If you’re looking for a burger that bursts with flavor while staying light and wholesome, the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These burgers perfectly balance the richness of creamy white cheddar cheese with the fresh, vibrant notes of spinach, all nestled in juicy ground chicken patties. Every bite delivers a satisfying texture and a blend of tastes that feel both comforting and a little elevated. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend cookout, this recipe is a delightful twist on classic chicken burgers that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting these irresistible chicken burgers. Each element adds a special touch—spinach brings freshness and color, white cheddar adds creamy sharpness, and the spices awaken the palate. The simplicity of the components is key to letting those flavors shine through.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean, tender base of your burger for juicy and flavorful patties.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped: Adds vibrant green color and a mild earthy boost that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts into the patties for that creamy, tangy punch everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture together and keeps the burgers nice and tender.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and aromatic richness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and adds complexity with just a splash.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that amplify all the other flavors.
- Olive oil, for cooking: Keeps the patties from sticking and aids in achieving a golden crust.
- 4 burger buns: Choose your favorite type to hold your masterpiece together—brioche works wonderfully.
- Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato slices, extra cheese): Customize to add freshness, juiciness, or extra cheesiness.
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by tossing the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings into a large bowl. Gently mix everything until combined, taking care not to overwork the meat. This gentle handling is crucial to keep your burgers tender instead of dense.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions, shaping each one into a firm, evenly sized patty. Uniformity here helps the burgers cook evenly and maintain their shape during cooking, so aim for consistent thickness across all patties.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add your patties to the pan. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they’re safe to eat while staying juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Rest the Burgers
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so every bite is perfectly moist.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers
Place each patty on your favorite burger bun and add any desired toppings like crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, or even an extra layer of cheddar cheese. This lets each person customize their burger to their liking and adds layers of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe immediately, while warm and juicy. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready to savor a delicious meal that feels both special and satisfying.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lettuce, crisp tomato slices, or even caramelized onions elevate the burger with fresh crunch and a slight sweetness. You can also add extra white cheddar cheese on top for a melty finish that complements the cheddar inside the patty beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or even grilled vegetables provide the perfect balance to these juicy chicken burgers. The slight sweetness in sweet potato fries works especially well against the tangy cheddar and savory chicken flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, serve these burgers open-faced on toasted buns, topped with an avocado spread or a dollop of garlic aioli. Alternatively, turn them into slider-sized bites for a fun appetizer or party treat. Another delicious idea is to slice the cooked burger patty and serve it in a salad for a hearty lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be quickly reheated when hunger strikes again.
Freezing
These burgers freeze wonderfully. Place your shaped raw patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making meal prep on busy days a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover or thawed burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven until warmed through. This helps maintain their juiciness and texture without drying them out like a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before mixing it into the burger to prevent sogginess.
What type of cheese works best for the recipe?
White cheddar is ideal for its sharp yet creamy flavor that melts beautifully within the patties, but you can experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
How do I prevent the chicken burgers from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and handling the mixture gently helps bind the patties together. Also, make sure your pan is hot before adding the patties to form a crust that keeps them intact.
Can these chicken burgers be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
What is the best way to add extra flavor to the burgers?
Small additions like smoked paprika, a touch of cayenne, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a unique twist while keeping the core flavors inviting and harmonious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe enough for anyone craving a juicy, flavor-packed burger that’s both wholesome and fun to make. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for sharing good times and great food with friends and family. Trust me, once you try these burgers, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!
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White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic burgers. Made with ground chicken, fresh spinach, and shredded white cheddar cheese, these juicy patties are seasoned to perfection and pan-cooked for a golden-brown crust. Perfectly tender and packed with taste, they make a delicious meal served on toasted burger buns with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to ensure the burgers remain tender.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a firm, evenly sized patty. This ensures they cook evenly and hold together during cooking.
- Cook the patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken patties in the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the patties develop a golden-brown crust on both sides.
- Rest the patties: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the burgers moist.
- Assemble the burgers: Place each cooked patty on a burger bun. Add your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, or an extra slice of cheddar cheese for additional flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the burgers immediately while hot and juicy, paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the burger mixture to avoid tough patties.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.
- You can toast the buns lightly in the same skillet after cooking the patties for extra flavor.
- Optional toppings can be customized based on your preference.
- If you prefer, substitute breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
