If you love a juicy, flavorful burger but want something a bit lighter and packed with greens, this White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These burgers marry the richness of sharp white cheddar with the fresh, vibrant bite of spinach, nestled inside tender ground chicken patties. The blend of garlic and Dijon mustard gives each bite a zesty kick, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or weekend cookout, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a healthier twist on classic burgers without sacrificing any of the comfort or taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a burger bursting with flavor and texture. These staples not only enhance the taste but also bring vibrant color and a nutritious boost that you’ll appreciate with every bite.
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean and tender base that keeps the burgers juicy and light.
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy richness that melts beautifully inside the patties.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped: Brings a fresh, earthy flavor and a lovely pop of green color.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory note that lifts all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and a gentle crunch for texture contrast.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall taste profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance and highlight all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Helps create a golden crust while keeping the patties moist.
- 4 burger buns: Choose your favorite style to hold all the goodness together.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, or mustard for customizing your burger experience.
How to Make White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken, shredded white cheddar, chopped spinach, garlic, diced onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything thoroughly until the mixture feels evenly combined. This is where the magic begins, as the cheese and spinach distribute throughout the patty to create incredible pockets of flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a round patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Try to keep the patties uniform in size so they cook evenly. If you want firmer patties that hold their shape a little better, feel free to pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Look for a beautiful golden brown crust as a sign that tasty caramelization is happening. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken burgers.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble
While the patties cook, toast your burger buns if you like a bit of crunch and extra warmth. Assemble the burgers by placing the patty on the bun and adding your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and a dollop of mayo or mustard work wonderfully here. Serve immediately to enjoy the burgers hot and fresh.
How to Serve White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like crisp lettuce and thick tomato slices add a refreshing crunch and juicy contrast that highlight the richness of the burgers. Red onion rings bring a subtle tang and bite, while a spread of mayo or mustard enhances creaminess and tang to elevate every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think classic crispy oven-baked fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a light cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or grilled vegetables keep the fresh and wholesome theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these chicken burgers on toasted brioche buns or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can also turn them into sliders for a party appetizer or stack them with avocado slices and pickled jalapeños for a southwestern flair. The possibilities to tailor this recipe to your style are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe, pop the cooked patties into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and fresh toppings separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
These patties freeze beautifully. Shape the uncooked patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready whenever a chicken burger craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy crust. Toast buns fresh before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just as well and offers a similarly lean option. The flavor might be slightly milder, so don’t hesitate to adjust seasoning to your taste.
Is it okay to substitute yellow cheddar for white cheddar?
Yes, you can swap yellow cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. The flavor profile will be very similar, and it will still melt beautifully to create those delicious pockets of cheesiness inside the burger.
Can I make these burgers gluten free?
Definitely. Simply use gluten-free burger buns or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce leaves. Just be sure your condiments are gluten free as well.
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure you mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently, and try chilling the patties for about 20 minutes before cooking. Using a binder like an egg can help even more if you find the mixture a little loose.
Are these burgers healthy?
This White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe balances lean protein with nutrient-rich spinach and moderate fat from the cheese and olive oil. They offer a healthier twist on burgers while still delivering on flavor and satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about sinking your teeth into a homemade burger that feels both fresh and comforting, and this White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe truly delivers on that promise. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients come alive in a juicy, cheesy, and wholesome way. I can’t wait for you to make these a staple in your dinner rotation and share the joy with friends and family!
Print
White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious, healthy twist on classic chicken patties, packed with fresh spinach and melted white cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned and cooked on the stovetop or grill, they’re a flavorful main course ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, or mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded white cheddar cheese, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, diced onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture evenly into 4 portions. Shape each portion into a round patty, ensuring they are compact for even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties cook, optionally toast the burger buns lightly in a separate pan or toaster to add texture and warmth.
- Assemble and Serve: Place each cooked chicken patty onto a toasted bun. Add your choice of optional toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayonnaise, or mustard. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the patty mixture.
- If grilling, chill the formed patties for 20 minutes beforehand to help them maintain their shape during cooking.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Feel free to substitute burger buns with gluten-free buns if desired, adjusting nutrition accordingly.
