If you’re craving a burger that feels fresh, flavorful, and downright comforting, you’re in for a treat with these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers. Packed with juicy ground chicken, vibrant spinach, and melty white cheddar, this recipe is a delightful twist on the classic burger that balances wholesome ingredients with irresistible taste. They’re perfect for a family dinner, casual weekend cookout, or whenever you want a satisfying bite that’s both nutritious and delicious.

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a burger that’s juicy, cheesy, and full of vibrant green spinach for color and freshness. Each component has a purpose, whether it’s adding texture, binding everything together, or boosting flavor.

1 pound ground chicken: The lean and tender base for these flavorful burgers.
1 cup fresh spinach (chopped): Adds a pop of color and a gentle earthy taste that complements chicken perfectly.
1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into the patties for a rich, creamy flavor twist.
1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and keeps the burgers from falling apart.
1 egg (beaten): Acts as a natural binder to hold all ingredients together.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle, fragrant depth that brightens the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and savory undertone.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning to highlight the other flavors.
4 whole wheat burger buns: Nutty and wholesome, perfect for a healthy touch.
Lettuce leaves (for serving): Brings a crisp, fresh crunch.
Tomato slices (for serving): Adds juicy sweetness and color contrast.
Olive oil (for grilling): Prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity aroma.

How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

Start by combining the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together well for forming patties.

Step 2: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about half an inch thick. Don’t forget to make a small indentation in the center of each patty—that little trick helps the burgers cook evenly without puffing up in the middle.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly brush with olive oil to keep the patties from sticking and to enhance the grill marks that look as good as they taste.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Lay the patties on the grill and cook them for about 5 minutes per side. You want to achieve a beautiful golden brown crust while making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked and juicy.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

When the patties are almost done, place the whole wheat buns cut side down on the grill for about a minute to toast lightly. This step adds a perfect slight crunch to the buns and keeps them from getting soggy once assembled.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Once the patties have rested for a minute or two after grilling, it’s time to build your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers. Start with the bottom bun, layer on the warm patty, then add crisp lettuce leaves and juicy tomato slices before topping with the bun’s crown. It’s simplicity and flavor all in one bite.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your delicious White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers warm, paired with your favorite sides to complete the meal.

How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

The best garnishes for these burgers are fresh and light to balance the richness of the cheese and chicken. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices add crunch and juiciness. If you want an extra pop of flavor, a dollop of garlic aioli or tangy mustard works wonderfully. Pickles or a slice of red onion can also bring a nice bite.

Side Dishes

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers shine best with sides that complement their wholesome goodness. Think crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or even roasted veggies tossed with herbs. For a casual feel, classic coleslaw or corn on the cob add delicious variety to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends or just want to impress, try serving these burgers slider-style on mini buns for a fun appetizer. Alternatively, wrap a burger in a large lettuce leaf and turn it into a low-carb option. You could even add a fried egg on top for a breakfast twist that’s sure to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy lunch or dinner option when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and tasty.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each uncooked patty tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat cooked burgers, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture from getting rubbery. Toast fresh buns again for that just-grilled magic.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for these burgers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give you a similarly lean and tender burger. Just keep an eye on cooking times since turkey can dry out faster.

Is it necessary to add breadcrumbs to the mixture?

Breadcrumbs help bind the patties and retain moisture, but if you’re gluten-free or want to skip them, you could substitute with ground oats or crushed nuts for a slightly different texture.

How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?

The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer and ensure they hit 165°F (75°C) internally. They should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.

Can I prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking?

Definitely! Shaping the patties a few hours in advance or even the night before will save you time. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to grill.

What’s the best way to avoid burgers sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is preheated and well oiled using brush or spray. Also, resist the urge to flip the patties too often—letting them sear will reduce sticking and create those lovely grill marks.

Final Thoughts

These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a perfect balance of juicy, cheesy, and fresh flavors that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for gatherings, making them incredibly versatile and downright delicious. Give them a try—you’ll love how easy it is to elevate your burger game with just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients!

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and nutritious White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers combine lean ground chicken with fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar cheese for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. These juicy burgers are easy to make, grilled to perfection, and served on wholesome whole wheat buns with fresh lettuce and tomato slices.

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush the grill surface with olive oil to prevent the patties from sticking during cooking.
Cook the Patties: Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and cook until the burgers are nicely browned and cooked through.
Toast the Buns: During the last minute of cooking, place the whole wheat burger buns on the grill, cut side down, to lightly toast them for a warm, crispy texture.
Assemble the Burgers: Remove the patties from the grill and allow them to rest for one minute. Place each patty on the bottom half of the toasted buns, then top with fresh lettuce leaves and tomato slices before adding the top buns.
Serve: Serve the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers warm. Pair with your favorite sides for a delicious, wholesome meal.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Feel free to swap white cheddar for another cheese if preferred, but keep quantity the same.
Whole wheat buns add fiber and a nutty flavor; substitute with gluten-free buns if needed.
These burgers can also be cooked on a stovetop skillet if a grill is unavailable.
Leftover patties can be refrigerated and eaten within 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American