White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

Here’s a delicious recipe for White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers! These are juicy, flavorful, and packed with nutritious greens.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Burgers:

  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean)

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra binding)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

• For Serving:

  • Burger buns (preferably whole wheat or your favorite type)

  • Lettuce leaves

  • Tomato slices

  • Red onion rings

  • Avocado (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Patty Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, Parmesan cheese (if using), breadcrumbs, minced garlic, onion, egg, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.

   • Mix everything together gently until well combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the patties tough.

2. Form the Patties:

   • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (or more for smaller patties).

   • Shape each portion into a round patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Use your thumb to make a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

3. Cook the Patties:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

   • If you prefer to cook them on the grill, preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side.

4. Assemble the Burgers:

   • Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster.

   • Place the cooked chicken patty on the bottom half of the bun.

   • Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion rings, and avocado if using.

5. Serve & Enjoy:

   • Close the burger with the top half of the bun, serve with your favorite side (like sweet potato fries or a salad), and enjoy the flavor-packed chicken burger!

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of white cheddar, you can swap it for any cheese you like, such as mozzarella or gouda.

• Add Spices: You can add some smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning to the patty mixture for extra flavor.

• Make Ahead: These patties can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months before cooking.

Let me know how it turns out or if you need any variations!