White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

White cheddar and spinach chicken burgers combine lean protein with vibrant greens and sharp cheese for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. These juicy patties deliver maximum flavor with minimal guilt, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The addition of fresh spinach and melty white cheddar transforms ordinary ground chicken into something truly special.

I first created these burgers when searching for healthier dinner options that wouldn't leave my family feeling deprived. The challenge was creating a chicken burger that remained moist and flavorful—problems often encountered with leaner meats. The combination of spinach for moisture, cheese for richness, and carefully selected seasonings solved these issues perfectly, resulting in burgers that everyone requests repeatedly.

Essential Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Provides a lean protein base that readily absorbs flavors
• Fresh spinach: Adds moisture, nutrients, and beautiful color throughout the patties
• White cheddar cheese: Creates pockets of melty goodness and sharp flavor
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the ingredients while maintaining proper texture
• Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and depth without overpowering
• Worcestershire sauce: Contributes umami richness that enhances the chicken's flavor

Preparation Method

Create The Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken with 1 cup of finely chopped fresh spinach. Add 1/2 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese, ensuring it's distributed evenly throughout the mixture. Incorporate 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Using clean hands, gently mix the ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat, which could result in tough burgers.

Form Perfect Patties:

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. With slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, shape each portion into a patty approximately 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Press your thumb lightly into the center of each patty to create a small indentation, which prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during cooking. For even cooking, ensure all patties are uniform in thickness and size.

Cook To Juicy Perfection:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Gently flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. This ensures food safety while maintaining juiciness.

Rest And Serve:

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, resulting in a moister final product. While the burgers rest, lightly toast your burger buns if desired. Assemble by placing each patty on a bun and adding your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, or additional cheese.

My grandmother always said that the secret to good food is respect for your ingredients. With these chicken burgers, I've found this means handling the meat mixture gently and cooking with patience. The first time I rushed and overworked the mixture, the burgers turned out tough. Taking my time to combine ingredients just until incorporated made all the difference, creating tender, juicy patties that honor both tradition and health.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

• Create a burger bar with various toppings for customization.
• Transform into lettuce wraps for a lower-carb alternative to traditional buns.
• Serve as protein-packed sliders for party appetizers or kid-friendly meals.
• Crumble cooked patties over a salad for a hearty lunch option.

Perfect Pairings

• Sweet potato fries provide a nutritious complement with their contrasting sweetness.
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers peppery freshness against the richness of the burgers.
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus create a complete meal with minimal additional cooking.

Storage Wisdom

• Refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• For meal prep, shape raw patties and place parchment paper between each before refrigerating for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze cooked or raw patties for up to 3 months by first freezing on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag with parchment between layers.

Reheating Right

• Warm refrigerated patties in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
• Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes for the best texture preservation.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for even warming.

Pin it

Creative Variations

• Mediterranean-inspired: Add feta cheese instead of cheddar, along with chopped olives and oregano.
• Southwest style: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, and cumin into the mixture.
• Herb garden: Mix in fresh basil, parsley, and chives for a bright, aromatic profile.

I've served these burgers at everything from casual family dinners to neighborhood cookouts, and they never fail to impress. What makes them truly special is their ability to satisfy comfort food cravings while still supporting healthier eating habits. The combination of lean protein, vegetables, and carefully selected seasonings creates a burger that proves nutritious meals can be just as delicious as their more indulgent counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The cooking time and temperature remain the same.

→ How do I keep the chicken burgers from falling apart?

Make sure not to overmix the ingredients, which can make the burgers tough. The breadcrumbs help bind everything together. If the mixture seems too wet, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs. Chilling the formed patties for 10-15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold together better.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with these burgers?

These burgers pair well with oven-baked sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, try cucumber and tomato salad.

→ Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. You can also cook them completely, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ How can I tell when chicken burgers are fully cooked?

Unlike beef burgers that can be cooked to different levels of doneness, chicken burgers must be cooked thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a patty - the meat should be opaque with no pink showing.