If you’re searching for a healthy yet indulgent spin on classic burgers, White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are the answer. Packed with the rich flavors of sharp white cheddar and nutrient-dense spinach, these burgers are a treat for your taste buds and your health. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or meal prepping, this recipe will leave everyone craving more.
Why Choose White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers?
1. Healthy and Delicious
Made with lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, and white cheddar, this burger balances nutrition and flavor seamlessly. Spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, while white cheddar brings a creamy, tangy richness.
2. Quick and Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and a prep time of under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy lifestyles.
3. Versatile for Any Occasion
These chicken burgers are versatile enough for casual meals or elegant gatherings. Serve them with buns for a classic vibe or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ¾ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced white cheddar cheese
- Fresh arugula or lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Red onion rings
- Avocado slices
For the Sauce (Optional):
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties. Ensure they are even for consistent cooking.
3. Cook the Burgers
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Assemble the Burgers
Toast your buns if desired. Spread the optional sauce on the buns, layer with your preferred toppings, and place the cooked patty in the center.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Pair your burgers with sweet potato fries, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Burgers
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the burger mixture can make the patties dense. Mix just until combined.
- Chill Before Cooking: Chilling the patties for 10-15 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheddar elevate the flavors of this dish.
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- Target Keywords: Use terms like healthy chicken burger recipe, spinach and cheddar burgers, and easy chicken burger recipe.
- Include Variations: Suggest gluten-free buns, dairy-free cheese alternatives, or spice adjustments for a wider audience appeal.
- Visual Appeal: Share drool-worthy photos of the cooked burgers, showing the vibrant spinach and melted cheddar.
Conclusion
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delightful way to enjoy a classic favorite with a gourmet twist. Their balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation makes them a must-try recipe for any food lover. Ready to upgrade your burger nights? This recipe has you covered!
Serving and Storage Tips for White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Side Dishes:
- Serve with crispy sweet potato fries, garlic-roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the burger.
- Choose Your Bun:
- Opt for brioche buns for a buttery touch, whole-grain buns for added fiber, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
- Upgrade Your Toppings:
- Enhance the flavors with gourmet toppings like caramelized onions, spicy pickles, or sun-dried tomato spread.
- Perfect Beverage Pairings:
- Pair these burgers with a refreshing iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer to complement the flavors.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Place cooked burger patties in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for Later:
- To freeze raw patties:
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing excess air.
- Raw patties can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To freeze cooked patties:
- Allow them to cool completely, wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag.
- To freeze raw patties:
- Reheating Instructions:
- From Refrigerated: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above, or reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Meal Prep Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the burger mixture and shape the patties ahead of time. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra patties for quick meals on busy days.
- Serving On-the-Go: Wrap cooked burgers in foil or parchment paper for an easy packed lunch or picnic treat.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free anytime!
1. Can I use a different cheese instead of white cheddar?
Absolutely! While white cheddar adds a sharp and creamy flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, feta, or even gouda for a different taste profile.
2. Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Yes! To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free burger buns or lettuce wraps. Ensure that any seasoning or sauce used is also certified gluten-free.
3. Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them on a skillet
Definitely! These burgers are perfect for grilling. Preheat your grill to medium heat, lightly oil the grates, and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. How can I keep the patties from falling apart?
To help the patties hold their shape:
- Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet. If it is, add a small amount of breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Chill the patties in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
This will firm them up and make handling easier.
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
These chicken burgers are loaded with tender spinach and melty white cheddar, making them a wholesome and delicious option for your next meal. Perfect for a grill or stovetop, they pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or your favorite burger toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Optional Toppings:
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Sliced white cheddar
- Avocado slices
- Tomato slices
- Red onion
- Spinach or lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the patty mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Shape the patties:
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2-inch thick. If the mixture is sticky, lightly wet your hands to make shaping easier.
- Cook the patties:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Alternatively, grill the patties on a preheated grill over medium heat for the same duration.
- Assemble the burgers:
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- Place the cooked patty on the bottom bun and layer with your favorite toppings such as extra white cheddar, avocado, tomato, and spinach.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve immediately with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- You can swap the white cheddar for another cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- For meal prep, cook the patties in advance and reheat as needed. They store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.