Description
These Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic burger. Packed with nutrient-rich spinach and lean ground chicken, they are flavorful, moist, and perfect for a nutritious meal. Easily prepared on the stovetop, these burgers come together quickly and are great served with your favorite toppings for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Burgers
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, cheese slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to avoid soggy burgers.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg, which will help bind the mixture.
- Add Flavor: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste.
- Mix Gently: Gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to firm up the mixture for easier shaping.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick.
- Make Indentation: Press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up.
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying the burgers.
- Cook Burgers: Place the patties carefully into the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain: Remove the cooked burgers and place them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast the burger buns if desired, and spread your favorite condiments on each bun half.
- Add Toppings: Place a spinach chicken burger on the bottom bun, then add your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and cheese slices.
- Serve: Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze the spinach thoroughly to remove excess water for firmer patties.
- Using panko breadcrumbs results in a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work well too.
- Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together better on the skillet.
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- Leftover cooked burgers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal later.
