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
