Name: White Cheddar And Spinach Chicken Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (preferably dark meat); ½ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped; ¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese; ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional); 1 egg; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking); 4 burger buns; Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional); Mustard or aioli (optional)

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Short Description

Lean and flavorful chicken burgers packed with spinach and melted white cheddar, served on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings for a juicy, wholesome burger experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these burgers because:

They’re made with ground chicken and fresh spinach for a lighter yet satisfying texture.
White cheddar adds gooey, savory richness that pairs beautifully with leafy greens.
Little breadcrumbs and egg keep them intact yet tender.
They cook quickly and assemble easily—perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Patties

1 lb ground chicken (dark meat preferred for juiciness)
½ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed, drained frozen spinach)
¼ cup shredded white cheddar cheese (plus extra slices for topping)
¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for structure)
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For Assembling

4 burger buns (whole wheat or gluten‑free if preferred)
Lettuce, tomato, and any favorite burger toppings
Optional: mustard or aioli for extra flavor

Directions

Make the Chicken Burger Mix
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs (if using), egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined—avoid overworking to keep patties tender.
Form the Patties
Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each gently into a patty about ½ inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each with your thumb to help them cook evenly and avoid puffing up.
Cook the Patties
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Cook patties for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
During the final 1–2 minutes, place a slice of white cheddar on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese.
Assemble the Burgers
Toast the buns lightly in the skillet or oven until golden.
Place each cheesy chicken patty on a bun and add your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickles, and condiments like mustard or aioli.
Serve
Serve immediately while warm and juicy.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: ~10–15 minutes (mixing and forming patties)
Cook Time: ~12–14 minutes (grilling and melting cheese)
Total Time: Around 25–30 minutes

Variations

Add finely chopped onions or scallions for extra flavor.
Swap white cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different melty profile.
Mix in herbs like parsley or chives to boost freshness.
Make sliders by forming smaller patties and serving on mini buns.
For added crunch, top with sliced pickles, crispy bacon, or crispy onions.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
To reheat: gently warm in a skillet or oven at 300 °F until heated through. Avoid microwaving assembled burgers to prevent sogginess.
You can also freeze uncooked shaped patties separated with parchment paper. Thaw overnight before cooking.

FAQs

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Ground dark meat (thigh or a dark mix) provides juicier burgers. Ground breast can be used but may be leaner.

Can I make them gluten‑free?

Yes—use gluten‑free breadcrumbs or omit entirely. The burgers may be slightly softer but still delicious.

Do I need egg and breadcrumbs?

The egg helps bind while breadcrumbs add structure. You can reduce or omit them, but patties may be looser.

Can I cook these on a grill?

Yes—preheat grill to medium heat and cook patties on the grill grates. Be gentle when flipping so they hold together.

How do I prevent patties from sticking?

Use a well-oiled pan or grill grate. Form patties with clean hands and press an indentation in the center to reduce warping.

Can I prep patties ahead?

Yes—form patties and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking. Cover so they stay moist and don’t dry out.

How can I make them more flavorful?

Add spices like smoked paprika or chili powder. A small amount of grated onion or diced peppers also boosts flavor.

What buns should I use?

Whole wheat, gluten‑free, brioche, or lettuce wraps all work—you can customize based on dietary preference and desired texture.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

Yes—the patties hold well and reheat nicely. Prepare fresh toppings and buns before serving for best texture.

Can I make them dairy‑free?

Use dairy‑free cheddar or omit cheese in the patty and topping. Add avocado or dairy‑free aioli for creaminess.

Conclusion

These White Cheddar And Spinach Chicken Burgers combine juicy, flavorful chicken with melted cheese and fresh spinach for a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and crave-worthy. Quick to assemble and customizable, they’re perfect for a weeknight or weekend cookout—packed with protein and taste in every bite.

Maggie