White cheddar spinach chicken burgers mix ground chicken with chopped spinach, white cheddar, and breadcrumbs, shape into patties, and pan-fry or grill until cooked through, ready in about 22 minutes. Mixing the ingredients only until just combined, as the instructions specify, keeps ground chicken - a lean, delicate meat - tender rather than dense from overworking.
White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- **To Serve:**
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Tomato slices, red onion, avocado, or preferred toppings
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Serve burgers on buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
- • Freeze raw patties between parchment sheets for future meals.
- • Add a splash of hot sauce or Dijon for extra flavor.
- • Try pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy twist!
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 burger
- Calories
- 310
- Sugar
- 1g
- Sodium
- 480mg
- Fat
- 18g
- Saturated Fat
- 6g
- Unsaturated Fat
- 10g
- Trans Fat
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 6g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
- Protein
- 30g
- Cholesterol
- 115mg
Why you'll love this
- Including breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture, rather than ground chicken alone, adds structure and moisture that lean ground chicken doesn't have much of on its own.
- Mixing spinach and cheese directly into the patty rather than adding them as toppings means every bite carries their flavor, not just the top of the burger.
Tips for the best result
- Mix until just combined, as the instructions specify, rather than working the mixture further, which can make the patties dense.
- Check for a 165°F internal temperature, as the instructions specify, rather than judging doneness by color, since ground chicken can look cooked before it's fully done.
Troubleshooting
The patties fell apart while cooking.
This usually means the egg and breadcrumbs were reduced or the mixture wasn't given enough time to firm up. Follow the recipe's amounts and consider chilling the shaped patties briefly before cooking.
The burgers are dry.
Ground chicken is lean, so avoid overcooking - check for doneness at 165°F with a thermometer rather than cooking longer than the given time.
Patties are falling apart during cooking.
the mixture might be too wet. Try adding a binding agent like a tablespoon of mayonnaise or an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help everything hold together.
Recipe variations
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor profiles!
- For a Mediterranean twist, add crumbled feta, chopped olives, and dried oregano to the patty mixture, then serve with tzatziki sauce.
- Craving something spicy? Mix in diced jalapeños and pepper jack instead of white cheddar, topped with chipotle mayo.
- For an Italian variation, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella into the patties, then serve with marinara as a dipping sauce.
- You can even form the mixture into meatballs instead of patties to serve over pasta or in a sub sandwich.
- The versatile base recipe adapts beautifully to whatever flavors you’re craving.
The recipe's own notes say raw patties can be frozen between parchment sheets for future meals.
The recipe's own notes suggest a splash of hot sauce or Dijon for extra flavor, or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Form the patties up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for meal prep or planning ahead for gatherings.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?
Ground turkey works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute. For a plant-based option, try a mixture of chickpeas and mushrooms processed to a similar consistency.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally. The patties should feel firm to the touch and juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I cook these burgers on the grill?
Yes! Chill the formed patties for 30 minutes first to help them hold together, and oil the grates well before grilling over medium heat.
Are White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a binder in the burger mixture.
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