White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are my go-to when I want a burger that’s packed with flavor but still feels light and wholesome. The mix of juicy ground chicken, sharp white cheddar, and fresh spinach creates a tender, cheesy patty that’s hard to resist. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these burgers always hit the mark.
Why I Love This Recipe
This burger has quickly become a favorite in my rotation, and here’s why:
- It’s a leaner, healthier option that still satisfies my burger cravings.
- The white cheddar adds richness and tang that pairs so well with chicken.
- Chopped spinach brings in nutrients and moisture without overwhelming the flavor.
- It’s quick to make and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- I can grill, pan-fry, or even bake these depending on what I’m in the mood for.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken burgers:
- Ground chicken
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Breadcrumbs
- Finely chopped onion
- Garlic, minced
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For serving:
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, extra cheese, pickles, red onion, or your favorite burger sauce
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. I gently mix everything until just combined.
- I divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into burger patties about ½ inch thick.
- I heat a skillet or grill over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. I cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, I let the patties rest for a couple of minutes. Then I build my burgers with toasted buns and all my favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: About 27 minutes
Variations
I like changing things up depending on my mood or what I have in the kitchen:
- Cheese Swap: I use mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack when I want a different flavor.
- Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
- No Bun? No Problem: These patties are great in lettuce wraps or on top of a salad.
- Herby Boost: I mix in some chopped parsley or basil for extra freshness.
Storage and Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them like this:
- Refrigerator: I keep cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I freeze cooked or uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper. They keep well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: I reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If frozen, I thaw overnight in the fridge first.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, I can use frozen spinach. I just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make these burgers in the oven?
Absolutely. I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
What keeps the burgers from drying out?
The spinach and cheese both add moisture, and I make sure not to overcook the patties. Cooking just to 165°F helps keep them juicy.
Can I prep the patties ahead of time?
Yes, I shape them a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. It actually helps them firm up and hold their shape better.
What should I serve with these burgers?
I like pairing them with sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or roasted veggies. They also go great with slaw or a side of couscous.
Conclusion
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a fresh twist on a classic, offering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. They’re quick, versatile, and incredibly satisfying, making them a staple in my weeknight dinner plans. Once I made these, I knew they’d be a regular at my table.
Print
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course, Burgers
- Method: Grilled, Pan-Fried, or Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein. Made with lean ground chicken, shredded cheddar, and fresh spinach, they’re a healthier burger option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or baking—great for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- For the chicken burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- For serving:
- Burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, extra cheese, pickles, red onion, burger sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form into 4 equal patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Add olive oil. Cook patties 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest briefly, then serve on buns with desired toppings.
Notes
- Frozen spinach works—just thaw and squeeze dry before using.
- Don’t overmix the burger mixture for the best texture.
- Use parchment between patties for freezing.
- Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne for heat.
- These patties are great in lettuce wraps or on salads for a low-carb option.