Cheesy Spinach Chicken Burgers

$- 1 pound ground chicken - 1 cup fresh spinach, very finely chopped - 1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking) - 4 whole wheat burger buns - Optional toppings: slices of avocado, fresh lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and mayonnaise To make these burgers, I gather all the key ingredients first. The ground chicken acts as the base, giving us juicy patties. Fresh spinach adds a nice touch of color and nutrition. I love using white cheddar cheese because it melts so well and adds great flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give the burgers a delightful crunch. Next, I slice the green onions for a fresh bite. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the flavor, making each bite tasty. I always season with sea salt and black pepper to bring everything together. For cooking, I use olive oil to keep the patties from sticking. Whole wheat burger buns add a wholesome touch. I often add toppings like creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of mayonnaise to complete the meal. These ingredients transform the burgers into a delicious feast. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the following ingredients: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1 cup fresh spinach, very finely chopped - 1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Use a spatula or your hands to mix these items gently. Make sure to blend them well. You want all the ingredients to be evenly mixed. Avoid overworking the chicken to keep it tender. Next, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Each part should be about the same size for even cooking. Form each portion into a patty that is about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness helps the burgers cook properly. Uniform patties ensure all cook at the same rate. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the patties. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook each patty for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip the patties and cook for the same time on the other side. The burgers are ready when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they have a nice golden-brown crust. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of white cheddar on each patty. Let it melt perfectly before serving. This adds a creamy finish to your burgers. To get the best burgers, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This keeps the heat steady and helps the patties cook evenly. If you add too many at once, they may steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed. Checking the internal temperature is key. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the burgers are safe to eat and juicy. Layering ingredients is important for great flavor. Start with the chicken patty on the bottom. Next, add toppings like creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato. Finish with a dollop of mayonnaise for extra richness. Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch. Toast them in a dry skillet or under the broiler until golden brown. This not only adds texture but also helps prevent sogginess from the toppings. For serving suggestions, pair the burgers with sweet potato fries. This adds color and flavor to your plate. Garnish with a sprig of parsley for a fresh touch. For a rustic look, wrap each burger in parchment paper. This gives a casual and fun vibe, perfect for gatherings or picnics. It keeps everything together while adding charm to your meal. Pro Tips Keep it Fresh: Always use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture in your burgers. Frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess. Uniform Patties: Shape your patties uniformly to ensure even cooking. This helps avoid undercooked centers or overcooked edges. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the patties rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. Experiment with Toppings: Don't hesitate to customize your burger with different toppings like jalapeños for heat, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess instead of mayonnaise. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in these burgers. If you want, try mozzarella or gouda. Each cheese brings its own flavor. You can also swap out the ground chicken. Use turkey or lean beef as alternatives. Each option gives a different taste and texture. Want to spice things up? Add your favorite spices. Paprika or cayenne can bring heat. Fresh herbs can also boost the flavor. Try basil or parsley for a fresh touch. For garnishes, use colorful toppings. Fresh tomatoes or pickles can make the burger pop. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a nice look too. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the texture without the gluten. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or black beans. Mash them up and mix with the other ingredients. This way, you still enjoy a tasty burger without meat. You can store cooked patties in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool first. These burgers stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Always label the container with the date. This way, you know how long they’ve been stored. To freeze, wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the patties for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. This keeps them juicy and warm. You can repurpose leftover patties in many ways. Chop them up and toss them in a salad for extra protein. You can also add them to pasta for a tasty twist. Another fun idea is to make sliders. Just cut the patties into smaller pieces and use mini buns. This way, you can enjoy them in different meals all week! The best way to check if chicken burgers are done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the meat is safe to eat. When they reach this temperature, they are cooked through. For best results, I recommend checking the temperature in the thickest part of the patty. If you do not have a thermometer, look for a golden-brown crust on both sides. The juices should run clear, not pink. Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken! Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. The best way to thaw is in your fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave, but cook it right after. Once thawed, mix it with the other ingredients as usual. This will help keep your burgers juicy and flavorful. These burgers pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Sweet potato fries - Regular fries - Coleslaw - A green salad - Grilled corn on the cob You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit for a sweet touch. Each of these sides adds flavor and texture to your meal. Enjoy! This post covered how to make white cheddar spinach chicken burgers. We explored key ingredients like ground chicken, spinach, and panko breadcrumbs. Cooking tips helped perfect your burger, while variations made it fun. Remember to store leftovers right and repurpose them in creative meals. Enjoy making this tasty dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment. You'll find your favorite spin on these burgers in no time!$

Cheesy Spinach Chicken Burgers

Delicious chicken burgers infused with spinach and white cheddar cheese, perfect for a healthy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 cup fresh spinach, very finely chopped
1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated
0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.25 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 whole whole wheat burger buns
optional slices of avocado
optional fresh lettuce leaves
optional tomato slices
optional mayonnaise

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the finely chopped spinach, grated white cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, sliced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix gently until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated, taking care not to overwork the chicken.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and carefully shape each portion into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick. Ensure the patties are uniform in size for even cooking.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the patties have developed a golden-brown crust.
In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of white cheddar cheese on each patty to allow it to melt perfectly.
While the patties are finishing, toast the whole wheat burger buns in a separate pan or under the broiler until they are lightly browned and crispy.
To assemble the burgers, place a chicken patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with your choices of fresh avocado slices, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a generous dollop of mayonnaise to enhance the flavor.
Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the assembled ingredients and serve the burgers immediately for optimal taste and freshness.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve the burgers alongside sweet potato fries, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley.

Keyword cheddar cheese, chicken burgers, healthy, spinach