture, prevents sogginess, and enhances the overall burger experience.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add other seasonings like a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Storage & Reheating: Cooked chicken burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious and wholesome way to enjoy a satisfying burger, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful! Enjoy every juicy bite.