These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a tasty twist on the classic burger! Juicy chicken blends with creamy white cheddar and fresh spinach for extra flavor.
You can easily whip these up and enjoy them with your favorite toppings. I love adding a slice of tomato and a dollop of mayo—simple and so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in your burger. You can substitute it with ground turkey or ground beef if you prefer. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great flavor and color. If you can’t find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mix.
White Cheddar Cheese: It’s creamy and gives a nice sharp flavor. If you want a different taste, feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Each cheese will give a unique twist to the burgers.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture to the patties. Greek yogurt is a healthier option with added protein. Both will work well in keeping your burgers juicy!
How Do I Keep My Chicken Patties from Puffing Up?
To prevent your patties from puffing during cooking, press them slightly in the center when forming. This technique helps them cook evenly and maintain their shape. Keeping an eye on the cooking time is also crucial.
- Mix your ingredients gently; over-mixing can make patties dense.
- Cook on medium heat for even cooking without burning.
- Flip gently to avoid breaking the patties apart.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped finely (plus extra leaves for topping)
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra slices or melted topping)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 brioche hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Tomato slices (optional, for layering)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious chicken burgers in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until well incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; this will help keep your patties tender!
2. Form the Patties:
Take the chicken mixture and form it into 4 equal-sized patties. Remember to press slightly in the center of each patty; this little trick helps prevent puffing while they cook!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Warm up your olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough for cooking but not so hot that the oil smokes.
4. Cook the Patties:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken patties to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked about halfway through. Then, flip the patties gently and cook on the other side for another 5-6 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Toast Buns:
Just before the patties finish cooking, place some extra shredded white cheddar or a whole slice on top of each patty. Cover the pan for a few moments to allow the cheese to melt beautifully. While this is happening, toast your brioche buns lightly in another pan or in the toaster.
6. Assemble Your Burger:
Time to build your delicious burgers! Start with the bottom of the toasted bun, layer on a leaf or two of fresh spinach, add a tomato slice if you’re using it, then place the chicken patty with all that melted cheese and spinach on top. Finish with the top bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm and tasty White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers right away. Enjoy them as a healthy and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will ensure your patties don’t become soggy.
What If I Don’t Have White Cheddar Cheese?
If you don’t have white cheddar on hand, you can easily substitute it with another cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even gouda. Each cheese will offer a different flavor profile, so choose what you prefer!
How Can I Make the Patties Juicier?
To ensure your patties remain juicy, avoid over-mixing the ingredients and consider adding a little extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the mix. This will increase moisture content and keep the patties tender.
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and form the patties ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out.
