Description
Mediterranean-inspired chicken burgers blend Greek flavors with juicy ground chicken and crumbled feta. Crisp spinach and zesty herbs create a quick, delicious meal that brings Mediterranean cuisine right to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Protein:
- 1 pound ground chicken, 93% lean
- 4 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- ¼ cup almond meal or breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 ounces feta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2% fat)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup English cucumber, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Dash of freshly ground pepper
- 4 Brioche buns
Instructions
- Prepare the feta cheese spread by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a small microwave-safe dish. Heat in 15-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until ingredients meld smoothly and reach a creamy consistency.
- Create tzatziki sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, preferably prepared one day in advance for enhanced taste.
- Thoroughly drain frozen spinach using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, removing as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy burger patties.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, drained spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix ingredients without overworking the meat to maintain a tender texture.
- Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into uniform patties approximately 3/4 inch (2 centimeters) thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 450°F (232°C), ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place chicken patties on the hot grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and showing distinct grill marks.
- Flip patties and continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- During the final minute of cooking, optional: add a slice of feta cheese to each patty to create a melted topping.
- Lightly toast burger buns on the grill for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Assemble burgers by spreading tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun, placing the grilled chicken patty, adding a dollop of feta cheese spread, and topping with fresh spinach leaves or mixed salad greens.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance, saving time on cooking day and allowing flavors to meld together.
- Spinach Handling: Thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from thawed spinach to prevent soggy burger patties and ensure proper binding.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked burgers.
- Cheese Spread Tip: Microwave feta mixture in short intervals, stirring between each to create a smooth, creamy consistency without burning.
- Grill Management: Maintain consistent high heat around 450°F for even cooking and beautiful grill marks on chicken patties.
- Flavor Boost: Consider toasting burger buns briefly on the grill for added crunch and enhanced overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg