I still remember the first time I made these White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers. It was one of those evenings when I wanted something comforting yet light, packed with flavor but without the heaviness of traditional burgers. After testing a few combinations, I finally found the perfect balance of juicy ground chicken, vibrant spinach, and rich white cheddar. The result? A burger that was so flavorful and satisfying, I knew it had to be shared.
These burgers quickly became a go-to in my kitchen, especially on weeknights when I need something that feels indulgent but doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether I’m making them for my family or meal-prepping for the week, they never disappoint.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this chicken burger recipe. First and foremost, it’s juicy and tender thanks to the natural moisture in the spinach and the melt-in-your-mouth white cheddar. Unlike dry patties that leave you reaching for condiments, these burgers are flavorful right from the first bite.
You’ll also appreciate how much lighter they are compared to beef burgers. Ground chicken is leaner and blends beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a burger that feels nourishing without compromising on taste. Every element is thoughtfully chosen to deliver both texture and flavor.
Versatile
These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are incredibly versatile. You can serve them on buns, tucked into lettuce wraps, or even sliced over a salad. They’re delicious hot off the grill, pan-seared, or baked in the oven. Add your favorite toppings—avocado, red onions, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce—to tailor them to your cravings. They’re just as great for lunch as they are for a casual dinner.
Affordable
What makes these burgers even better is how affordable they are to make. Ground chicken is usually budget-friendly, and the other ingredients—spinach, cheddar, and pantry seasonings—are all easy to source without straining your grocery bill. Whether you’re cooking for two or preparing a batch to freeze, this recipe stretches your budget in the best way.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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500g ground chicken
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1 cup fresh spinach (chopped and lightly sautéed)
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1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 small onion (grated or finely chopped)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking, optional)
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing these White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers is simple and quick, with each step designed to enhance the flavor and texture of the final result. The ingredients come together in a single bowl, making the process efficient and stress-free. Whether you’re new to cooking or already a confident home chef, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Start by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly. Shake off the excess water or pat dry with a clean towel. Chop the spinach finely, then sauté it in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. This helps remove moisture, which prevents the burgers from becoming soggy. Once wilted and slightly dry, transfer the spinach to a plate to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, cooled sautéed spinach, and shredded white cheddar cheese. Next, add the breadcrumbs, grated or finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Crack in the egg, then mix in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Using clean hands or a fork, gently combine everything until the mixture is evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as that can result in dense patties. The mixture will be slightly sticky—that’s normal and ensures moist burgers once cooked.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions, depending on your preferred size. Wet your hands lightly to help shape the patties without sticking. Form each portion into a round, flat patty about 1/2 inch thick. Press the center slightly thinner than the edges so they cook evenly.
Place the formed patties on a plate or tray. If you have time, refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
You can cook the patties in a skillet, on a grill pan, or in the oven. Here’s how to do each:
Pan-seared method:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the patties in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F). Avoid pressing them down while cooking—this keeps them juicy.
Grill method:
Preheat the grill and lightly oil the grates. Place the burgers over medium heat and grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Close the lid while cooking to help retain moisture and melt the cheese slightly.
Oven method:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the patties on the tray and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the burgers from heat and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keeps each bite moist. Serve on toasted whole wheat buns, wrapped in lettuce, or paired with a fresh salad.
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Since the ingredients are mixed all in one bowl, there’s very little cleanup involved. You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques—just a bowl, a pan, and a little time.
The patties can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can even freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper, then defrost and cook them later for an even faster meal.
Customizable
There’s plenty of room to adjust this recipe to your tastes. Swap out the white cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or a dairy-free alternative if needed. For added spice, include chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want more texture, mix in grated carrots or chopped bell peppers with the spinach.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with almond meal or certified gluten-free crumbs. The flavor remains rich and balanced, no matter how you customize.
Popular with Many People
These burgers are consistently a hit with both kids and adults. The cheesy interior and tender texture make them especially appealing to picky eaters. They’re perfect for family dinners, lunchboxes, or weekend BBQs. Whenever I serve them, I get asked for the recipe almost every time.
Because they’re lighter and packed with greens, many of my readers who focus on clean eating or high-protein meals have added this to their regular rotation. The blend of wholesome ingredients and simple preparation makes them a winning option for anyone who enjoys delicious, home-cooked meals.
PrintWhite Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers – Juicy, Cheesy & Healthy!
These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers are the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and ease. Juicy ground chicken is paired with tender spinach and rich white cheddar, making each bite satisfying and wholesome. Whether you serve them on buns or lettuce wraps, they’re guaranteed to be a hit for both weeknight dinners and weekend lunches.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 500g ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped and lightly sautéed)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking, optional)
Instructions
- Wash and finely chop the spinach. Sauté in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until wilted and dry. Let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, add ground chicken, cooled spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently mix all ingredients until fully combined. Do not overmix to keep the patties tender.
- Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions. With damp hands, form into flat, even patties.
- Optionally, chill the patties in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- To cook in a skillet: Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature: 75°C/165°F).
- To grill: Preheat and lightly oil the grill. Grill patties for 5–6 minutes per side with the lid closed.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a tray with parchment. Bake patties for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the cooked patties rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Patties may be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freeze raw patties between parchment sheets for up to 3 months.
Serve on buns, lettuce wraps, or sliced over salad.
Substitute breadcrumbs with almond meal for a gluten-free version.
Add diced jalapeños for extra spice.
Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely, then squeeze out all excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth. This helps prevent the patties from becoming too wet and falling apart during cooking.
What cheese works best if I don’t have white cheddar?
If white cheddar isn’t available, try mozzarella, gouda, or even Monterey Jack. These melt well and provide a mild, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and spinach.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the patties a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. For longer storage, freeze the raw patties for up to 3 months, separating each with parchment paper.
How do I keep the burgers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking them, and be sure to include moisture-rich ingredients like spinach, cheese, and onion. Resting the patties for a few minutes after cooking also helps retain their juiciness.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they’re excellent for meal prep. Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.