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If you love juicy, flavorful burgers with a fresh twist, this Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Combining tender ground chicken with vibrant spinach and that irresistible basil pesto, topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella, these burgers deliver a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and mouthwatering flavors that you won’t want to miss. They’re quick to make, richly textured, and ideal for a satisfying meal that feels gourmet but comes together effortlessly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in your Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe. From the fresh spinach adding moisture and color to the pesto infusing aromatic basil notes, every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to make these burgers spectacular.
- 1 lb lean ground chicken: The perfect lean protein base that stays juicy and tender when cooked properly.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, rinsed, chopped, and drained: Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness that keeps every bite fresh.
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto: Infuses the patties with rich herbal flavor for a delicious twist.
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy richness that elevates the burger.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A small but mighty addition to boost savory depth.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed): Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the burgers from falling apart.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder that holds everything together perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 4 soft burger buns (gluten-free if preferred): Choose your favorite buns to complement the patties and hold all the wonderful toppings.
- Tomato slices: Adds a juicy freshness and a pop of color on the finished burger.
- Lettuce leaves: Crunchy and crisp, giving a perfect textural contrast.
- Extra basil pesto: Because one layer of pesto is never enough!
How to Make Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by rinsing your fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. Then, chop it finely for even distribution throughout the burgers. Lightly sauté or blanch the spinach briefly to remove excess moisture, then make sure to pat it dry completely — this step is the secret to avoiding soggy patties and ensuring a perfect texture in your burgers.
Step 2: Combine the Burger Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of basil pesto. Gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, which can make the burgers tough instead of tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Using your hands, gently form each portion into a round patty about ¾ inch thick. Press a slight indentation into the center of each patty — this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle as they cook.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Heat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat, adding a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook each patty for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Just before they finish cooking, place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each patty and cover the pan. This step melts the cheese to creamy perfection, tying the whole burger together in a delightful cheesy hug.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
While the patties cook, lightly toast your burger buns. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto on the bottom buns to add extra flavor and moisture. Place the cheesy patties on top, then add your favorite fresh toppings like juicy tomato slices and crisp lettuce leaves. Cap with the top buns, and voilà — your Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil add a fragrant finishing touch. For a little zing, a thin slice of red onion or a sprinkle of chili flakes can awaken the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper to highlight the savoriness of the burger.
Side Dishes
Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp sweet potato fries, a fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even a simple bowl of herb-roasted vegetables. The freshness of the sides complements the richness of the burgers and keeps the meal balanced and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these burgers open-faced on a rustic wooden board, garnished with microgreens and colorful cherry tomatoes for a restaurant-quality look at home. Alternatively, wrap each burger in parchment paper tied with twine for a casual picnic or gathering. You can also swap the buns for hearty lettuce wraps to keep things light and vibrant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess, and store any extra pesto and toppings in sealed containers to maintain freshness.
Freezing
These burgers freeze beautifully! Place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray and flash freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
For best results, reheat cooked burgers gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep the outside crisp without drying them out. Add fresh mozzarella during reheating to regain that melty finish. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use spinach powder instead of fresh spinach?
While spinach powder can add some color and nutrients, fresh spinach offers moisture and texture essential for juicy burgers. Using fresh chopped spinach ensures tender, flavorful patties that aren’t dry.
Is it necessary to cook the spinach before mixing the patties?
Yes, lightly cooking the spinach removes excess water, which is important to prevent soggy burgers. If you skip this step, your patties might fall apart or become mushy during cooking.
Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella melts wonderfully, but fontina, provolone, or Monterey Jack all work well and offer different flavor profiles depending on your preference.
What’s the best way to ensure the burgers stay moist?
Using lean ground chicken combined with the pesto, egg, and sautéed spinach creates moisture and tenderness. Avoid overmixing the meat and don’t press down on the patties during cooking to keep them juicy.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free buns, and double-check your pesto ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. The recipe is very adaptable for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe showcases how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create an exciting and delicious meal. Once you try these, they’ll be your go-to when you crave something healthy but indulgent. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a burger experience that feels both comforting and gourmet in every bite!
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Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella are a healthy, flavorful twist on classic chicken burgers. Packed with fresh spinach and basil pesto, topped with melted mozzarella, and served on soft buns with tomato and lettuce, they make a delicious and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, rinsed, chopped, and drained
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 4 soft burger buns (gluten-free if preferred)
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce leaves
- Extra basil pesto
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach and Moisturize: Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly and chop finely. Lightly sauté or blanch the spinach to remove excess moisture, then pat dry completely to prevent soggy patties.
- Combine the Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and pesto until well incorporated but not overmixed.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a round patty about ¾ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center for even cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Cook each patty for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last minute, place a slice of mozzarella on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Assemble and Serve: Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread a generous layer of pesto on the bottom buns, add the cooked patties topped with melted mozzarella, then add desired toppings like tomato and lettuce. Cover with the top buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach after sautéing or blanching to prevent the burgers from becoming watery.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken patties reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the regular breadcrumbs and buns with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can add your favorite burger toppings like avocado or pickles for extra flavor.
- Leftover burgers can be refrigerated and reheated, though best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
