Forget everything you know about dry, bland chicken burgers. These Spinach Chicken Burgers are a total game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation. We’re talking incredibly juicy, flavor-packed patties loaded with fresh spinach and salty feta cheese. This recipe is not only simple to make but also a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Say goodbye to boring chicken for good!
Why This Spinach Chicken Burger Recipe Works
The secret to an unforgettable chicken burger is all in the details. Unlike other recipes that can result in a dry, crumbly patty, this one guarantees a moist and tender result every single time. Here’s why it stands out:
- Moisture-Packed Ingredients: We use crumbled feta cheese and an egg to add richness and moisture, directly combating the natural leanness of ground chicken.
- No Overworking: We’ll show you the gentle technique for mixing the ingredients to keep the patties tender, not tough.
- Bold Flavor Profile: Sautéed garlic, fresh spinach, and a touch of oregano create a savory, Mediterranean-inspired flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
The Key Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to bring these amazing burgers to life. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Ground Chicken: The star of the show. Using lean ground chicken keeps the burgers healthy and light.
- Fresh Spinach: Provides beautiful color, essential nutrients, and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is our secret weapon! It seasons the meat from the inside out and adds pockets of creamy, salty goodness that keep the burgers moist.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These light and airy breadcrumbs help bind the patties without making them heavy or dense.
- Egg: A single egg acts as the primary binder, ensuring your burgers hold their shape perfectly.
- Aromatics: Finely chopped red onion and minced garlic form the foundational flavor base.
- Seasoning: Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are all you need to round out the flavors.
How to Make Spinach Chicken Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these burgers is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a flawless result.
- Prepare the Spinach: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, the cooled spinach mixture, crumbled feta, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. For best results, place the patties on a plate and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Cook the burgers using your preferred method (see below). The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Chicken Burgers
Keep these simple tips in mind to ensure your Spinach Chicken Burgers are perfect every time.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the ground chicken mixture is the number one cause of tough burgers. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.
- Keep It Cold: Working with cold ground chicken and chilling the patties before cooking helps the fat stay solid, resulting in a juicier, more tender burger.
- Use a Thermometer: The only way to guarantee a perfectly cooked chicken burger is by using a meat thermometer. It prevents you from overcooking and drying out the patties.
- Let Them Rest: Just like a good steak, let your cooked burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty.
Cooking Methods Explained
You can cook these versatile burgers in a few different ways, depending on your preference and the equipment you have.
Pan-Frying (Stovetop)
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Grilling
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the burgers for 5-6 minutes per side, with the lid closed, until cooked through.
Baking (Oven Method)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
Topping & Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part! These Spinach Chicken Burgers are a fantastic canvas for all sorts of toppings and sides. Serve them on toasted brioche buns for a classic feel.
- Sauces: A creamy tzatziki, garlic aioli, or even a simple spread of hummus would be delicious.
- Cheese: While feta is inside, a slice of provolone or Swiss on top adds a wonderful meltiness.
- Veggies: Classic lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices work perfectly.
- Sides: Pair these burgers with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or perhaps a vibrant side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. For another great grain-based side, try this flavorful lemon herb rice.
Storage and Meal Prep
These burgers are perfect for meal prepping. You can store both cooked and uncooked patties easily.
- Refrigerating: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Uncooked, formed patties can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: To freeze uncooked patties, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This is one of our favorite tricks, just like with these other great meal prep ideas (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. You can form the patties and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.
Yes, you can. Make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the burger mixture. Excess water can make the patties fall apart.
The safest and most accurate way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature in the thickest part of the burger should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.
The key is to add moisture-rich ingredients like feta cheese or a little mayonnaise and avoid overmixing the ground chicken. Chilling the patties before cooking and using a meat thermometer to cook them to exactly 165°F (74°C) also prevents them from drying out.
A combination of an egg and breadcrumbs (like Panko) works best. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, while the breadcrumbs provide structure without making the burgers dense.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
If you loved this simple and flavorful dinner, you’ll enjoy exploring some of our other popular recipes. Try making your own homemade Italian Chicken Sausage for a weekend project, or whip up this healthy ground turkey and zucchini skillet for another quick weeknight meal.
The Best Spinach Chicken Burgers
This recipe proves that a burger doesn’t need to be made from beef to be incredibly juicy and delicious. Once you try these Spinach Chicken Burgers, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share it on Pinterest for others to discover!
Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Spinach Chicken Burgers (That Are Actually Juicy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled spinach mixture, crumbled feta, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Cook the patties on a skillet, grill, or in the oven until a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C). This will take about 5-7 minutes per side on a skillet or grill.
Notes
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
Let the patties chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
