These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a tasty twist on the classic burger! Packed with juicy chicken, creamy white cheddar, and healthy spinach, they are both delicious and nutritious.
I love making these for a quick dinner. They grill up wonderfully and are perfect with a side of crispy fries. Just be ready for friends to ask for seconds—because who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star ingredient for a lean patty. You can swap it for turkey or lean beef if you like. Just be cautious of the fat content, as it affects flavor and texture!
Fresh Spinach: I love fresh spinach for its beautiful color and taste. You could use frozen spinach, but make sure to drain excess moisture. Kale or Swiss chard are also fantastic alternatives!
White Cheddar Cheese: The sharp flavor of white cheddar gels perfectly with chicken. Personally, I recommend a mild version. If you can’t find it, gouda or Monterey jack work nicely too.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring great flavor. You can use onion powder and garlic powder instead if you’re in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity so it doesn’t overpower the mixture!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture, giving structure to the patty. If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead. I often make my own from stale bread!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Stay Tender?
Making juicy chicken burgers can be tricky, but here are some tips to keep them tender:
- Incorporate wet ingredients like egg and Worcestershire sauce into the mix. These add moisture!
- Mix gently—overmixing can lead to dense patties. Just stir until everything is combined.
- Form patties that are slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink while cooking.
- Cook over medium heat and avoid pressing them down while cooking. This helps retain moisture.
Following these tips will result in a delicious, juicy burger every time!
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For Assembling:
- 4 sandwich buns, preferably brioche or sesame seed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil for grilling
- Extra spinach leaves for layering on burger
- Mayonnaise or preferred sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 12-14 minutes to cook the burgers. You’ll have delicious chicken burgers ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill or Skillet:
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop skillet to medium-high heat. This will prepare the cooking surface for the chicken patties so they get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, half of the shredded white cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the burgers tender and juicy!
3. Form the Patties:
With clean hands, divide the mixture into four equal-sized portions and shape them into patties. Make them slightly larger than your buns since they’ll shrink a bit while cooking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Lightly oil the grill or skillet to prevent sticking. Place the chicken patties on the hot surface and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be gentle when flipping to help keep their shape.
5. Melt the Cheese:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining white cheddar cheese on top of each patty. Close the grill lid or cover the skillet to help the cheese melt nicely.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the sandwich buns on the grill or in a toaster. This adds a lovely crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your burgers! If you like, spread some mayonnaise or your favorite sauce on each bun. Add a layer of fresh spinach leaves on the bottom bun, place the cheesy chicken patty on top, and finish with the bun crown.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your savory and melty White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers immediately with your favorite sides, like fries, salad, or chips. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may be a little leaner than chicken, so be cautious not to overcook it!
Can I Freeze the Patties Before Cooking?
Yes, you can! Shape the patties and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Just cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, or use the microwave, keeping an eye on the temperature to avoid drying them out.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to add in extras like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped herbs for additional flavor. Just ensure any extra moisture is balanced out with breadcrumbs to keep the patties firm.
