These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a delicious twist on the classic burger, combining lean ground chicken with fresh spinach and creamy white cheddar cheese. The addition of savory ingredients like Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce creates a flavor-packed patty that’s juicy, tender, and far more exciting than your average chicken burger. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, these burgers deliver restaurant-quality taste with simple homemade preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier alternative to beef burgers without sacrificing flavor
• Quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with different toppings and sides
• Kid-friendly way to incorporate more vegetables into family meals
• Make-ahead friendly for meal prep and easy entertaining

Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: A leaner alternative to beef that takes on flavors beautifully. You can substitute ground turkey if preferred.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and moisture to the burgers. Thaw and squeeze frozen spinach as an alternative.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy texture and savory flavor that melts perfectly inside the patties. Sharp white cheddar offers the most flavor impact.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the burgers together and absorb juices. Panko, regular, or gluten-free options all work well.
• Onion: Adds aromatic flavor and moisture. Yellow onions work best, but red or white onions can be substituted.
• Garlic: Provides essential flavor depth. Fresh minced garlic delivers the best taste, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and helps bind the mixture. Whole grain mustard can be substituted for added texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami depth and enhances the savory flavor profile. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be substituted.
• Burger Buns: Choose soft brioche buns for a buttery complement or whole wheat for a healthier option.
• Optional Toppings: Customize with lettuce, tomato, avocado, or additional cheese to complete your burger experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Style

Transform these burgers with Mediterranean flavors by adding crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar, chopped Kalamata olives, and dried oregano. Serve with tzatziki sauce instead of traditional condiments for a Greek-inspired twist.

Spicy Southwest

Kick up the heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese instead of white cheddar, and a teaspoon of cumin in the patty mixture. Top with guacamole and pico de gallo for a Tex-Mex flavor explosion.

Asian Fusion

Create an Asian-inspired version by adding grated ginger, a splash of soy sauce, chopped water chestnuts for crunch, and replacing the cheddar with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with sriracha mayo and cucumber slices on a whole wheat bun.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture

Combine all the burger ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands to gently mix the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the burgers tough. The mixture should be well combined but still light and loose.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about 1-inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up during cooking. If the mixture feels too sticky, dampen your hands with a little water or oil to make handling easier.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken patties and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking to keep them juicy. Let the cooked patties rest for a few minutes before assembling.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Lightly toast the burger buns if desired. Place each chicken patty on a bun and add your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese. Serve immediately while hot with your preferred side dishes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep the ingredients cold before mixing for easier handling and better texture
• Don’t overwork the mixture when combining ingredients to ensure tender, juicy burgers
• Make the patties slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink while cooking
• The indentation in the center prevents the burgers from doming up during cooking
• Let the patties rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute
• For extra flavor, toast the buns in the same pan after cooking the burgers

How to Serve

Serve these flavorful chicken burgers on toasted buns with classic toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion. For an elevated experience, consider adding avocado slices, arugula, or a spread of garlic aioli. These burgers pair beautifully with side dishes like sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, add a pickle spear and a light vinegar-based coleslaw to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Make Ahead

These chicken burgers are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead in several ways. You can prepare the patty mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, form the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Cooked burgers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor profile is similar, and you can follow the same cooking instructions. For the juiciest results, choose ground turkey that isn’t too lean (93% lean works well).

How do I know when the chicken burgers are fully cooked?

Chicken burgers must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safely consumed. The best way to check is with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty. Visually, the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink in the center.

Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Absolutely! These burgers work beautifully on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach the safe internal temperature. Be gentle when flipping as chicken burgers can be more delicate than beef.

Are these burgers gluten-free?

Not as written, but they can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and serving on gluten-free buns. Also check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain malt vinegar which contains gluten.

Conclusion

These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers prove that healthier options don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction. By combining lean ground chicken with nutrient-rich spinach and creamy white cheddar, you get a juicy, flavorful burger that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or planning a quick weeknight dinner, these versatile burgers will become a family favorite. With endless topping possibilities and simple preparation, they’re sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Give them a try tonight and discover your new go-to burger recipe!

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