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Juicy Spinach Cheddar Chicken Burgers

Ground chicken burgers with sharp white cheddar and fresh spinach built into the patty for a juicy, well-seasoned dinner ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken thigh meat or thigh-breast blend recommended for juiciness
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach finely chopped, squeezed dry if damp
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese freshly shredded from block
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely grated using a box grater
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 4 brioche or whole wheat buns toasted

Equipment

  • Large skillet or grill
  • large mixing bowl
  • Box grater
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Finely chop the baby spinach. If damp, place in a paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, grated onion, panko, and all spices. Mix until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
  3. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Press a small thumbprint into the center of each patty.
  4. Pan-fry: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Grill: Medium-high heat, oiled grates, 5-6 minutes per side. Air fryer: 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. During the last minute of cooking, place buns cut-side down in the skillet or on the grill to lightly toast.
  6. Assemble burgers with desired toppings. Garlic mayo or dijonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and red onion complement the cheddar-forward patty well.

Notes

Storage: Cooked patties keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low with a splash of water. Raw shaped patties can be refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen up to 3 months with parchment between each patty. Substitutions: Ground turkey (93/7) works in place of chicken. For a Mediterranean version, swap cheddar for feta and oregano for dill, serve with tzatziki. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for a fully gluten-free meal. Serving: Pairs well with sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, oven fries, or cucumber salad.