White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Juicy morsels of ground chicken, melted sharp white cheddar, and vibrant green spinach all come together in one satisfying bite when you make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers. The rich aroma wafts through your kitchen as these flavorful patties sizzle in the pan, their tender exterior promising a succulent interior. With each bite, you’re met with a delightful blend of textures that will have your taste buds dancing. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s comfort food that brings a smile to your face.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I served these burgers during a family barbecue. The sun was shining, laughter filled the air, and as the burgers cooked, I could hear the soft crackle and pop. Everyone gathered around, intrigued by the enticing smells. Once they took their first bite, there were no words – just blissful expressions. Whether you’re gearing up for a summer gathering or looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients and get ready for something delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Dinner ready in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!
- Irresistible Flavor: The sharp white cheddar melts beautifully, offering a flavor punch with every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These burgers boast a vibrant color from the spinach, making them as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual suppers, family barbecues, or even meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right breadcrumbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground chicken: This lean meat is perfect for a juicy burger without the fat. For a different flavor, try ground turkey instead.
- 1 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped): Adds nutrients and a lively green pop. If you don’t have fresh, frozen spinach works too – just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: This sharp cheese melts wonderfully to create rich, gooey goodness. You could substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: These help the patties hold their shape. Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs depending on your flavor preference.
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth; you can use shallots for a more delicate flavor or green onions for a fresh twist.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the burgers with aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A dash of tanginess that brings everything together beautifully. Yellow mustard or even stone-ground mustard can be swapped based on preference.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds umami and depth, enriching the chicken’s flavor. For a vegetarian option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil (for cooking): Helps achieve a lovely golden crust. Feel free to use avocado oil for high-heat cooking.
- 4 burger buns: Pick your favorite! Whole grain, sesame, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Optional toppings: Things like lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese can elevate your burger experience.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. It’s essential not to overwork the meat; just combine everything until it’s evenly mixed for the best texture.
Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form them into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking. Make a gentle indentation in the center of each patty; this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing.
Heat the Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat and drizzle a little olive oil into the pan. Give it a moment to heat up until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s ready for the patties. This will help create that golden crust we all love!
Cook the First Side: Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, allowing them to sizzle without moving them for about 5-6 minutes. Enjoy the tantalizing smell wafting through your kitchen; this is the sound of dinner coming together!
Flip and Cook: Using a spatula, flip the patties over gently and cook for another 5-6 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through. Trust me, a meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Rest the Patties: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for 3-4 minutes. Resting helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is as juicy as possible.
Assemble and Serve: Now for the fun part! Place the juicy patties on toasted burger buns with any toppings you fancy, like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or an extra slice of your favorite cheese. Serve and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers can be stored at room temperature for about two hours. For more extended storage, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked patties for up to three months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through; you may notice the texture is slightly different, but a quick sear in a hot pan can bring back some juiciness!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the chicken; overworking it can make the burgers tough.
- Letting the patties rest before cooking helps retain juices and enhance flavor.
- A splash of lemon juice in the mix can brighten the overall taste.
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for best results; the right pan makes all the difference!
- Make a larger batch on meal-prep day! These burgers freeze well, allowing you to enjoy them later.
These savory White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are not only a treat for your taste buds but also bring joy to your dinner table. They’re quick, nutritious, and utterly satisfying, perfect for a weeknight or a weekend treat. Don’t hesitate to experiment by adding your favorite spices or sides. I promise this recipe will quickly become a family favorite you’ll keep coming back to, time and time again.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the burger mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Simply shape the patties when you’re ready to cook them. They also freeze well, making them perfect for effortless cooking later on.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you’re looking to keep things gluten-free or just want to mix it up, oats or crushed cornflakes can work as excellent substitutes. Just make sure they are finely ground or crushed to replicate the breadcrumbs’ texture.
How can I tell when the burgers are done cooking?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your burgers are safely cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, look for a golden exterior and juices running clear, not pink, when cut into.
What toppings pair well with these burgers?
There are so many delicious toppings to choose from! Fresh greens like spinach or arugula, fresh tomato, crispy bacon, or a dollop of avocado can elevate your burger experience. Don’t forget your favorite condiments too – a bit of mayo or a spicy aioli can add a nice kick!
More Lunch Recipes
- Egg Roll Bowls with Chicken and Cabbage
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Kolaczki Cookies
- Green Bean Casserole
- Thai Coconut Soup with Chickpeas
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📖 Recipe Card
White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are flavorful and easy to make, featuring juicy ground chicken, melted sharp cheddar, and vibrant spinach, making them a perfect choice for a quick dinner or healthy meal.
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 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, extra cheese
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl without overmixing.
- Shape into four equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden.
- Flip patties and cook for another 5-6 minutes until fully cooked (165°F).
- Rest patties for 3-4 minutes before serving on buns.
Notes
Avoid overworking the chicken mixture to prevent tough patties.
Let the patties rest before cooking to enhance juiciness and flavor.
These burgers can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen for future meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
