Let me paint you a picture: a juicy, flavorful chicken patty packed with melty white cheddar and vibrant spinach, nestled between toasty buns, maybe with a little dollop of garlic aioli or a swipe of spicy mustard. Sound like a dream? Oh, friend—it’s very real, and very much about to be your next dinner obsession.
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These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are not your average chicken burgers. They’re next level—moist, cheesy, savory, and just the right amount of wholesome. Whether you’re craving a lighter twist on a classic or just want something that feels a bit fancy without a ton of effort, this recipe is your new go-to. Trust me, one bite in and you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: These burgers are equally perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a summer backyard BBQ. Dress them up with toppings or keep it simple—they play nice with whatever you’ve got on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Ground chicken, frozen spinach, and shredded cheddar—nothing fancy here, but the end result is anything but basic. You likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps, no weird equipment. Just mix, form, cook, and devour. These are weeknight-dinner easy.
Customizable: Want to add a little spice? Toss in some crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeños. Looking for extra richness? A slice of avocado on top is chef’s kiss.
Crowd-Pleasing: Cheesy? Check. Juicy? Check. Sneaky greens that even picky eaters will devour? Triple check. These burgers are always a win.
Ingredients in White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
This recipe is all about striking the perfect balance of flavor and texture—here’s what makes it work:
Ground Chicken: The lean, protein-packed base that soaks up all those delicious flavors while staying juicy and tender.
White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, this is what gives the burgers their rich, gooey magic. It melts beautifully and adds serious flavor.
Spinach: Adds a pop of color, a boost of nutrients, and just enough earthiness to balance the cheesy goodness. Frozen, chopped spinach works perfectly—just make sure to squeeze out all the moisture.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor and makes the patties even more savory.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget the basics—these bring everything together.
Buns: Choose soft, toasted buns that can handle a juicy patty. Brioche, whole wheat, or classic burger buns all work great.
Optional Toppings: Think sliced tomato, lettuce, red onion, avocado, or a slather of your favorite sauce (garlic aioli is amazing here).
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill to medium-high. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, white cheddar, spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it.
Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into even portions and form into patties. Pro tip: slightly wet hands make this step much easier!
Cook to Perfection: Grill or pan-sear the patties for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C). You want them nicely browned and cooked through, but still juicy.
Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the buns until golden (a little crunch goes a long way).
Assemble the Burgers: Place a patty on each bun, pile on your favorite toppings, and crown with the top bun.
Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while it’s hot! Every bite is cheesy, savory, and perfectly satisfying.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
These burgers are super versatile and pair well with all your favorite sides. Here are a few ideas:
Fresh Salads: A crisp slaw or simple garden salad adds freshness and crunch to balance the burger’s richness.
Oven Fries: Sweet potato wedges or seasoned potato fries are always a good call.
Pickled Veggies: Add zing with pickled onions, cucumbers, or even jalapeños.
As a Lettuce Wrap: Want to go bun-less? These patties taste amazing wrapped in butter lettuce with a splash of hot sauce.
Burger Bar: Set out a toppings station and let everyone build their perfect burger—fun, interactive, and delicious!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Mix and shape your patties in advance. Keep them in the fridge (covered) until you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up: Try adding hot sauce or smoked paprika to the mix for an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use dairy-free cheese to make them lactose-free, or swap in ground turkey if that’s what you’ve got.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Double the Batch: These freeze great! Just wrap individually and stash in the freezer for quick meals later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
A1: Totally! Just sauté it first to cook off the moisture, then chop and cool before mixing it in.
Q2: What kind of cheese can I substitute for white cheddar?
A2: Mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda would all work. Just make sure it’s a good melter.
Q3: Can I grill these outdoors?
A3: Yes! Just be gentle with flipping, as chicken burgers can be a bit more delicate than beef.
Q4: Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
A4: You can form the patties a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Cook fresh for best texture.
Q5: What sauces pair best with these?
A5: Garlic aioli, honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt all pair beautifully.
Q6: How do I freeze them?
A6: Freeze raw or cooked patties between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container or zip-top bag.
Q7: Can I make them spicy?
A7: Yup! Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the mixture.
Q8: Can I make sliders instead of full-size burgers?
A8: Yes, just divide the mix into smaller patties and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A9: Pan-sear on low heat until warmed through or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Q10: Are these good for meal prep?
A10: Definitely! They keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner all week long.
Conclusion
There you have it—White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers that are equal parts juicy, cheesy, and packed with goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself to something extra tasty, these burgers hit all the right notes. Easy to make, even easier to love. So go ahead, fire up that skillet and let the burger bliss begin!
Print
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are loaded with tender spinach and melty white cheddar, making them a wholesome and delicious option for your next meal. Perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking, they pair wonderfully with fresh toppings like avocado, tomato, and lettuce. #ChickenBurgers #HealthyBurgers #SpinachChickenBurgers #GrilledChickenBurgers #WhiteCheddarBurgers #HealthyMeal #AmericanCuisine #GrilledBurgers
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Optional Toppings: burger buns or lettuce wraps, sliced white cheddar, avocado slices, tomato slices, red onion, spinach or lettuce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 1/2-inch thick. If the mixture is sticky, lightly wet your hands to make shaping easier.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, grill the patties on a preheated grill for the same duration.
- If desired, toast the burger buns.
- Place the cooked patty on the bottom bun and layer with your favorite toppings such as extra white cheddar, avocado, tomato, and spinach. Serve immediately with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- For extra flavor, you can top the burger with a fried egg or your favorite sauces.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 120mg