Juicy chicken patties packed with spinach, melty white cheddar, and big flavor—perfect for healthy weeknight grilling or pan-frying.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Dietary Info: High Protein | Low-Carb Option | Gluten-Free Option
📝 Ingredients Checklist
For the Patties:
Ground chicken (or turkey)
Fresh spinach (finely chopped)
White cheddar cheese (shredded)
Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
Egg
Garlic (minced)
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
For Serving:
Burger buns (brioche, whole wheat, or lettuce wraps)
Toppings: avocado, tomato, red onion
Condiments: mayo or Dijon mustard
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the Burger Base (5 minutes)
In a bowl, gently mix ground chicken, spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing for tender burgers.
Form & Cook the Patties
Shape mixture into 4 equal patties. Grill or pan-fry over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Melt the Cheese
In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheddar to each patty and cover to melt.
Assemble Your Burgers
Toast buns. Layer patties with avocado slices, tomato, red onion, and your choice of sauce.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Burgers
🔥 Chill patties for 15 minutes before cooking—they hold their shape better.
🍃 Use fresh spinach for best texture, or thawed frozen spinach (squeezed dry).
🛡 To prevent sticking, lightly oil your grill or skillet.
🧊 Make ahead: Uncooked patties keep in the fridge up to 2 days.
🍽 Burgers That Break the Rules
These chicken burgers are far from boring—moist, flavorful, and sneakily packed with veggies. Perfect for meal prep or a light summer dinner, they also satisfy burger cravings without the beef.
👨🍳 Cooking Walkthrough
Mixing & Forming
Use clean hands or a fork to combine ingredients until just mixed. The mixture will be soft—don’t worry, it firms up on the grill or pan.
Cooking Notes
A non-stick skillet or preheated grill works best. Let burgers sear undisturbed before flipping. Internal temp is key—use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Tip: Covering the pan while melting cheese helps retain moisture and creates steam for a juicy patty.
🧂 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Key Ingredients
Ground chicken: Lean and mild, perfect for soaking up seasoning.
Spinach: Adds moisture, nutrients, and color.
White cheddar: Melts smoothly with a sharp bite.
Substitution Options
Turkey: Works just as well as chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Use almond flour for a low-carb version.
Cheese: Swap with Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
Equipment Tips
No grill? A cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan is ideal.
No meat thermometer? Cut into a patty—juices should run clear and center should be opaque.
🌟 Flavor Variations
🌶 Spicy Jalapeño: Add 1 diced jalapeño + swap in pepper jack cheese.
🍋 Lemon-Herb: Add 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tbsp chopped basil.
🍄 Mushroom Swiss: Top with sautéed mushrooms and a slice of Swiss.
🥓 Bacon Blue: Mix in crumbled bacon and blue cheese.
🍯 Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush with honey mustard in last 2 mins of cooking.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage
Cooked patties keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze uncooked patties between parchment sheets for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving too long or burgers may dry out.
Make-Ahead
Mix and shape patties up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Burger, no bun)
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: ~24g
Carbs: ~6g (or lower with almond flour)
Fat: ~16g
Allergens: Egg, Dairy (optional: Gluten in buns or breadcrumbs)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these burgers dairy-free?
A: Yes—omit cheese or use dairy-free shreds.
Q: What kind of buns work best?
A: Brioche for softness, whole wheat for fiber, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F for 18–20 mins, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
Q: Can I freeze the uncooked patties?
A: Absolutely. Layer with parchment in an airtight container. Thaw before cooking.
💬 Let’s Talk Burgers!
These juicy spinach cheddar chicken burgers are a weeknight win—easy, tasty, and adaptable. If you make them, let me know how you dressed yours up! Did you try a flavor variation or a bun swap? Drop a comment and rating below.
Try next: [Zesty Greek Chicken Burgers] or [Crispy Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Dill Sauce]!