If you’re craving a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, you’ve got to try this White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe. Combining tender ground chicken with sharp white cheddar and vibrant spinach, these burgers are a fresh twist on the classic backyard favorite. They’re bursting with color, texture, and taste, making them a perfect meal for any day of the week when you want something satisfying yet a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and essential – these ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and nutrition in your burgers. Each one plays a crucial role, from the melty white cheddar adding richness to the spinach boosting both color and freshness.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean and tender base that keeps these burgers juicy and light.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped: Adds a vibrant green color and a gentle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Creamy and sharp, it melts into the patties for a mouthwatering finish.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients and keeps the patties from falling apart while cooking.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For a fragrant, savory boost that wakes up the taste buds.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy kick and complexity to the burgers.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and adds a little twist of savory richness.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to highlight all the fresh flavors.
- Olive oil, for cooking: Keeps the patties moist and gives a slight crisp outside when cooked.
- 4 burger buns: The perfect vessel to hold all that goodness.
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese: Personalize your burger with fresh, crunchy, or creamy extras.
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining your ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together until you have an even mixture. This step is all about balancing flavors and textures, so don’t overwork the mixture to keep your burgers tender.
Step 2: Shape Your Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a patty about three-quarters of an inch thick. This size ensures your burgers will cook evenly and stay juicy inside without drying out.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Place the patties in the pan and cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached. This guarantees they’re safe to eat and perfectly cooked through.
Step 4: Let Them Rest
Once cooked, transfer your patties to a plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Resting helps all the juicy juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burgers
Place each patty on a burger bun and add your favorite toppings—maybe crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, or a little extra cheese for good measure. Now, you’re ready to dive into one of the tastiest burgers you’ll make at home.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Keeping it fresh and simple works best here. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices add a refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the warm, cheesy patty. If you like, a smear of your favorite sauce or a few rings of pickled onion can add exciting layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your burgers with classic options like golden oven-baked fries or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, creamy coleslaw or roasted sweet potato wedges complement the savory notes of the chicken and cheddar beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the bun! Try serving your white cheddar and spinach chicken burgers in lettuce wraps for a lighter option or cut them into sliders for a fun party appetizer. You can even top them with a fried egg or avocado slices for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making for quick and easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
To keep the magic longer, freeze the uncooked patties individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat cooked burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the texture and melt away that melty cheddar goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture from the spinach before adding it to the mixture to avoid soggy patties.
What can I substitute for white cheddar?
Sharp yellow cheddar works too, or try mozzarella for a milder, stretchy option. Just keep the cheese shredded for easy mixing and melting.
Are these burgers suitable for grilling?
Absolutely! Just oil the grill grates well and cook carefully to keep the patties from sticking or falling apart. The breadcrumbs really help with that.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats as a binder.
How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The patties should be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen. It strikes such a great balance between comfort food and a fresh, healthy twist. I’m confident once you give these burgers a try, they’ll become a go-to in your meal rotation too. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers combine lean ground chicken with fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar cheese for a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic burger. Enhanced with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and aromatic garlic and onion, these juicy patties are pan-cooked to perfection and served on soft buns with optional fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 4 burger buns
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Extra cheese
Instructions
- Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until they are evenly combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the patties tender.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a round, evenly thick patty. Make sure the patties are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the surface lightly. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the Patties: Once cooked, transfer the patties onto a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the burgers moist and flavorful.
- Assemble and Serve: Place each patty on a burger bun and add your choice of optional toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese. Serve the burgers warm and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
- You can add spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
- Letting the patties rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, improving texture and juiciness.
- These patties can be cooked on a grill as an alternative to stovetop cooking.
