White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a delicious and healthy twist on traditional burgers by combining lean ground chicken with nutrient-rich spinach and sharp white cheddar cheese. Quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors, these burgers deliver a juicy, cheesy bite that’s perfect for family dinners or casual meals. With versatile customization options and wholesome ingredients, they balance flavor, nutrition, and convenience effortlessly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying or Grilling (alternative: Baking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour used and gluten-free buns chosen)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 2 cups fresh spinach, lightly sautéed and drained
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns (whole wheat, brioche, gluten-free, or lettuce wraps)
Instructions
- Prep the Spinach and Cheese: Lightly sauté the fresh spinach in a pan until just wilted, then squeeze out any excess moisture and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, grate or finely chop the white cheddar cheese so it can mix easily into the chicken mixture.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, cooled spinach, white cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly combined without overworking the mixture.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into burger patties about ¾ inch thick. Press lightly to hold together but avoid compacting too much to keep burgers tender.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat your grill. Cook the patties for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges become golden brown with melted cheese visible.
- Assemble and Serve: Lightly toast your burger buns, then place the chicken patties on the bottom half. Add extra white cheddar cheese if desired and layer with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, or favorite condiments before topping with the bun.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the chicken mixture to prevent tough burgers—combine just until blended.
- Squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach to avoid soggy patties.
- Incorporate some cheese inside the patty and sprinkle more on top for extra cheesiness.
- Let cooked patties rest a few minutes to lock in juices before serving.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken burgers, white cheddar burgers, spinach burgers, healthy burgers, quick dinner, gluten free burgers, cheesy chicken patties