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If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit indulgent, the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy chicken patties packed with tender spinach and melty white cheddar, all nestled in a soft bun with your favorite toppings. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and comforting tastes, making it ideal for dinner any night of the week or impressing friends at your next barbecue.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to making this dish a winner, and the simplicity of this list means you likely have many of these staples on hand already. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make these burgers stand out.
- 1 lb ground chicken: A lean base that keeps the burgers juicy but light.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a subtle earthiness, plus a pop of green color.
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully inside the patties, giving every bite a rich, creamy surprise.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture together while keeping the burgers tender.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion: Provides a sweet and savory bite that enhances every flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a fragrant depth and zing that livens up the chicken.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and subtle spice without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce: An umami booster that enriches the meatiness of the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning perfectly.
- Olive oil, for cooking: Keeps the patties from sticking and adds a light, fruity richness when seared.
- 4 burger buns: Soft and sturdy to cradle those delicious patties and toppings.
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese: Customize your burger with fresh crunch or extra gooey goodness.
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix It All Together
Begin by gathering your ground chicken, fresh spinach, white cheddar, and all the flavorful seasonings. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chicken with the finely chopped spinach, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Take care to mix just until everything is well incorporated — overmixing can make the patties dense rather than tender, so think gentle folding rather than vigorous stirring.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Once your mixture is uniform, divide it evenly into four portions. Use your hands to form each portion into a compact but not overly compressed patty. Keeping the patties a consistent size helps them cook evenly. If you want, create a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing up during cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle a bit of olive oil to coat the surface. When the oil is shimmering hot, carefully place your patties on the skillet. Let them cook without disturbance for about 5 to 6 minutes on the first side. Flip gently, and cook for the same amount of time on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is a delightful golden brown.
Step 4: Rest the Burgers
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate to rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute inside the burger, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying rather than dry.
Step 5: Build Your Burger
Toast your burger buns lightly if you like, then place each juicy white cheddar and spinach chicken patty on a bun. From here, get creative with your favorite toppings like crispy lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or even an extra slice of cheddar for that double cheese dream.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
These burgers are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them immediately to experience the perfect combination of melted cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach in every bite.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, or thinly sliced red onions complement the savory chicken patties beautifully. Don’t hesitate to add pickles or a smear of your favorite sauce, such as garlic aioli or chipotle mayo, for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken burgers with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even grilled veggies bring balance and freshness alongside the rich, melty burger. For a fun twist, serve with a side of coleslaw for crunch and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe up a notch by serving the patties open-faced with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or swap the buns for fluffy lettuce wraps to keep it light and low-carb. You can even slice the patties to make mini slider-style sandwiches perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because these burgers are so good), you can store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Uncooked patties freeze beautifully. Shape the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can to maintain the texture and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into your burger mixture. This prevents soggy patties and ensures the right texture.
What can I use instead of white cheddar?
If you don’t have white cheddar on hand, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be great milder substitutes. For a sharper bite, aged cheddar or gouda also works well.
Are these burgers healthy?
These chicken burgers are a leaner alternative to beef burgers and are packed with nutritious spinach. Just watch the toppings and buns to keep the meal balanced to your dietary needs.
Can I cook these burgers on a grill?
Absolutely! Cooking on a grill will add a lovely smoky flavor. Just make sure the grill is well-oiled, and cook the patties over medium heat to avoid drying them out.
How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?
The breadcrumbs in the mixture help bind everything together, but be gentle when mixing and handling the patties. Also, chilling them for 15-20 minutes before cooking can firm them up and reduce crumbling.
Final Thoughts
The White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together effortlessly. The blend of flavors and textures makes each bite satisfying, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that makes these burgers a real standout meal. Happy cooking!
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White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic chicken patty, combining tender ground chicken with fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, they make a delicious and juicy meal served on your favorite buns with optional fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Chicken Burger Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil, for cooking
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the burgers tender.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a firm, evenly sized patty to ensure even cooking and good structure.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until the patties reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Rest the Patties: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy burgers.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each patty on a burger bun and add desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, or an extra slice of cheddar cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the burgers immediately alongside your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the chicken mixture to keep burgers tender.
- Ensure patties are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Letting the patties rest after cooking helps retain moisture.
- Customize toppings to your preference for added flavor and texture.
