There is something incredibly satisfying about the Irresistible White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers You’ll Love Recipe. This delightful twist on a classic burger brings together the rich, sharp creaminess of white cheddar with the fresh, vibrant goodness of spinach, all nestled within tender, juicy ground chicken patties. It’s an explosion of flavor and texture that feels wholesome yet indulgent, letting you enjoy a nutritious meal without skimping on taste. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend BBQ, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this recipe shine. Each component plays a special role, from flavor to texture, creating a perfectly balanced burger experience.
- 1 lb Ground Chicken: The lean base that keeps the burgers juicy but light, perfect for a healthy twist.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and a vibrant touch of green that’s packed with nutrients.
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy, it melts beautifully to bring rich indulgence to every bite.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, savory depth; fresh garlic can be swapped for a punchier kick.
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs: Keeps the texture light and airy while helping bind the ingredients together.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as the essential binder to hold the patties together without falling apart.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors, so season thoughtfully.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the burgers.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Used for cooking, it brings a lovely richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
How to Make Irresistible White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers You’ll Love Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
First, finely chop the fresh spinach. If you are using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out all the excess water. This step is important to prevent soggy patties and to keep the burgers firm.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a spatula, gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the burgers tender.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a round patty about ¾ inch thick. Press slightly in the center with your thumb to ensure even cooking and to prevent puffing up on the grill or pan.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the patties for about 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Avoid pressing down on the patties, as this will squeeze out juices and dry them out.
Step 5: Let Them Rest
After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices inside, making each bite moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Irresistible White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers You’ll Love Recipe
Garnishes
Top these burgers with fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy red onions to add layers of texture and brightness. A dollop of tangy mayo or a smear of pesto complements the cheddar and spinach beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your burgers alongside crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or a zesty coleslaw for a balanced meal that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the patties wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of buns for a low-carb option. Or build slider-sized versions for a party appetizer that everyone will rave about. No matter how you present them, these burgers steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before packing to keep texture fresh.
Freezing
These chicken burgers freeze well. Place uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat cooked burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative and absorbs the flavors just as well.
Is it necessary to use panko bread crumbs?
Panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture, but you can use regular bread crumbs if that’s what you have—just expect a slightly different consistency.
How do I make sure the burgers don’t fall apart?
The egg and bread crumbs bind everything together, so be sure not to skip them and avoid overhandling the mixture when shaping patties.
Can I prepare the patties in advance?
Yes! You can shape the patties and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking or freeze them for future use.
What cheese works best besides white cheddar?
While white cheddar is ideal for its sharp flavor and meltability, you can try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Irresistible White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers You’ll Love Recipe enough for your next meal adventure. It’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor, a perfect recipe to share with loved ones or to treat yourself after a busy day. Give it a try, and watch everyone gather around for seconds and thirds!
Print
Irresistible White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers You’ll Love Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious twist on classic chicken patties, combining fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar for a juicy, flavorful bite. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried until golden, they make an irresistible meal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Burger Mixture
- 1 lb Ground Chicken (Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Can use frozen spinach, drained well.)
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Opt for sharp white cheddar for extra flavor.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Swap in fresh garlic for bolder taste.)
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (Any bread crumbs can work, but panko adds texture.)
- 1 large Egg (Essential for binding the mixture.)
- Salt, to taste (Adjust according to your taste preferences.)
- Pepper, to taste (Adjust according to your taste preferences.)
Cooking
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can be replaced with other cooking oils.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and chop it finely. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture to avoid soggy burgers.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and the egg. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty roughly 3/4 inch thick. Make sure the patties are compact to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the patties in the hot oil and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the patties are golden brown on the outside, and the cheese inside is melted.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the burgers from the skillet and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to absorb excess oil. Serve warm on buns with your favorite toppings or a side salad.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to drain and squeeze out as much water as possible to prevent watery burgers.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese adds a more pronounced flavor but feel free to use mild cheddar or other cheeses.
- Adjust garlic powder and seasoning to your taste, or use fresh minced garlic if preferred.
- Cook burgers thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety when using poultry.
