White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers (Print)

Chicken, spinach, and white cheddar patties stacked on toasted buns with fresh toppings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken Patties

01 - 1 lb ground chicken (preferably dark meat for juiciness)
02 - 1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
03 - 1/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
04 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added structure)
05 - 1 egg
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/4 tsp dried oregano
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Pepper, to taste
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

→ Assembling

12 - 4 burger buns (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
13 - Lettuce, for serving
14 - Tomato, for serving
15 - Optional: Mustard or aioli for extra flavor

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the patties tender.
02 - Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing.
03 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add a small slice of white cheddar on top of each patty and cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
04 - Toast the buns lightly in the skillet or oven until golden. Place each patty on a bun, and top with your favorite condiments and burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles. Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best texture and flavor. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly drained and squeezed to avoid excess moisture.
02 - Cheese: White cheddar is recommended for its sharpness and meltability. For a stronger flavor, consider using sharp white cheddar. Alternatively, swap it for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
03 - Binding: Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, especially if using lean ground chicken. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. To keep the carb count low, omit the breadcrumbs, but patties may be more delicate.
04 - Grilling: These patties can be grilled. Lightly grease grates and avoid pressing down on the burgers to retain juiciness.
05 - Toppings: Add a gourmet touch with toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, avocado, caramelized onions, or a fried egg. For a healthier option, serve the patties bun-less on a bed of mixed greens or with roasted vegetables.