White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your mealtime experience. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I can assure you that these burgers are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of creamy white cheddar and fresh spinach creates a flavor profile that is both rich and refreshing, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Originating from the desire to create a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, these chicken burgers have gained popularity for their juicy texture and savory taste. People adore this dish not just for its incredible flavor, but also for its convenience; they are quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. With White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that is both wholesome and indulgent. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your favorite condiments
Preparing the Mixture
Let’s get started on these delicious White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and have them ready to go. It makes the process so much smoother. Here’s how I prepare the mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, and shredded white cheddar cheese. I find that using fresh spinach gives a nice flavor and vibrant color to the burgers.
- Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together, while the Parmesan adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Crack the egg into the mixture. This acts as a binding agent, ensuring that our burgers hold their shape while cooking.
- Next, add the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. These seasonings are key to infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Using your hands (I recommend wearing disposable gloves for easy cleanup), mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
Shaping the Burgers
Now that our mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the burgers:
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure they’re all the same size, but eyeballing it works too!
- With your hands, gently shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
- Once all the patties are shaped, I like to place them on a plate and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cook.
Cooking the Burgers
Now comes the fun part—cooking these delicious burgers! Here’s how I do it:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or so.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; I usually cook them in batches if necessary.
- Cook the burgers for about 5-6 minutes on one side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and have a nice golden-brown color.
- Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the other side. To ensure they’re fully cooked, I like to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- If you’re adding any cheese on top, like extra white cheddar, place a slice on each burger during the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet with a lid to help it melt.
Assembling the Burgers
Now that our burgers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble them:
- Toast the burger buns lightly in the same skillet or on a separate pan until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
- Spread your favorite condiments on the bottom half of each bun. I love using a mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for a little kick. <
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, or your favorite condiments
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, and shredded white cheddar cheese.
- Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Crack the egg into the mixture.
- Add the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty.
- Refrigerate the patties for about 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Place the patties in the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If adding cheese, place a slice on each burger during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
- Toast the burger buns until golden brown.
- Spread your favorite condiments on the bottom half of each bun.
- Place the cooked burger patty on top, add any additional toppings, and cover with the top half of the bun.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or parsley to the mixture.
- You can substitute ground chicken with turkey or lean beef if preferred.
- These burgers can be grilled outdoors for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their burger game. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy white cheddar, and nutritious spinach creates a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and wholesome. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends. For serving suggestions, I love pairing these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness of the cheese. You can also get creative with toppings—try adding avocado slices, a dollop of garlic aioli, or even a spicy jalapeño relish for an extra kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the spinach for kale or adding some roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you take that first bite, I’m sure you’ll be hooked! Don’t forget to share your experience with me—whether it’s a photo of your creation or your thoughts on the flavors. I can’t wait to hear how your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers turn out! Happy cooking! Print
White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe to Try Today
Description
These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional burgers, featuring ground chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy white cheddar. Juicy and satisfying, they’re perfect for any meal and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
