White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a delicious, nutrient-rich alternative to the traditional beef burger, combining juicy ground chicken with sharp white cheddar and vibrant spinach to create a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
These burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, grilling season cookouts, or meal-prep lunches, bringing together a balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that highlight how satisfying a healthier burger option can be. In this recipe-focused post, we will explore the ingredients, cooking techniques, variations, serving ideas, and tips to ensure your chicken burgers stay tender and full of flavor without falling apart. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for inspiration or someone discovering the versatility of chicken burgers for the first time, this guide will give you everything you need to make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers with confidence and ease.
Why White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Stand Out
Ground chicken can sometimes be overlooked in favor of beef or turkey, but it’s the perfect canvas for bold flavors. White cheddar brings sharpness and richness, while spinach adds moisture, color, and nutrients. The combination ensures a burger that is juicy rather than dry, flavorful rather than bland, and satisfying without being heavy. These burgers also adapt well to a variety of cooking methods—grilling, pan-searing, or even baking—making them a reliable option regardless of your kitchen setup.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Chicken
Use ground chicken that includes both breast and thigh meat if possible. It remains tender and juicy and binds better than ultra-lean ground chicken breast alone.
White Cheddar Cheese
Choose a sharp or extra-sharp white cheddar for the richest flavor. Grating it fresh makes it melt better and distribute more evenly within the patties.
Spinach
Finely chopped fresh spinach or thawed, squeezed-dry frozen spinach works well. Spinach adds moisture and helps prevent the burgers from drying out.
Aromatics and Seasonings
Garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper round out the flavor profile. A touch of Dijon mustard adds brightness and helps emulsify the mixture.
Breadcrumbs or Binder
A small amount of breadcrumbs or panko absorbs moisture and keeps patties intact without making them dense.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
If using fresh spinach, finely chop it. If using frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy burgers.
Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients
Combine ground chicken, spinach, grated cheddar, seasonings, Dijon mustard, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into round, flat patties. Wet your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
Pan-sear in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, grill over medium heat, or bake at 400°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Serve on toasted brioche buns, whole-grain buns, or lettuce wraps. Add toppings like tomato, avocado, caramelized onions, or additional melted cheddar.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Burgers
Prevent Sticking
Chill patties for 20–30 minutes before cooking to firm them up.
Avoid Dryness
Don’t press down on the burgers while cooking—this squeezes out juices.
Get a Good Sear
Make sure the pan or grill is hot before placing the patties on it.
Check Temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure safe cooking without overcooking.
Variations
Spicy White Cheddar Burgers
Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Mediterranean Spinach Chicken Burgers
Swap cheddar for feta and season with oregano, garlic, and lemon zest.
Low-Carb or Keto Version
Omit breadcrumbs and use almond flour or finely crushed pork rinds as the binder.
Dairy-Free Option
Use a dairy-free cheddar alternative and add extra seasoning for flavor balance.
Serving Ideas
Classic Burger Style
Top with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo on a toasted bun.
Gourmet Style
Add arugula, roasted red peppers, and garlic aioli for an elevated twist.
Healthy Bowl Option
Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice with avocado and a squeeze of lemon.
Meal Prep
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container and reheat gently throughout the week.
Why This Recipe Works
Combining rich cheddar with moisture-retaining spinach and lean ground chicken creates a balanced burger with complex flavor and great texture. The seasonings are deliberately simple, allowing the cheddar and spinach to shine. The binder ensures the patties stay cohesive without becoming heavy, and the cooking methods are versatile enough to fit any kitchen preference. Altogether, White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are an easy, reliable, and crowd-pleasing recipe that proves healthy meals can still feel indulgent and deeply satisfying.
White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Juicy ground chicken is mixed with sautéed spinach, garlic, and melty white cheddar to create a flavorful, tender burger that cooks perfectly on a skillet or grill. These burgers stay moist, pack plenty of protein, and pair beautifully with brioche buns, aioli, or fresh toppings. Great for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Burgers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Option: sauté quickly to reduce moisture
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- To Serve
- Brioche buns or potato buns
- Lettuce, tomato, red onion
- Mayo, garlic aioli, or honey mustard
- Extra white cheddar slices (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the spinach (recommended)
Sauté chopped spinach in a small pan for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Press out excess moisture and let cool slightly.
2. Mix the burger mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- ground chicken
- cooled spinach
- shredded white cheddar
- garlic
- egg
- breadcrumbs
- Dijon mustard
- seasonings
Mix gently until everything is just combined.
3. Form patties
Divide mixture into 4–5 patties (about ¾-inch thick).
Tip: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking.
4. Cook
Stovetop:
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium. Cook patties 5–7 min per side, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Grill:
Grill over medium heat 5–6 min per side. Use foil if patties are delicate.
5. Serve
Place on buns, top with cheddar (optional), and add your favorite toppings or sauce.
Notes
- Don’t overmix: keeps the burgers tender.
- Too wet? Add 1–2 tbsp more breadcrumbs.
- Too dry? Add 1 tbsp olive oil or 1 tbsp mayo to the mix.
- Flavor boosts: Add chopped basil, parsley, or a splash of Worcestershire.
- Make it low-carb: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Meal prep: Patties freeze well raw or cooked.
