White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful, juicy twist on the classic chicken burger. Packed with creamy white cheddar and fresh spinach, these burgers are perfect for anyone looking to add more veggies to their meals without sacrificing flavor. The combination of tender ground chicken, melty cheese, and savory spinach makes for a delicious, wholesome burger that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Serve them on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them on their own for a lighter, low-carb option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are an easy, healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers without compromising on flavor. The addition of spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a vibrant pop of color and a mild earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich white cheddar. The juicy chicken patties are easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. Whether you’re looking for a lightened-up burger or a new way to enjoy ground chicken, these burgers are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
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1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 burger buns
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Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Mix everything together until well combined. Use your hands to form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown on the outside.
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While the burgers are cooking, toast the burger buns in a separate pan or oven until lightly golden.
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Once the chicken burgers are done, assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a bun and adding your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and onion.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10-15 minutes
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Cook time: 12-14 minutes
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Total time: 25-30 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven or under a broiler for a few minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While white cheddar is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a fun twist.
3. Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them a great meal prep option.
4. How can I make these burgers spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even chopped jalapeños into the burger mixture.
5. Can I grill these chicken burgers?
Yes, you can grill these burgers! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work perfectly in this recipe.
7. Can I make these burgers without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs and use ground oats or almond flour for a gluten-free version. You can also add extra Parmesan cheese to help bind the mixture together.
8. Can I make these burgers without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons water) or another egg replacer.
9. How do I know when the chicken burgers are cooked through?
Chicken burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
10. Can I freeze the uncooked patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. To cook from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a deliciously wholesome and flavorful twist on a classic burger. The combination of ground chicken, creamy white cheddar, and fresh spinach makes these burgers a satisfying and healthy option for any meal. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends. Whether you enjoy them on a bun with your favorite toppings or as a low-carb option, these chicken burgers will surely become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try for a tasty, lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers!
Print
White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet or Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic burger. With tender ground chicken, creamy white cheddar, and fresh spinach, these burgers are juicy, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, BBQ, or meal prep, these burgers are customizable and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground chicken
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
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1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 burger buns
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Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Mix until fully combined and form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown.
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Toast the burger buns in a separate pan or oven until lightly golden.
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Assemble the burgers by placing each patty on a bun and adding your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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Frozen spinach can be used; just ensure it is thawed and thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.
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Feel free to swap white cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
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These burgers can be made ahead of time. Form the patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
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For spicier burgers, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the mix.
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