If you are craving a burger that’s bursting with flavor yet feels fresh and healthy, the Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach Recipe is calling your name. This delightful recipe combines juicy ground chicken mixed with spinach and creamy feta cheese, creating patties that are tender and packed with vibrant, savory notes. Complemented by a tangy feta spread and cooling tzatziki sauce, these burgers bring a Mediterranean twist to a classic favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorite dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these chicken burgers is straightforward and depends on simple yet essential ingredients that come together to deliver outstanding taste. Each item plays a key role, from the creamy feta adding tang, to the spinach boosting freshness and nutrition, while garlic and herbs infuse irresistible aroma.
- Frozen chopped spinach: Make sure to thaw and squeeze out all the liquid for perfect burger texture.
- Ground chicken (93% lean): The lean protein base that stays juicy and tender in every bite.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled finely to bring a tangy creaminess that defines the flavor profile.
- Almond meal or breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder to keep the patties firm but moist.
- Yellow onion: Finely chopped to add subtle sweetness and texture.
- Garlic cloves: Mincing several cloves ensures a robust savory punch.
- Salt, pepper, and oregano: The classic seasoning trio that elevates all the components.
- Brioche buns: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding all the delicious fillings together.
- Feta cheese and cream cheese: Blended into the feta cheese spread for extra richness and tang.
- Ingredients for tzatziki sauce: Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper all combine to create a refreshing topping.
- Fresh vegetable toppings: Tomato slices, green leaf lettuce, cucumber, and red onion add crunch and freshness.
How to Make Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Feta Cheese Spread
Start by blending together 2 ounces of feta cheese with 4 ounces of cream cheese, minced garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. This creamy spread adds a luscious tang that perfectly complements the savory chicken patties. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Next up, the fresh tzatziki sauce! Combine Greek yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. This cool, herby sauce will balance the savory ingredients with refreshing notes, making each bite exciting and bright. Chill it in the fridge as you move on.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Burger Mixture
Ensure your frozen spinach is completely thawed and squeezed dry to avoid soggy patties. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with crumbled feta cheese, almond meal (or breadcrumbs), finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Gently mix until everything is just combined — don’t overwork the meat to keep the burgers juicy.
Step 4: Shape and Cook the Burgers
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinking during cooking. Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat with a little oil, then cook each patty about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The aroma at this stage is incredibly inviting!
Step 5: Toast the Brioche Buns
Slice and lightly toast brioche buns on the skillet or grill for that golden crunch and subtle sweetness. The toasted buns provide the perfect contrast to the juicy patties and creamy toppings.
Step 6: Assemble Your Chicken Burger
Start by spreading a generous amount of the feta cheese spread on the bottom bun, add the chicken patty, dollop tzatziki sauce on top, then layer fresh tomato slices, crisp lettuce, cucumber, and red onion. Cap it off with the top bun and get ready to enjoy a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprinkled over the tzatziki sauce add a lovely herbal aroma and vibrant appearance. You can also add thin lemon zest for an extra zing that complements the feta perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a light Greek salad for a complete meal that feels both indulgent and refreshing. A simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed with olive oil and oregano echoes the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken burgers open-faced on a bed of greens or wrap them in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. You can also cut the burger into smaller sliders for parties or gatherings, making them easy to share and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover patties and sauces separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their texture and freshness without the buns getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the uncooked burger patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months and cooked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out. Toast the buns fresh to recreate that just-made experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach but be sure to sauté it briefly and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent the patties from becoming watery.
What type of cheese works best besides feta?
Feta cheese is ideal due to its tangy, crumbly texture, but goat cheese or ricotta could be fun alternatives if you prefer a milder or creamier flavor.
How can I make these burgers keto-friendly?
Simply swap the brioche buns for lettuce wraps or low-carb buns, and use almond meal in place of breadcrumbs in the patty mixture. The rest of the recipe is naturally low-carb already.
Is it necessary to use both the feta cheese spread and tzatziki sauce?
While optional, using both spreads provides layers of flavor and texture: creamy tanginess from the feta spread and fresh zestiness from the tzatziki, making the burger more complex and delicious.
Can these chicken burgers be grilled outdoors?
Absolutely! These patties hold together well on the grill, and the smoky flavor adds an extra dimension. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach Recipe that makes it stand out from ordinary burgers. The fresh ingredients, juicy texture, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors combine into a satisfying meal you will want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious, wholesome burger tonight!
Print
Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 chicken burgers
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach offer a deliciously juicy and flavorful twist on the classic burger. Combining lean ground chicken, nutrient-packed spinach, and creamy feta cheese, paired with a tangy feta cheese spread and refreshing tzatziki sauce, these burgers are perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Feta Cheese Spread
- 2 ounces feta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2%)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup English cucumber, finely chopped (about 3 ½ ounces)
- 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (½ a lemon, juiced)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- dash of freshly ground pepper
Chicken Burgers
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove all liquid
- 1 pound ground chicken, 93% lean
- 4 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
- ¼ cup almond meal or breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 4 brioche buns (see note for low carb/low cal/keto option)
Chicken Burger Toppings
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- Green leaf lettuce, washed and dried
- English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Feta Cheese Spread: In a bowl, combine the feta cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, fresh ground pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well blended. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, finely chopped cucumber, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until combined. Chill in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Chicken Burger Mix: In a large bowl, add thawed and thoroughly squeezed chopped spinach, ground chicken, crumbled feta, almond meal or breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix ingredients evenly but avoid overmixing to keep burgers tender.
- Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty that fits the size of your buns.
- Cook the Chicken Burgers: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook each burger patty for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing the patties to keep them juicy.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the brioche buns either on the skillet or in a toaster for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the prepared feta cheese spread on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cooked chicken burger patty on top, then add sliced tomato, lettuce, cucumber, and red onion. Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce if desired. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve: Serve the chicken burgers immediately while warm, paired with your favorite side dish or salad.
Notes
- For a low carb, low calorie, or keto-friendly option, substitute brioche buns with lettuce wraps or low carb buns.
- Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out all the water from the thawed spinach to prevent soggy burgers.
- You can prepare the feta cheese spread and tzatziki sauce in advance to save time.
- Use almond meal for a gluten-free version of the burgers.
- Check internal temperature of the patties with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean