Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach are a delightful blend of flavors that make them perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Packed with juicy chicken, creamy feta, and fresh spinach, these burgers are not only delicious but also healthy. Their unique combination of Mediterranean ingredients guarantees a tasty experience that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of ground chicken, feta cheese, and spinach creates a burger that’s bursting with flavor.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this meal in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve on brioche buns, as lettuce wraps, or in pitas for different dining experiences.
• Health-Conscious Ingredients: Incorporating spinach and Greek yogurt makes these burgers a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Both the feta spread and tzatziki sauce can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Microwave
• Grill or stovetop griddle
• Food processor (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
• Grill or stovetop griddle: Provides even cooking for your burgers, ensuring they are juicy and perfectly grilled.
• Food processor: Makes it easier to blend the feta cheese spread smoothly if you prefer a creamier consistency.

Ingredients

These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach are so flavorful and juicy, and full of all kinds of delicious and healthy ingredients.

For the Feta Cheese Spread

• 2 ounces feta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup English cucumber, finely chopped (about 3 1/2 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (1/2 a lemon, juiced)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• dash of freshly ground pepper

For the Burgers

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed to get ALL the liquid out!
• 1 pound ground chicken, 93% Lean
• 4 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
• ¼ cup almond meal or breadcrumbs
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano

To Serve

• 4 Brioche buns (See note for low carb / low cal / keto option!)
• 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
• green leaf lettuce, washed and dried
• English cucumber, thinly sliced
• red onion, thinly sliced

How to Make Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the Feta Cheese Spread

1. Add all the ingredients for the feta cheese spread to a small bowl.
2. Microwave for 30 seconds; stir well.
3. If there are still lumps, microwave again for another 15-30 seconds.
4. Alternatively, add ingredients to a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. In another bowl, mix together all Tzatziki Sauce ingredients.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Spinach

1. Thaw the spinach in the microwave.
2. Allow it to cool before squeezing out all excess liquid thoroughly.

Step 4: Mix Burger Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine all burger ingredients.
2. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Shape into four equally sized patties.

Step 5: Preheat Your Grill

1. Preheat your grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If using Mesquite smoke chips for added flavor, place them in a smoker box over heat for about 7 minutes until smoking.

Step 6: Grill the Patties

1. Spray both sides of each patty with grilling spray.
2. Grill patties for approximately 5 minutes on one side.
3. Flip burgers and grill an additional 3-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Assemble Your Burger

1. Smear Feta Cheese Spread on the inside of each bun.
2. Add grilled chicken burger patties followed by your favorite toppings like tomato slices and lettuce.
3. Spoon some Tzatziki Sauce over each burger before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach! These burgers bring together healthiness and flavor in every bite!

How to Serve Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Serving Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach can be a delightful experience, especially when you consider various ways to enhance its flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will please your taste buds.

On a Bun

• Classic Brioche: Serve the burger on a toasted brioche bun for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Whole Wheat: Opt for whole wheat buns for a healthier choice that adds fiber.

As a Lettuce Wrap

• Lettuce Wrap Burger: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves instead of buns to wrap the burger, making it light and refreshing.

In a Pita

• Pita Pocket: Stuff the chicken burger into a pita along with toppings like tomato, cucumber, and Tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.

With Extra Toppings

• Layered Vegetables: Add fresh slices of tomato, red onion, and cucumber for a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
• Tzatziki Sauce Drizzle: Spoon extra Tzatziki sauce on top for an added burst of flavor.

Side Salad

• Greek Salad: Serve the burger alongside a Greek salad featuring olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Achieving the perfect Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach involves attention to detail in preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality feta cheese to enhance flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the chicken mixture gently to keep the burgers tender; overmixing can lead to tough patties.
• Chill Before Grilling: Refrigerate formed patties for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold their shape.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices according to your taste preferences for more depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish well.

1. Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy baked sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch without being overly heavy.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers grilled until tender offer great color and nutrients.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with lemon juice and herbs provides protein while balancing flavors.
5. Chickpea Salad: Simple chickpea salad seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and parsley is refreshing and protein-packed.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunchiness that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken burger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the spinach squeezing: Not removing excess liquid from the spinach can make your burgers soggy. Always squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken burger too long can dry it out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees for juicy patties.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning your mixture can lead to bland burgers. Don’t forget to taste your mixture and adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Using stale buns: Using old or stale buns can ruin the overall experience. Ensure your buns are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Not preheating the grill: Skipping this step can cause uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to 450 degrees to achieve perfect sear marks.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

• Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen burgers can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place burgers on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place burger on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook the burger for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach:

Can I use different cheese in the Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach?

You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.

How can I customize my Chicken Burger?

Feel free to add different herbs or spices to the chicken mixture, such as basil or chili flakes, for added flavor.

Can I make these Chicken Burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

What toppings go well with these Chicken Burgers?

Toppings like avocado, grilled peppers, or even a spicy aioli complement these burgers perfectly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach are great for meal prep since they store well in both the fridge and freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or serve them in different ways, like lettuce wraps or pitas. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!