If you’re searching for a burger recipe that feels comfortingly familiar but tastes like something new, you’re about to fall for these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers. Juicy ground chicken mingles with vibrant chopped spinach and sharp white cheddar, making every bite extra succulent, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavor. These burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or any time you’re after something that’s both wholesome and wildly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers is short but perfectly curated—each element adds depth, juiciness, or a pop of color that makes this burger memorable. Let’s break it down so you can appreciate how these flavors and textures work magic together.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and juicy, it’s a lighter alternative to beef that soaks up all the flavors from the add-ins.
- Fresh Spinach (finely chopped): Adds color, moisture, and a subtle earthy flavor—baby spinach is easiest to work with.
- Shredded White Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient for that creamy, tangy bite and gooey pockets throughout the patty.
- Garlic (minced): Just one clove gives the burgers aromatic warmth that lingers pleasantly.
- Onion Powder: Layers in a mellow sweetness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: A touch of mellow spice that ties it all together.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that makes the burgers pop.
- Olive Oil (for cooking): Ensures the patties get that irresistible golden crust while staying tender inside.
- Burger Buns: Soft, sturdy buns cradle all the savoriness, but switch to lettuce wraps for gluten-free.
- Lettuce, Tomato Slices, and Condiments: Fresh toppings and your favorite condiments add crunch and juiciness—go classic or get creative!
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Mix Your Burger Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Gently fold everything together with a spoon or your hands just until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix—the less you work the mixture, the more tender and juicy your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers will be.
Step 2: Shape Into Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. With damp hands (this helps prevent sticking), gently shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Flatten them just enough so they cook evenly, keeping the edges slightly thicker to avoid dry outsides. You’ll be amazed at how pretty those little green flecks of spinach look peeking through!
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the patties—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook each patty for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping just once, until both sides are beautifully golden and the centers are perfectly cooked through (the center should reach 165°F on a meat thermometer). The cheese will get melty and bubbling around the edges—it’s a delicious sign you’re almost there.
Step 4: Prepare the Buns and Toppings
While the burgers finish up, cut your burger buns and toast them lightly if you like a bit of crunch. Set out fresh lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, and whatever condiments you’re in the mood for—zesty mayo, spicy mustard, or a swipe of classic ketchup all pair beautifully with these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Layer each patty on a bun with your choice of toppings. The aroma will tempt everyone to grab a bite immediately! Serve them right away for maximum juiciness, and dig into your fabulous homemade White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers.
How to Serve White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
The right garnish can take your burger from everyday to extraordinary. A handful of baby spinach leaves, some extra shredded white cheddar melted on top just before serving, or a sprinkle of chives create a beautiful presentation and boost that fresh, cheesy vibe already inside your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Side Dishes
For the ultimate meal, pair your burgers with crisp baked sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or a colorful salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. You could even throw together some classic potato chips or a tangy slaw—anything crunchy and fresh will complement the cheesiness and tender texture of the burgers beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Serve the patties bunless over a summer salad, slice them up to fill wraps for lunchboxes, or tuck them inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb, gluten-free twist. These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are incredibly versatile and shine in just about any setting—from casual cookouts to make-ahead meal preps!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers can be tucked in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you know you’ll be storing some, keep the patties and buns separate so nothing turns soggy. Reheating is a breeze—they come out surprisingly juicy and flavorful even the next day!
Freezing
Want to meal prep? Shape the raw patties, stack them with parchment paper in between, and freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to two months. You can also freeze cooked patties, letting them cool completely first. This is perfect for busy days when you need a wholesome homemade meal in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwave works too, but the stovetop or oven keeps the patties juicier. Always make sure your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are steaming hot before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully and gives these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers a slightly different (but still delicious) flavor. Just make sure to use ground turkey with some fat to avoid dry patties.
Can I grill these burgers instead of pan-searing?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky touch that pairs perfectly with the white cheddar and spinach. Oil your grill grates well and handle the patties gently, since they’re a bit softer than beef burgers. A grill basket works wonders for easy flipping.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Definitely! Serve the White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers on gluten-free buns or go bunless with lettuce wraps. All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap for those with dietary needs.
What cheeses can I substitute for white cheddar?
Pepper jack adds a bit of spice, mozzarella gives a milder, stretchier melt, and gouda brings smoky depth. While white cheddar is classic here, swapping cheeses lets you mix up the flavor profile of your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers anytime.
How do I prevent patties from sticking when cooking?
Make sure your skillet or grill is well-oiled and fully preheated before adding the patties. Flipping them just once also helps preserve their shape and prevent sticking. If grilling, a spatula with a thin edge is perfect for easy lifting without breaking the patties.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about meals that are simple to make, packed with flavor, and look as good as they taste. These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers fit that bill perfectly—juicy, vibrant, and satisfying every single time. I hope you give them a try soon and make them your new weeknight staple or cookout favorite!
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White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional burgers. Packed with fresh spinach and gooey cheddar, these chicken patties are easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- burger buns
- lettuce
- tomato slices
- condiments
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, white cheddar, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into burger patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Toast burger buns, then assemble patties with lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
Notes
- These burgers can be grilled or air-fried.
- Use pre-washed baby spinach for convenience.
- Try mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar.
- For a gluten-free option, serve in lettuce wraps or with GF buns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty (without bun)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
