Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe

Burgers are often synonymous with indulgence, but they don’t have to be unhealthy. With a few smart swaps, such as using lean chicken and incorporating fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, you can transform this classic comfort food into a healthy, flavorful dish. Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a light, nutritious, and delicious meal that still satisfies that burger craving.

These burgers are made from lean ground chicken, seasoned with traditional Greek flavors, such as garlic, lemon, oregano, and feta cheese. The result is a juicy, savory burger that’s bursting with flavor and protein, yet lower in fat than traditional beef burgers. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just looking for a new, exciting burger recipe, this healthy Greek chicken burger recipe is sure to impress.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the perfect healthy Greek chicken burgers. We’ll cover the ingredients, preparation methods, cooking tips, healthy sides, and ideas for customizing the burgers to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything we need, let’s walk through the process of making your healthy Greek chicken burgers from start to finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Burger Mixture

1. Combine the Ground Chicken with Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the following ingredients:
   • Crumbled feta cheese (this adds flavor and creaminess to the burger)
   • Chopped fresh parsley
   • Chopped fresh oregano
   • Lemon juice and lemon zest (for a fresh, citrusy brightness)
   • Minced garlic (or garlic powder)
   • Ground cumin (for a warm, earthy note)
   • Salt and black pepper
2. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers dense and tough. The mixture should be moist and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

1. Form the Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions (for 4 burgers). Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking, and shape each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly.
2. Chill the Patties (Optional but Helpful): For the best texture and to help the patties hold together, refrigerate the formed patties for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up and reduces the risk of the patties falling apart during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the patties are chilling, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce, a refreshing and tangy Greek yogurt sauce that pairs perfectly with these burgers.

1. Grate the Cucumber: Grate the cucumber on a box grater or in a food processor. Once grated, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Refrigerate: For the best flavor, refrigerate the tzatziki sauce while the burgers cook. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 4: Cook the Greek Chicken Patties

You can cook the Greek chicken burgers in several ways: on the stovetop, on the grill, or even in the oven. Here’s how to do it on the stovetop.

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan to keep the patties from sticking and to add a bit of crispiness to the outside.
2. Cook the Patties: Once the pan is hot, add the patties. Cook the burgers for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which is the safe cooking temperature for poultry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.
3. Optional – Toast the Buns: If you like toasted buns, brush the cut sides of the buns with a bit of olive oil and toast them in the pan or on the grill until they’re golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

1. Spread the Tzatziki Sauce: Spread a generous amount of the chilled tzatziki sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
2. Add the Cooked Patties: Place one cooked chicken patty on top of the tzatziki sauce.
3. Add Fresh Toppings: Top the patty with your favorite fresh toppings, such as:
   • Sliced tomatoes
   • Fresh lettuce
   • Sliced cucumber
   • Red onion slices (optional)
   • Avocado slices (optional)
4. Assemble the Burger: Place the top half of the bun on the burger, and your healthy Greek chicken burger is ready to serve.

Healthy Sides to Serve with Greek Chicken Burgers

A great burger isn’t complete without some healthy sides to complement it. Here are some ideas that pair beautifully with Greek chicken burgers:

• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil and lemon juice is a perfect side dish. It’s light, refreshing, and complements the flavors of the burger.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked sweet potato fries seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika are a healthier alternative to regular fries. They provide a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory chicken burger.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, make a Mediterranean-inspired side that is full of flavor and nutrients.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil can add fiber and protein to your meal. You can also toss in some vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
• Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus with a little olive oil and lemon juice makes a delicious and nutritious side. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Creative Variations

• Add Spices for Heat: If you love a little spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the burger mixture or tzatziki sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Ground Turkey: Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken if you prefer a slightly different flavor or texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Serve the burgers with gluten-free buns or on lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative.

Conclusion

Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers are a fantastic way to enjoy a lighter, healthier burger without sacrificing flavor. Packed with Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, garlic, oregano, and lemon, these burgers are bursting with flavor and are perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a meal prep option, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of a classic favorite.

By making simple adjustments like using lean ground chicken, opting for whole wheat or gluten-free buns, and adding fresh veggies, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of a burger without any guilt. Plus, the addition of homemade tzatziki sauce and a fresh side salad makes these burgers even more satisfying and wholesome.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the best features of Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers is how well they hold up for meal prep. These burgers are perfect for making in advance, storing, and reheating throughout the week. Here are some helpful tips for meal prepping, storing, and reheating:

Meal Prep

1. Make the Patties Ahead of Time:
   • You can prepare the patties up to 2 days ahead of time. After shaping the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld and gives the patties time to firm up, which can help them maintain their shape while cooking.
   • Alternatively, you can freeze the patties for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce in Advance:
   • Tzatziki sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the sauce often tastes better after sitting for a day, as the flavors have time to develop.
   • Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It can also be frozen, though the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you prefer a fresh batch, making tzatziki just before serving is also a great option.
3. Assembly:
   • While it’s best to assemble the burgers just before serving to prevent soggy buns, you can prepare the burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, etc.) in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge to maintain their freshness.

Additional Variations and Substitutions

One of the beauties of these Greek chicken burgers is their versatility. You can adapt the recipe to suit different dietary needs, tastes, and ingredients you may have on hand. Here are a few creative variations and substitutions you can try:

For Low-Carb or Keto Diets:

1. Lettuce Wraps Instead of Buns:
   • For a low-carb or keto version, simply skip the buns and use large, sturdy romaine lettuce leaves or collard greens as wraps. They’ll provide a fresh, crunchy alternative to the typical burger bun.
2. No Feta or Cheese-Free:
   • If you’re avoiding dairy, you can omit the feta cheese altogether. The burgers will still be flavorful due to the fresh herbs and spices, but if you want a creamy element, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese or almond milk yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.
3. Replace the Tzatziki Sauce with a Keto-Friendly Alternative:
   • Use a guacamole topping for a creamy, healthy fat option instead of tzatziki sauce. Guacamole, made with fresh avocado, lime, and cilantro, would complement the Greek chicken patties beautifully while keeping the dish low-carb.
4. Replace the Whole Wheat Buns with Keto Buns:
   • Use keto-friendly buns or cloud bread instead of regular whole wheat buns to keep the carb count low.

For a Gluten-Free Version:

1. Gluten-Free Buns:
   • Opt for gluten-free buns if you follow a gluten-free diet. There are plenty of tasty, high-quality gluten-free buns available on the market, or you can make your own at home.
2. Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs:
   • If you prefer a little more binding in your chicken patties, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for regular breadcrumbs. This will help maintain the structure of the patty without compromising on taste.
3. Use Lettuce or Cabbage Leaves:
   • For a completely gluten-free option, skip the buns entirely and use large lettuce leaves or even collard greens as a healthy and refreshing wrap for your burger.

For Dairy-Free or Vegan Variations:

1. Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce:
   • For a dairy-free tzatziki, swap the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt. Both are good substitutes that will provide a creamy consistency without dairy.
2. Vegan Patties:
   • To make this a vegan burger, use plant-based ground meat (such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger patties) or make your own using chickpeas, lentils, or mushrooms as a base. Add fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spices to create a flavorful patty. Vegan feta cheese can also be added to mimic the original recipe’s tangy taste.
3. Skip the Feta:
   • If you’re vegan or dairy-free, leave out the feta cheese in the patty mixture. You can substitute with vegan feta or tofu if you’d like, or just keep the burger flavorful with extra herbs and lemon.

For Different Flavor Profiles:

1. Spicy Greek Chicken Burgers:
   • Add a little heat to your Greek chicken burger by mixing in red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the patty mixture. You can also top the burger with sliced jalapeños or sriracha mayo for an extra spicy kick.
2. Herb Variations:
   • While oregano is a classic herb for Greek dishes, you can try using other Mediterranean herbs such as thyme, basil, or rosemary in place of (or in addition to) the oregano. These herbs will give the burgers a slightly different flavor profile, perfect for experimenting with tastes.
3. Greek-Style Burger with Hummus:
   • Instead of tzatziki, spread a generous layer of hummus on your buns or lettuce wraps. The creamy, nutty flavor of hummus pairs perfectly with the Greek-inspired chicken patties.

Serving Ideas

While the Greek chicken burgers are fantastic on their own, you can elevate your meal by adding some complementary sides and beverages. Here are a few ideas for sides and drinks that pair well with this recipe:

Side Dishes:

1. Greek Orzo Salad:
   • A refreshing orzo salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese (or vegan feta) tossed in olive oil and lemon juice makes a great accompaniment to the Greek chicken burgers.
2. Grilled Veggies:
   • Grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers tossed with olive oil and lemon juice make a great Mediterranean-inspired side. These vegetables complement the fresh, citrusy flavors of the chicken burger and add extra nutrients to the meal.
3. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges:
   • Sweet potato wedges, baked with olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, garlic powder, and salt, are a healthy and satisfying side that pairs well with the lightness of the Greek chicken burger.
4. Tabbouleh Salad:
   • A tabbouleh salad, made from bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice, is a light and zesty side dish that pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors in the burger.
5. Roasted Chickpeas:
   • For an extra crunch, serve a side of roasted chickpeas seasoned with garlic, paprika, and lemon zest. They add protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture that complements the softness of the chicken patty.

Beverages:

1. Lemonade or Limeade:
   • A refreshing homemade lemonade or limeade pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy flavors of the Greek chicken burgers. You can make it lightly sweetened or even add some fresh mint for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Iced Tea:
   • A glass of iced tea, especially green tea or mint tea, can be a light and refreshing beverage to enjoy with your meal. You can add a splash of lemon or a few sprigs of mint for extra flavor.
3. Wine Pairing:
   • If you’re enjoying these burgers for a more formal meal, a crisp, refreshing white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Greek Assyrtiko would be an excellent pairing. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can also be a good choice.
4. Sparkling Water:
   • For a more refreshing, non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime can cleanse the palate and add a fun fizz to the meal.

Conclusion:

The Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers recipe offers a wonderful balance of flavor, nutrition, and versatility. By using lean ground chicken, fresh Mediterranean ingredients like feta, garlic, lemon, and herbs, and pairing it with a homemade tzatziki sauce, this burger becomes a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without compromising on taste. Plus, with so many options for customizing, you can make these burgers fit any dietary need, from gluten-free to keto to vegan.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a casual family dinner, or making these burgers for a special occasion, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables makes them a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Yield: 4

Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe

Print

Burgers are often synonymous with indulgence, but they don’t have to be unhealthy. With a few smart swaps, such as using lean chicken and incorporating fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, you can transform this classic comfort food into a healthy, flavorful dish. Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a light, nutritious, and delicious meal that still satisfies that burger craving.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Burgers:
• 1 lb ground chicken breast (or a mix of breast and thigh for more juiciness)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably full-fat for more flavor)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• For Serving (optional):
• Whole wheat burger buns or lettuce wraps
• Sliced cucumber
• Sliced tomatoes
• Fresh spinach or arugula
• Tzatziki sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta, chopped olives, red onion, minced garlic, oregano, basil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
   Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the burgers tough.
   
2. Form the Patties:
   Divide the chicken mixture into 4 even portions and shape each portion into a patty, pressing down gently to form an even thickness. This will ensure they cook evenly.
   
3. Cook the Burgers:
   Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
   Once the pan is hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the burgers are golden brown on both sides.
   Alternatively, you can grill the burgers over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
   
4. Serve:
   Toast the burger buns if desired, or prepare lettuce wraps if you're keeping it low-carb.
   Place the cooked chicken burger on the bun or wrap, and top with fresh cucumber, tomato slices, spinach or arugula, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce (if using).
   Serve with your favorite side, such as roasted vegetables, a simple Greek salad, or sweet potato fries.

Notes

Ground Chicken: Ground chicken breast is the leanest option for these burgers. However, using a mix of ground chicken breast and thigh will add more flavor and juiciness. If using thighs, you may want to reduce the amount of olive oil used for cooking, as thighs contain more fat.

Feta Cheese: The feta cheese adds both flavor and moisture to the patties. For a creamier texture, you can use full-fat feta, or opt for reduced-fat feta if you want to cut back on calories.

Olives: Kalamata olives give the burgers a distinct Mediterranean flavor. You can substitute other types of olives, but Kalamata olives are the most authentic to Greek cuisine.

Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or dill, can also be added for a fresh burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs depending on your preference.