Looking for a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and just a little bit out of the ordinary? White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are about to change your home-cooked burger game forever. These burgers bring together tender ground chicken, sharp white cheddar, and fresh spinach for a combination thatโs as wholesome as it is delicious. Each bite is packed with gooey cheese, leafy green goodness, and savory chicken โ making them perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. If you love comfort food with a twist, this is one recipe youโll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You donโt need a laundry list of specialty items for this recipe โ just a few simple ingredients, each packing its own punch of flavor and texture. Letโs break down the essentials for White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers and highlight why they matter.
- Ground chicken: Opt for a blend with a bit of fat, so your burgers stay ultra-tender and juicy without drying out on the grill or skillet.
- White cheddar cheese: The star ingredient brings a tangy, creamy element that melts beautifully right into the burgers.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color, a nutrient boost, and a subtle earthy note that pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese.
- Garlic powder: Contributes warmth and depth, balancing the flavor profile with gentle, aromatic undertones.
- Onion powder: Gives just the right hint of sweetness and savoriness without overwhelming the other components.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Olive oil: Helps the burgers brown nicely on the outside while keeping the interior moist and tender.
- Burger buns: Choose sturdy buns that can handle these juicy, flavorful patties (brioche or whole wheat are great options).
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, red onion, or a swipe of your favorite sauce to take things up a notch.
How to Make White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Begin by giving your spinach a quick, gentle chop. You want the pieces small enough to mix evenly into the patty mixture, but not so tiny that they disappear completely. If the spinach has lots of moisture, pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel; this keeps your burgers from getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the Burger Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with a fork or your hands until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture โ this ensures tender burgers. If it feels a bit sticky, thatโs normal (and even helps keep the patties together).
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into equal portions, then gently shape them into burger patties about 3/4-inch thick. Remember: uniform thickness means your burgers will cook evenly. Place the patties on a plate or tray, and let them rest in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This quick chill helps them stay firm once they hit the heat.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties (donโt overcrowd the pan). Cook them for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the centers reach 165ยฐF. Resist the urge to press down on them โ you want to keep all those tasty juices inside!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Place each hot, cheesy patty onto a toasted burger bun. Pile on your favorite toppings, whether itโs crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or a dollop of smoky mayo. Serve up the White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers while theyโre still warm, and watch them disappear in record time.
How to Serve White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
A simple leaf of lettuce, a few slices of ripe tomato, and a sprinkle of thinly sliced red onion add freshness and crunch. For a bit of zing, try a quick homemade pickled onion or a drizzle of zesty sriracha-mayo. The key is to choose garnishes that brighten up the rich, cheesy flavor of the White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Side Dishes
Classic fries or sweet potato wedges are always a hit, but these burgers also pair beautifully with crisp coleslaw, a leafy green salad, or crunchy roasted veggies. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a tangy cucumber salad or a batch of homemade baked chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Donโt be afraid to let your imagination run wild! These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are fantastic served slider-style for parties, tucked into pita bread with tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist, or even deconstructed and served atop a big salad bowl for a lighter take. The possibilities are only limited by your cravings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra patties, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep any toppings and buns separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers freeze beautifully once cooked. Wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freezing the patties individually makes grabbing one for a quick lunch or dinner a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, let patties thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or use the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out. If you want to bring back a crispy edge, a few minutes under the broiler does wonders.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the frozen spinach before adding it to the mixture. Too much water can make the burger mixture difficult to handle.
What if I canโt find ground chicken?
Ground turkey is an excellent substitute in this recipe and works just as well, maintaining that juicy texture and mild flavor that makes White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers so appealing.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
The burger patties themselves are gluten-free, just be sure to use gluten-free buns or serve them bunless if youโre avoiding gluten entirely.
Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking in a skillet?
Absolutely! Grill the patties over medium heat, using a lightly oiled grill grate to prevent sticking. Theyโre just as delicious with a light smoky flavor from the grill.
Whatโs the best way to add extra flavor?
Mix in a dash of smoked paprika, a handful of chopped fresh herbs, or a pinch of chili flakes for a customizable twist. White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a fantastic canvas for experimenting with your favorite seasonings!
Final Thoughts
Thereโs something so special about sharing homemade burgers, especially ones as tasty and satisfying as White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers. Give them a try and let them become a new favorite in your dinner rotation โ your tastebuds (and your friends and family) will thank you!
PrintWhite Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These juicy White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic burger. Lean ground chicken is combined with tender spinach, sharp white cheddar, and fragrant seasonings for a delicious, protein-packed meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or summer grilling, each bite bursts with cheesy goodness and hidden greens.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4 burger buns (whole wheat or regular)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced red onion
- Optional: mayonnaise, ketchup, or your favorite burger sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, diced onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers moist.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each into a burger patty about 1/2-inch thick. Place the patties on a parchment-lined plate or tray and cover. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help the patties firm up.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and burgers are golden brown with a nicely melted cheesy center.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers cook, toast the burger buns cut-side down in a dry skillet or on a grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place lettuce leaves on each bun bottom, followed by a chicken patty, then top with tomato and red onion slices. Add any desired condiments and finish with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar for best melting and flavor.
- Feel free to swap in baby kale or arugula for spinach.
- If mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs.
- These patties can be cooked on a stovetop, grill, or in the oven.
- Leftover burgers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (with bun and toppings)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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