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White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Enjoy tender chicken burgers packed with chopped spinach and sharp white cheddar, balanced by aromatic onion and Dijon mustard. These patties offer a lighter, protein-rich main with savory flavors and simple prep. Finish on a skillet or grill for golden results; rest briefly before layering onto toasted buns. Top with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, or creamy avocado for extra freshness. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a crisp salad to round out a wholesome meal. Patties can be prepped in advance and are also freezer-friendly for easy future meals.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 00:28:08 GMT
A burger with cheese and lettuce. Save
A burger with cheese and lettuce. | sarahmeal.com

I first put these together when my fridge was down to chicken and spinach and now they have become my summer grilling favorite with friends always asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Ground chicken: Mild and moist makes an ideal canvas for flavor Look for chicken with a bit of fat for best results
  • Fresh spinach: Brightens the burger and keeps patties moist Baby spinach is extra tender and sweet
  • Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melty with a sharp bite Use a block for the richest flavor and shred right before adding
  • Breadcrumbs: Help bind the burgers and add structure Go with panko for a lighter texture or whole wheat for more fiber
  • Onion: Finely chopped for mellow sweetness Choose sweet or yellow onions and chop very fine so they meld into the mix
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts savoriness Use plump tight cloves for the best aroma
  • Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tanginess and depth Real Dijon gives a peppery edge and keeps the burgers from tasting flat
  • Worcestershire sauce: Lends savory complexity Choose a quality sauce with no added sugar
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning Always season generously to bring out the flavors
  • Olive oil: Used for cooking Choose extra virgin for healthy fats and a gentle flavor
  • Burger buns: Soft base for serving Go for toasted bakery buns or substitute lettuce for a lighter version
  • Optional toppings: Lettuce tomato extra cheddar cheese avocado red onion mayonnaise Enhance flavor and texture with fresh toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Burger Mix:
In a large mixing bowl add ground chicken finely chopped spinach shredded cheddar breadcrumbs onion garlic Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce salt and black pepper Using clean hands gently combine everything just until evenly mixed Do not overwork or the meat will get dense
Shape the Patties:
Divide the chicken mixture into four equal parts Shape each into a patty about one inch thick Try to keep the edges smooth and patties similar in size for even cooking
Cook the Burgers:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and drizzle lightly with olive oil When hot add the patties and cook undisturbed for five to six minutes per side The patties should develop deep golden color and cooked to 165 degrees inside Avoid pressing on the burgers during cooking to keep them juicy
Let the Patties Rest:
Transfer the cooked burgers to a plate and let them rest for five minutes This short rest helps keep the juices inside for every bite
Assemble and Serve:
Place each patty on a toasted bun or wrap in lettuce Add your favorite toppings like tomato avocado more cheddar or mayo Serve right away while everything is hot and melty
A burger with lettuce and cheese. Save
A burger with lettuce and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

What I love most about this recipe is the cheddar really shines and melts beautifully giving each bite a gooey pull My kids always help mix in the spinach and sneak cheese straight from the bowl which has become our kitchen tradition

Storage Tips

Keep cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving For meal prep form and freeze the raw patties flat on a baking sheet Once solid transfer to a freezer bag Patties can be cooked from frozen by simply adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to skip the cheddar try pepper jack or Swiss for a different twist For a gluten free option use gluten free breadcrumbs and buns Dairy free cheddar also works for lactose friendly burgers You can swap spinach for baby kale if that is what you have on hand

Serving Suggestions

These burgers are delicious on brioche buns or in lettuce wraps Pair with baked sweet potato fries a crisp green salad or grilled summer vegetables For a fun burger bar offer toppings like sriracha mayo pickles or caramelized onions

A burger with lettuce and cheese. Save
A burger with lettuce and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural Historical Context

Chicken burgers are a recent favorite with home cooks looking for a lighter twist on the beef classic This version takes inspiration from American diner food but upgrades the nutrition with fresh greens and a proper sharp cheddar The combination of spinach and cheddar is common in home kitchens and brings comfort food vibes

Common Recipe Questions

→ What keeps chicken burgers moist and tender?

Mixing ground chicken with spinach, onion, cheddar, and a touch of breadcrumbs maintains juiciness while adding flavor. Avoid overmixing and let the patties rest after cooking.

→ Can these patties be made ahead of time?

Yes, form patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. They can also be frozen raw and cooked directly from the freezer with extra time.

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve on gluten-free buns or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a convenient gluten-free option.

→ Which toppings pair well with these burgers?

Fresh lettuce, tomato slices, extra cheddar cheese, avocado, red onion, and mayonnaise all complement the savory chicken and spinach base.

→ Is it possible to grill these burgers outside?

Absolutely. Cook on a well-oiled grill to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Flip only once to retain juices.

White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

Flavorful chicken patties with spinach and cheddar, served on toasted buns for a satisfying bite.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
17 minutes
Total Duration
27 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 chicken burger patties)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ For the Chicken Patties

Ingredient 01 500 g ground chicken
Ingredient 02 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
Ingredient 03 60 g white cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient 04 30 g breadcrumbs
Ingredient 05 40 g onion, finely chopped
Ingredient 06 2 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 07 1 tablespoon (15 g) Dijon mustard
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
Ingredient 09 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 10 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ For Cooking and Assembly

Ingredient 11 Olive oil, for cooking
Ingredient 12 4 burger buns, toasted if desired

→ Suggested Toppings (optional)

Ingredient 13 Lettuce leaves
Ingredient 14 Tomato slices
Ingredient 15 Extra white cheddar cheese
Ingredient 16 Avocado slices
Ingredient 17 Red onion, thinly sliced
Ingredient 18 Mayonnaise

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a large mixing bowl, blend ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.

Instruction 02

Divide the mixture evenly into four portions and shape each into a uniform patty of consistent thickness for even cooking.

Instruction 03

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil. Once hot, place patties in the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden-brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Do not press down on the patties during cooking to retain juices.

Instruction 04

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let rest for several minutes to preserve juiciness.

Instruction 05

Layer the patties on buns or lettuce leaves with your choice of garnishes, including lettuce, tomato, extra cheddar, avocado, red onion, and mayonnaise. Serve immediately.

Additional Tips

  1. Patties can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated, or frozen raw for longer storage. Cook from frozen, extending the cook time as needed.
  2. To make gluten-free burgers, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
  3. Outdoor grilling is suitable; oil grill grates well to prevent sticking.
  4. For added cheese melt, top patties with a cheddar slice during the final minute of cooking and cover.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese)
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs, buns unless gluten-free alternatives are used)
  • Contains eggs if mayonnaise is used as a topping

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 354
  • Fat Content: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 27 grams
  • Protein Content: 31 grams