White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers: Juicy, Flavorful & Healthy
Juicy chicken burgers packed with sharp white cheddar, sautéed spinach, garlic, and warm spices—proof that a “healthy” burger can be indulgent, flavorful, and weeknight‑friendly. Serve on toasted buns with crisp lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
Equipment
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 lb ground chicken 450 g; lean
- 1 cup fresh spinach, sautéed, squeezed dry and finely chopped
- 3/4 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded sharp or aged
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced yellow or white
- 1 large egg binder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 tbsp olive oil plus more for the pan
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp paprika sweet or smoked
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning optional
To Serve
- burger buns, lettuce, tomato, Dijon or garlic mayo as desired
Instructions
- Sauté the spinach. Heat a few drops of oil in a small pan over medium. Add spinach; cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Cool, squeeze dry thoroughly, and chop finely.
- Mix the patties. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, cheddar, garlic, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix gently just to combine.
- Shape. Divide into 4 portions and form 3/4‑inch thick patties. Press a slight thumb indent in the center of each patty.
- Cook. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties 6–7 minutes per side until golden and the centers reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve. Rest 1 minute. Toast buns and build with lettuce, tomato, and sauce. Serve hot while the cheese is melty.
Notes
Tips: Don’t overmix the meat to keep patties tender. Squeezing moisture from the spinach helps burgers hold together. Swap in turkey, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.