White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
If you’re craving something savory, vibrant, and just a tad unexpected, these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are about to become your new go-to. Each bite bursts with juicy flavor as white cheddar melts into tender ground chicken while flecks of spinach add a pop of color and nutrients. In under half an hour, you’ll have a wholesome meal that satisfies burger cravings without the heaviness, and each patty offers plenty of lean protein tucked inside pillowy buns, topped with all your favorite fixings. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking stovetop, these burgers bring freshness and comfort to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a role, from keeping the patties juicy to adding bold flavor or irresistible texture. Gathering these kitchen staples means you’re minutes away from the ultimate homemade burger night.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and mild, this protein is a blank canvas for the bold cheddar and spinach.
- Fresh Spinach: Finely chopped for easy mixing, it delivers color, moisture, and gentle earthy notes.
- White Cheddar Cheese (shredded): The creamy, sharp bite of white cheddar wraps every morsel in gooey richness.
- Garlic (minced): Just one clove wakes up the flavors, giving a savory hit without overpowering.
- Breadcrumbs: These ensure the burgers hold together and stay tender instead of dry.
- Dijon Mustard: A spoonful brings zippy depth, tying all the elements together.
- Onion Powder: Delicate onion flavor in a sprinkle, boosting savoriness throughout the patties.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A must for seasoning and amplifying every other flavor in the mix.
- Olive Oil: Just enough to cook the burgers to a golden, crispy finish.
- Burger Buns: Soft, classic buns that soak up juices without getting soggy.
- Lettuce and Tomato Slices: Crisp, fresh toppings for classic crunch and color.
- Your Favorite Condiments: Anything from tangy mayo to spicy aioli or classic ketchup is fair game.
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Mix the Burger Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix just until everything’s incorporated. Try not to overmix—this keeps your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers extra juicy and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
With your mixture ready, portion it into four equal parts. Lightly wet your hands (it helps prevent sticking) and form each segment into a patty, about the same diameter as your buns. Flatten them slightly so they cook evenly—aim for about ¾-inch thick.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add your patties, leaving a bit of space so they sear rather than steam. Cook for around 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the outsides are golden and the inside reads 165°F (74°C) on a thermometer. This step gives your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers that irresistible crispy-cheesy crust.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
If you love a bit of crunch, wipe the skillet and lay the cut sides of buns down for about a minute until lightly browned. This quick toast keeps everything sturdy and adds a subtle flavor boost.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Add a bed of lettuce and juicy tomato slices to each bun base, then crown each with a steaming patty. Finish your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers with your favorite condiments and any extra toppings that call out to you! Serve immediately for peak melty goodness.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn these burgers into a restaurant-worthy plate. Try a sprinkle of microgreens, a dusting of extra shredded white cheddar, or a few pickled onions for a punchy finish. Even a spoonful of pesto or a simple garlic aioli on top brings out different notes in the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with classic oven fries, but these burgers shine alongside crisp sweet potato wedges, a tangy slaw, or even roasted veggie skewers. For a lighter touch, opt for a cucumber salad or herbed yogurt dip to complement the cheesy, savory flavors of the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your burger night up a notch by serving the patties bun-less over greens for a hearty salad, or slice them into sliders for party appetizers. Stack mini-patties on skewers, or tuck leftovers in a wrap the next day—the adaptability of White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers makes them a hit for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover patties, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to three days. The spinach and cheddar keep the burgers moist, so they reheat beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers freeze well both raw and cooked. To freeze raw, form the patties and stack them between parchment paper in a freezer container. For cooked burgers, let them cool, wrap each patty, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking through.
Reheating
For best results, reheat patties in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep them juicy, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Grilled or pan-seared, they regain their savory crust quickly and taste almost like new.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Simply thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture beforehand. This keeps the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers from becoming watery while still adding that signature green fleck and flavor.
What’s the best way to keep chicken burgers from falling apart?
The breadcrumbs and cheese help act as binders, so mix until just combined and avoid overworking the mixture. If your patties feel too loose, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs until they hold together easily.
Can I grill these instead of pan-cooking?
Absolutely. Just oil your grill grates well and cook over medium heat, flipping once. The cheese may caramelize slightly on the edges—delicious!
Is there a substitute for white cheddar?
Sharp cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even Monterey Jack work well. Just make sure the cheese melts nicely so you get those pockets of gooey richness every time you bite into your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
With one simple tweak they can be—swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety and choose GF buns. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, so the transition is seamless.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a burger that’s a little bit different—cheesy, juicy, and bursting with color—then you owe it to yourself to try White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoy them, whether that’s for a busy weeknight dinner or your next backyard cookout. Go ahead, give these a spot in your recipe rotation—you’re going to love them!
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White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on traditional burgers, combining juicy ground chicken with the sharpness of white cheddar and the freshness of spinach. A delicious and nutritious option for a burger night!
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Your favorite condiments
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, white cheddar, garlic, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Toast the burger buns if desired.
- Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and any additional toppings or condiments.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap fresh spinach for frozen (thawed and drained) or use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- These burgers also grill well over medium heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun toppings)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
