The aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with melted cheddar and fresh spinach creates a symphony of flavors that tantalize your senses. Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are not just a meal; they are a celebration of taste, texture, and the joy of cooking. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious lunch ideas recipe.
Picture this: It’s summer, the grill is fired up, friends are gathered around, and laughter fills the air. The moment you take a bite of these juicy burgers, you’ll feel like a culinary genius. Trust me; your taste buds will dance with delight at every flavorful morsel.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or for weekend BBQs
- Packed with flavor, they’re sure to impress even the pickiest eaters at your table
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing and perfect for family gatherings
- Plus, you can customize toppings to suit everyone’s preferences!
Cooking these burgers has always been a hit in my family—one bite had everyone asking for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for a juicy burger without excess fat. Look for high-quality meat at your local butcher.
- Fresh Spinach: Choose bright green leaves with no wilting for maximum flavor and nutrients. Rinse well before chopping.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for an extra kick. Grate it yourself if possible for better melting properties.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch will elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish. Fresh garlic works too if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. You can substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together—don’t skip this!
- Olive Oil: A drizzle on the grill helps prevent sticking. You can use avocado oil if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipe inspiration recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Ready to bring these delightful Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers to life? Let’s dive into the cooking process step by step.
Prep Your Space: Gather all your ingredients and tools—a mixing bowl, spatula, and grill or skillet will do wonders here. Clean your workspace to keep things organized.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly blended.
Shape Your Patties: Form the mixture into patties about one inch thick—this size ensures even cooking. Remember to create a slight indentation in the center to prevent puffing while grilling.
Heat Your Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in some olive oil once hot; it adds flavor and keeps those burgers from sticking.
Cook Until Perfectly Browned: Place patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Enjoy that sizzling sound!
Add Toppings and Serve!: Top each burger with your favorite fixings—lettuce, tomato, avocado—you name it! Serve them up hot with sides like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.
These Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are not just food; they’re an experience waiting to happen! Enjoy every moment as you share laughs and bites with those around you.
You Must Know
- Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare
- Incorporating fresh spinach adds a nutritious twist, while the cheddar gives them that perfect cheesy bite
- Ideal for grilling or pan-frying, they make a delightful meal any day of the week
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your chicken with spinach and cheddar first. Shape into patties and chill for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better when cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cheddar for feta or pepper jack for extra flavor! You can also add herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ground chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier burgers
- Don’t skip chilling the patties; this helps prevent them from falling apart on the grill
- Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety
Creating these Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers has been a game-changer at family barbecues; my son now demands them every weekend!
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach in Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers?
Yes, just squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the mix.
What can I serve with these burgers?
These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.
Are Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers healthy?
Absolutely! They’re packed with protein and nutrients from spinach and cheese.
Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
These Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious blend of juicy ground chicken, fresh spinach, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for any summer gathering or weeknight dinner. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a customizable meal that appeals to all palate preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and clean your workspace.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into patties about 1 inch thick and create a slight indentation in the center of each.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Cook each patty for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (150g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg