If you’re on the hunt for a burger that marries juicy, tender chicken with the creamy tang of white cheddar and the vibrant freshness of spinach, you’re in for a treat. The White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a burger experience that’s flavorful, satisfying, and a little bit special. This recipe balances the mildness of chicken with rich cheese and leafy greens, making every bite an irresistible delight you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe is straightforward but crucial. Each component plays a key role in building the perfect burger, from the moisture and flavor of the ground chicken to the sharpness of the white cheddar and the fresh pop of green spinach.
- 1 pound Ground Chicken: This forms the juicy base of your burgers; you can swap for ground turkey if you prefer a slightly different flavor or texture.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a gentle earthiness; kale or other leafy greens work well too if you want to mix it up.
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp white cheddar brings creamy richness and a bit of tang that elevates the entire burger.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle background warmth, but fresh garlic can be used for a bolder aroma.
- 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Offers structure and lightness, making sure the burgers hold together without getting dense.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the mixture united and help with texture.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors, so be generous but adjust to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for cooking, giving the burgers a beautiful golden crust and extra richness.
- 4 Burger Buns: Choose your favorites – brioche, whole wheat, or classic white – and toasting them adds that perfect crunch and warmth.
- Lettuce, Tomato, & Avocado: Fresh toppings that add crunch, juiciness, and creaminess to complement each burger perfectly.
- Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo): Classic or exciting variations like spicy mayo or herb-infused mustard can completely transform your burger experience.
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Cheese
Start by finely chopping the fresh spinach so it distributes evenly throughout the burger patties. Grate your sharp white cheddar cheese to bring that creamy, slightly tangy flavor in every bite. These two ingredients will bring freshness and richness, making your burgers anything but ordinary.
Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the chopped spinach, grated white cheddar, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and the egg. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix just until combined—overworking the meat can make the burgers tough, so be gentle for the best texture.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to ensure even cooking and prevent puffing up in the middle.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and they’re golden brown outside. During the last minute of cooking, you can add extra slices of white cheddar on top if you want to amp up the cheesiness.
Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While the patties finish cooking, lightly toast your burger buns in the same pan or a toaster until golden. Assemble your burgers with the patty, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, creamy avocado, and your favorite condiments. The combination of textures and flavors here is what makes this White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe truly remarkable.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and creamy avocado turns these burgers from delicious to extraordinary. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten things up and add a subtle aromatic lift.
Side Dishes
This burger shines paired with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a light mixed green salad, or even a tangy coleslaw. Roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob also bring a nice seasonal touch and balance out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these burgers open-faced on toasted buns with a drizzle of a homemade garlic aioli or chipotle mayo for an extra layer of flavor. You can even turn the ingredients into sliders for parties or pile them atop a salad for a hearty, gluten-free meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and buns separate to prevent sogginess, and reassemble just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and can be cooked straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked burgers, use a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture juicy and the crust crisp.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for the chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in this White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe and will give a slightly different but equally tasty flavor.
Is it necessary to use panko bread crumbs?
While panko bread crumbs give the lightest texture, regular bread crumbs can be used if that’s what you have on hand. The burgers might be a tad denser but still delicious.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, which is super convenient for busy days or meal prep.
What cheese works best besides white cheddar?
White cheddar offers a nice sharpness, but you can experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little spice in your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly and don’t skimp on the egg or bread crumbs which act as binders to hold everything together.
Final Thoughts
This White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe has become one of those go-to meals that’s as comforting as it is exciting. It’s easy to make yet packed with layers of flavor that impress without fuss. Give it a try, and you’ll likely find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever the craving for a burger that’s a little different but absolutely delicious hits.
Print
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistible White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic burger. Packed with fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar, these burgers offer a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and cook, they provide a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Chicken (Consider swapping for ground turkey if desired.)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Feel free to substitute kale or any green you love.)
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese (Sharp white cheddar works best for a rich taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Use fresh garlic for a more robust aromatic kick.)
- 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (Regular bread crumbs can be used if preferred.)
- 1 large Egg (Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste (Adjust to your personal taste.)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Used for cooking.)
For Serving
- 4 Burger Buns (Choose your favorite type; toasting them adds extra texture and flavor.)
- Lettuce, Tomato, & Avocado (Customize to your liking.)
- Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo) (Experiment with spicy or herb-infused options for a twist.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and finely chop the fresh spinach. Grate the white cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Mix the Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty, about 3/4 inch thick, ensuring they hold together well.
- Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are golden brown on the outside.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns either in a toaster or on a separate pan until golden and crisp.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each chicken patty on the bottom half of the toasted buns. Add your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, and avocado. Spread condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo on the top bun.
- Serve: Close the burgers with the top buns and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a healthier variation, swap ground chicken for ground turkey or omit the cheese for lower fat.
- Use fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder if a stronger flavor is desired.
- Panko bread crumbs keep the burgers light and help retain moisture; regular bread crumbs can be used but may affect texture.
- Ensure not to overmix the burger mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Customize toppings and condiments to suit personal taste preferences.
