I can still remember the first time I made these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers—it was one of those spontaneous weeknight meals where I wanted something different from the usual beef burger. I had some ground chicken on hand, baby spinach in the fridge, and sharp white cheddar just waiting to be used. The result was a juicy, flavorful burger that instantly became a regular on my menu. There’s something so comforting yet refreshing about this combo. It feels indulgent but still light, and the flavors truly stand out.

These chicken burgers are packed with tender spinach and melty white cheddar cheese, offering a gourmet twist on a classic favorite. They’re easy to make, great for both quick dinners and casual get-togethers, and even kid-friendly. Unlike traditional burgers, they’re not greasy or heavy—they’re moist, savory, and full of bright, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together everything I love about a good burger—flavor, texture, and satisfaction—without feeling overly rich or complicated. You’ll love how the white cheddar adds a sharp, creamy contrast to the lean chicken, while the spinach brings in a fresh, earthy note that complements the meat perfectly. It’s balanced and hearty, yet wholesome.

Versatile

One of the best things about these burgers is how adaptable they are. You can serve them on a bun, in a lettuce wrap, or over a salad. Add some avocado or a spicy aioli to elevate the flavor. You can also pan-fry, grill, or bake them depending on your mood or the season. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, this recipe fits the bill.

Affordable

Ground chicken is a cost-effective alternative to beef or turkey, and the remaining ingredients—spinach, cheese, spices—are staples in most kitchens. You won’t need anything fancy or hard to find. Plus, you can double the batch and freeze extras for another day, which makes this recipe both economical and practical.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Ground chicken
Fresh baby spinach
White cheddar cheese (shredded)
Garlic (minced)
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil (for cooking)
Burger buns or lettuce wraps (optional)
Optional toppings: sliced tomato, avocado, mustard, or your favorite sauce

How to Prepare This Recipe

These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are surprisingly quick to prepare, and the process is incredibly straightforward. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. I usually prepare everything in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy juicy, cheesy chicken burgers in under 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the spinach
Start by roughly chopping the baby spinach. You’ll want to use fresh spinach for the best texture and color. If it holds moisture, press it gently with a paper towel to remove excess water. This will prevent the burgers from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Make the burger mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients together using clean hands or a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the burgers dense rather than tender.

Step 3: Shape the patties
Divide the mixture evenly and form four to six patties, depending on your preferred size. Make sure the patties are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them hold their shape while cooking.

Step 4: Preheat your skillet or grill
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. If you prefer to grill the burgers, preheat your grill to medium and lightly oil the grates. Both methods work well, but I often choose the skillet for convenience.

Step 5: Cook the burgers
Cook the patties for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The cheese will melt slightly into the patty, creating a creamy bite in every mouthful. Avoid pressing the patties down during cooking to keep them juicy.

Step 6: Assemble and serve
Once the burgers are ready, serve them on toasted buns or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. I love topping them with sliced tomato, avocado, or even a quick garlic yogurt sauce. You can keep it simple or get creative with your toppings.

Quick and Easy

You won’t need any special kitchen tools—just a bowl, a skillet, and a spatula. The ingredients are common, and the method is beginner-friendly. From prep to plate, these burgers are done in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for weeknights or last-minute meal planning.

Customizable

This recipe easily adapts to your taste. You can substitute the white cheddar with mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add finely diced onions or herbs like parsley or basil to the mix for an extra flavor boost. Want a Mediterranean twist? Add chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes. The base recipe is a canvas, and you can modify it to suit your preference.

Popular with Many People

Whenever I make these for friends or family, they’re gone in minutes. Adults love the savory depth from the cheddar, and even picky eaters enjoy the soft texture and mild flavor of the chicken. They’re a hit at backyard cookouts, quick lunches, or casual dinners. These burgers are also a great way to sneak in some greens without compromising taste.

Whether you’re looking for a better-for-you burger or just something new to try, these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

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These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are flavorful, juicy, and made with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for quick weeknight meals or weekend grilling. Packed with fresh spinach and melty white cheddar, these burgers offer a delicious and healthier twist on the classic. Serve on a bun, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 12
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Instructions

Prepare the spinach:
Rinse and roughly chop the baby spinach. Pat it dry thoroughly using a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Make the burger mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix with clean hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Shape the patties:
Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal parts. Shape into round, flat patties of uniform thickness. Press a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
Preheat your skillet or grill:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. If grilling, preheat to medium and lightly oil the grates.
Cook the patties:
Place the patties into the skillet or onto the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Do not press the patties while cooking.
Assemble and serve:
Place the cooked patties onto burger buns or inside lettuce wraps. Add your preferred toppings and sauces. Serve immediately.

Notes

Be sure to remove excess water from the spinach to avoid a soggy mixture.

You may substitute the white cheddar with any melty cheese of your choice.

Avoid pressing the patties during cooking to retain juiciness.

For extra flavor, add a dash of Dijon mustard or dried herbs into the meat mixture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly. Press out as much moisture as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before mixing it into the ground chicken. Too much water can affect the texture of the patties.

What kind of cheese can I use if I don’t have white cheddar?
White cheddar adds a sharp, creamy flavor, but you can also use shredded mozzarella, gouda, provolone, or pepper jack. Each one brings a unique twist, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.

How do I keep the chicken burgers from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing the burger mixture, and make sure your spinach is dry before adding it. If the mixture feels too loose, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs to help bind it together without drying it out.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Are these burgers freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze beautifully. Shape the patties and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Cook them directly from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Can I make these burgers dairy-free?
If you’re avoiding dairy, you can leave out the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free shredded alternative. The patties will still hold together and taste great, though the texture will be slightly different.

Are these burgers suitable for meal prep?
Yes, they are perfect for meal prep. Cook the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or microwave when ready to serve.