Why You’ll Love This Recipe
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a refreshing twist on classic burgers, offering big flavor with a lighter feel. These burgers are juicy, tender, and packed with savory notes from sharp white cheddar, balanced by the freshness of spinach. I enjoy how this recipe turns simple ground chicken into something genuinely satisfying without relying on heavy sauces or frying. The spinach keeps the patties moist, while the cheese melts gently inside, creating bursts of flavor in every bite. I tested this recipe both pan-seared and baked, and it worked beautifully either way, making it versatile for different kitchens and schedules. Whether served on a bun, over a salad, or alongside roasted vegetables, these burgers are dependable, nutritious, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and wholesome.
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White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers: Juicy, Flavor-Packed, and Weeknight-Friendly
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
Description
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful patties made with lean ground chicken, sharp white cheddar cheese, and fresh spinach—perfect for a healthier burger option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized burger patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve on buns, lettuce wraps, or over a salad as desired.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing to keep burgers tender.
- Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- These burgers also bake well at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Chicken
Ground chicken is lean yet tender when handled gently. It provides a neutral base that absorbs seasoning and mix-ins well.
White Cheddar Cheese
White cheddar adds sharpness and richness. Its bold flavor ensures the burgers taste indulgent without being heavy.
Fresh Spinach
Spinach adds moisture, color, and nutrients. Finely chopping it helps distribute it evenly through the patties.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and keep the burgers from drying out during cooking.
Egg
The egg acts as a binder, holding the patties together while maintaining a soft texture.
Garlic
Garlic adds depth and savory aroma that complements both chicken and cheese.
Onion
Finely diced onion provides subtle sweetness and extra moisture.
Salt
Salt enhances all the ingredients and ensures the burgers are well seasoned throughout.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for cooking and helps achieve a golden exterior.
Directions
Begin by placing the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add chopped spinach, white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the burgers dense.
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into patties, pressing lightly so they hold together. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the burgers for about five to six minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove from heat and allow the burgers to rest briefly before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the patties moist.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 chicken burgers. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 12 minutes, making it ideal for a quick dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the burgers.
Variations and Customizations
These burgers are easy to adapt. You can substitute kale for spinach or use part-skim mozzarella instead of white cheddar for a milder flavor. I have also added a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, which worked very well. For a low-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour. You can serve the burgers wrapped in lettuce, on whole-grain buns, or sliced over salads. Each variation keeps the burgers flavorful while allowing flexibility based on dietary needs or preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein (g) | 32 |
| Carbs (g) | 12 |
| Fat (g) | 20 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 8 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 |
| Sugar (g) | 1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 520 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Mix the ingredients gently to avoid tough burgers. Finely chop spinach and onion for even texture. Let the burgers rest after cooking to preserve juiciness.
FAQs
Can I bake these chicken burgers?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
How do I keep chicken burgers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and include moisture-rich ingredients like spinach and onion.
Can I freeze these burgers?
Yes, uncooked patties can be frozen for up to two months.
What toppings pair well with these burgers?
Avocado, tomato, or a light garlic yogurt sauce work very well.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, ground turkey is a suitable substitute with similar results.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.
Conclusion
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful, nutritious alternative to traditional burgers. Juicy, versatile, and easy to prepare, they are a reliable recipe that fits seamlessly into everyday cooking while still feeling satisfying and well-balanced.
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