These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. The combination of melted white cheddar, tender ground chicken, and fresh spinach creates a savory, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking!
Whether served on a burger bun, lettuce wrap, or with a side of roasted veggies, these easy homemade chicken burgers are a must-try for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs.
Ingredients for White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving (Optional):
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Avocado slices
- Dijon mustard or mayo
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Large skillet or grill
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (if oven-baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (do not overmix).
2. Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties (about ½ inch thick).
- If the mixture is too sticky, lightly grease your hands with olive oil.
3. Cook the Burgers
Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 75°C).
Grilling Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates.
- Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully cooked.
Oven-Baking Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Toast burger buns (optional) for extra flavor.
- Place each chicken patty on a bun and top with tomato slices, red onion, avocado, and a drizzle of Dijon mustard or mayo.
- Serve immediately with a side of fries, salad, or roasted veggies!
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Burgers
Use ground chicken with some fat – Avoid extra-lean chicken to keep the patties juicy.
Don’t overmix the meat – This helps prevent tough burgers.
Chill the patties for 15 minutes before cooking – Helps them hold their shape better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking on high heat – Medium heat ensures even cooking without burning the outside.
Skipping the binder (egg & breadcrumbs) – This helps the patties stay together.
Pressing down on the burgers while cooking – This squeezes out juices, making them dry.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Pair with a simple arugula salad with balsamic dressing.
- Add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing:
- Uncooked patties: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Cooked patties: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Try different cheeses – Swap white cheddar for feta, Gouda, or Swiss.
- Make it gluten-free – Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
What to Serve with White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Crispy baked fries or onion rings
- Greek yogurt coleslaw for a fresh crunch
- Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chili powder
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and has a similar texture.
How do I keep my chicken burgers from falling apart?
Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture together.
Can I make these burgers in advance?
Yes! Shape the patties and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking.
Conclusion
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are flavorful, juicy, and packed with melty cheese, making them a perfect weeknight meal or BBQ favorite. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, they’re a healthier yet delicious alternative to beef burgers!
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious burger recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 420 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings, including bun).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Print
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! A delicious, healthy alternative to traditional burgers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Serving (Optional):
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Avocado slices
- Dijon mustard or mayo
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined (do not overmix).
2. Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties (about ½ inch thick).
- If the mixture is too sticky, lightly grease your hands with olive oil.
3. Cook the Burgers
Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 75°C).
Grilling Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates.
- Cook burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully cooked.
Oven-Baking Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Assemble & Serve
- Toast burger buns (optional) for extra flavor.
- Place each chicken patty on a bun and top with tomato slices, red onion, avocado, and a drizzle of Dijon mustard or mayo.
- Serve immediately with a side of fries, salad, or roasted veggies!
Notes
✔ Use ground chicken with some fat – Avoid extra-lean chicken to keep the patties juicy.
✔ Don’t overmix the meat – This helps prevent tough burgers.
✔ Chill the patties for 15 minutes before cooking – Helps them hold their shape better.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420