White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed alternative to classic burgers, these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are about to become your new obsession. Each bite delivers juicy, seasoned chicken dotted with fresh spinach and pockets of melty white cheddar, all nestled between soft buns with your favorite toppings. Quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between nutritious and delicious. Let’s dive into burger bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers is in the simplicity and harmony of the ingredients. Each one serves a distinct role: you’ll notice how the spinach brightens up the chicken, while breadcrumbs and cheese make sure every bite is perfectly tender and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground chicken: The mild, lean base that lets the other flavors truly shine and keeps the patties moist.
• Fresh spinach, finely chopped: Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy taste, all without overpowering the burger.
• Shredded white cheddar cheese: Brings savory, creamy pockets throughout for an irresistibly melty bite.
• Breadcrumbs: Binds everything together and gives the patties a light, tender texture.
• Finely chopped onion: Lends sweetness and moisture, helping keep the burgers juicy.
• Garlic, minced: Boosts savory depth and aroma—you’ll notice it instantly!
• Dijon mustard: A touch of tang and gentle heat brings all the flavors together for a zippy finish.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami punch and just the right savory edge.
• Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget these basics; they highlight the other flavors beautifully.
• Olive oil: Ensures the patties get a gorgeous golden crust while cooking.
• Burger buns: Choose your favorite—brioche, whole wheat, or classic white all welcome these patties.
• Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, and even more cheese can take your burgers to the next level.

How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Make the Burger Mixture

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—bigger than you think you’ll need. Combine your ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. The key here is to use a gentle hand; overmixing can make the patties dense. Mix just until everything is distributed and you can see vibrant flecks of spinach and chewy bits of cheddar throughout.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Once the ingredients are combined, divide the mixture into four even portions. Dampening your hands with a bit of water makes this step less sticky and gives you smoother patties. Shape each portion into a patty just slightly larger than your burger buns—they’ll shrink a little as they cook. Place them on a plate or cutting board for easy transfer to the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Heat a skillet (nonstick or cast iron works beautifully) over medium. Drizzle in a little olive oil, then carefully add the patties. You want them to sizzle as they hit the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’re looking for that golden, crispy exterior and ensuring the centers cook through—an internal temp of 165°F (75°C) is your green light. The cheese will get gorgeously melty as the burgers finish.

Step 4: Rest the Patties

Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This little pause allows the juices to redistribute, so your burgers stay moist and flavorful. Don’t rush—this really does make a difference.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now for the fun part! Slice your burger buns and, if you fancy, toast them lightly. Lay down a bed of lettuce or tomato, follow with a piping hot patty, and add any bonus toppings you love. The aroma alone is enough to make mouths water. Serve right away and prepare for rave reviews!

How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

Garnishing your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers is both simple and personal—a fresh leaf of romaine, a hefty slice of ripe tomato, maybe a dab of herby mayo or even more cheddar melted on top. Don’t forget a crisp pickle spear or a handful of microgreens for something unexpected; these little touches not only boost flavor but add that eye-catching appeal.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with sides that can stand up to these flavor-packed burgers. Think golden sweet potato fries, a bright and crunchy slaw, or a chilled cucumber salad for a contrasting bite. Even a handful of kettle chips or a pile of roasted vegetables make a winning combination. The key is to balance the richness of the burgers with something crisp or fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers slider-style for parties, topping them with avocado and roasted red pepper for a “gourmet bistro” spin. Or, cut the patties into quarters, stack up with mini buns, and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for burger bites that everyone will rave about. The recipe is just as at home at a backyard barbecue as it is on a weeknight dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—lucky you!—simply place the cooked patties in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Try to keep the burgers separate from the buns and any toppings to ensure nothing gets soggy.

Freezing

These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers freeze beautifully! Let the cooked patties cool completely, then wrap each in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making them perfect for meal prep or those nights when you need dinner, fast.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the patties into a skillet over medium-low heat, cover, and warm until heated through—about 4-5 minutes per side. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but reheat in short bursts to avoid drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh spinach isn’t handy, thawed frozen spinach works too—just make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible so your chicken burgers stay perfectly tender and not watery.

Can I grill these burgers instead of pan-cooking?

Yes, you can definitely grill White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers! Be sure to oil the grill grates and handle the patties gently, as chicken burgers can be a bit softer than beef. Grill over medium heat, about 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through.

What kind of buns pair best with these burgers?

Brioche buns are a crowd favorite because they’re slightly sweet and soft, but whole wheat buns or even toasted ciabatta rolls add a lovely rustic touch. Pick what you love—these burgers are wonderfully versatile!

How do I keep chicken burgers from falling apart?

The combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and cheese in this recipe offers great binding power. Make sure not to skip them, and handle the patties with care when flipping. Chilling them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.

Can I make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers dairy-free?

Of course! Swap the white cheddar for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese, or leave it out entirely for a lighter burger. The spinach and seasonings will ensure you still get plenty of great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s served these at countless gatherings—White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers always steal the show! Whether you keep things classic or riff with bold toppings, you’re in for a juicy, crowd-pleasing, and memorable meal. Get your skillet ready and give these burgers a try; your taste buds will be cheering for an encore!

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