Easy Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers to Try Now
If you’re searching for a fresh, flavorful twist on classic chicken burgers, these Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant spinach, this recipe delivers a juicy, healthy meal that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these burgers bring together wholesome ingredients and comforting taste, making them a new favorite to add to your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed combination: The blend of cheddar cheese and fresh spinach creates a savory, melty burst in every bite.
- Healthy and hearty: Made with lean chicken and nutrient-rich spinach, these burgers balance protein and veggies perfectly.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of easy-to-find pantry staples to whip these up fast.
- Versatile for any meal: Great for casual lunches, dinners, or even meal prepping for the week.
- Kid-friendly option: The cheesy, mild flavor appeals to all ages, making it a family-friendly winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers come together with a straightforward ingredient list where each component plays an important role in flavor, texture, and color. Using fresh spinach adds a vibrant green touch and nutrition, while cheddar cheese infuses gooey richness, complementing the juicy chicken perfectly.
- Ground chicken: Use lean ground chicken for moist, tender patties without excess fat.
- Fresh spinach: Packed with vitamins, it adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the burgers a rich, creamy texture.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a slight kick to enhance flavor.
- Onion powder: Provides a gentle, savory base without overpowering the mix.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties while keeping them tender.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder, ensuring the burgers hold their shape during cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
- Olive oil: Perfect for cooking the patties to a golden crisp outside and juicy inside.
Variations for Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
One of the best parts about this Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers recipe is how easily you can adjust it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and personalize the flavors to make the burgers truly your own.
- Swap the cheese: Use mozzarella or pepper jack for a different melty experience.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Make it gluten-free: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Veggie boost: Mix in shredded carrots or finely diced bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Herb infusion: Add fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for an aromatic twist.
How to Make Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the spinach
Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly, then chop it finely to mix evenly throughout the chicken mixture.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Form the patties
Divide the mixture into evenly sized portions and shape each into a burger patty, about ¾ inch thick for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the burgers
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Place the warm Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers on your favorite buns, add your preferred toppings and sauces, and savor the melty, juicy goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Don’t overmix: Light mixing keeps the burgers tender and prevents them from becoming dense.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh leaves add the best texture and flavor compared to frozen or canned.
- Check doneness carefully: Chicken must be fully cooked to a safe temperature to avoid health risks.
- Let patties rest: After cooking, let burgers rest a couple of minutes to retain juices.
- Toast the buns: Gently toasting buns adds texture and helps hold sauces better.
How to Serve Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
Fresh slices of tomato, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles add color and crunch that perfectly accompany the cheesy spinach filling.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with sweet potato fries, a light coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to balance the meal with complementary flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or inside whole wheat pita pockets for a fun twist on the traditional burger.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Form patties but don’t cook them. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to last up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat cooked burgers gently in the oven or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out, or microwave for a quick option with a cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe, offering a similar lean protein base but with a slightly different flavor.
Do I need to cook the spinach before mixing?
No need to cook the spinach beforehand; chopping fresh spinach finely allows it to cook quickly with the patty and keep its texture.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, almond flour, or crushed gluten-free crackers.
How do I prevent burgers from falling apart?
Make sure to add the egg and breadcrumbs which act as binders, and avoid overmixing the meat to maintain a good texture.
What toppings go best with Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers?
Classic choices like lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and mustard work great, but you can also try avocado slices, caramelized onions, or spicy aioli.
Final Thoughts
These Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers combine nourishing ingredients with mouthwatering flavors in a recipe that’s simple enough for any night of the week. Jump into the kitchen and try this delightful, cheesy, and veggie-packed burger—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
These Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a fresh, flavorful twist on classic chicken burgers. Combining lean ground chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant fresh spinach, they deliver juicy, healthy, and cheesy patties perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly, then chop it finely to ensure even distribution throughout the chicken mixture.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the patties: Divide the mixture into evenly sized portions and shape each into a burger patty about ¾ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and enjoy: Place the warm Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers on buns of your choice, add desired toppings and sauces, and enjoy the juicy, melty flavors.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the ingredients to keep burgers tender and avoid dense texture.
- Use fresh spinach rather than frozen or canned for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure chicken burgers are cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let cooked patties rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Toast buns lightly for added texture and to better hold sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken burgers, cheddar spinach burgers, healthy chicken patties, quick chicken burger recipe, family-friendly burgers