If you’re searching for a mouthwatering, wholesome twist on the classic chicken burger, look no further than White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers. These juicy patties combine tender ground chicken with vibrant spinach and the rich, melty goodness of white cheddar cheese—creating a flavor-packed bite that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or craving a tasty lunch, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of fresh greens, sharp cheese, and lean protein that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The sharpness of white cheddar contrasts beautifully with mild spinach and chicken, making every bite exciting.
Healthy and Hearty: Packed with lean protein and leafy greens, this burger is both nourishing and filling.
Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples combined in a way that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare.
Versatility: Perfect for grills, stovetops, or ovens, accommodating your cooking preferences or equipment.
Family-Friendly: A great way to sneak more veggies into meals that kids and adults alike eagerly devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers that burst with flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role in balancing taste, juiciness, and color.

Ground Chicken: Choose lean but moist ground chicken for juicy burgers without excess fat.
Fresh Spinach: Adds earthy flavor and vibrant green color, plus a powerful nutritional boost.
White Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, sharp melt that enhances overall richness.
Minced Garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to the patties.
Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, sweet-savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and keeps burgers tender and moist.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold the patties together perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out all other flavors.

Variations for White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s incredibly adaptable, whether you want to cater to dietary needs or experiment with flavor profiles. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for added freshness.
Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a vegan cheese or omit cheese altogether and boost flavor with smoked paprika.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate finely shredded carrots or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.

Why White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Rock

How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by washing and finely chopping fresh spinach. Lightly sauté it in a pan just until wilted or use it raw for a fresher texture—make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy patties.

Step 2: Mix the Patty Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into a compact patty about 3/4 inch thick. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the burgers tender.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through internally (165°F/75°C). Let rest briefly before serving for juicier results.

Pro Tips for Making White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat can make the burgers tough instead of tender.
Drain Spinach Well: Excess moisture from spinach will cause patties to fall apart or be soggy.
Sharp White Cheddar: Use a quality sharp white cheddar to maximize flavor impact.
Test One Patty First: Cook a small test patty to adjust seasoning before shaping them all.
Resting Time: Let the burgers rest off heat for a couple of minutes to keep juices locked in.

How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

Top your burgers with fresh slices of tomato, crisp lettuce, and red onion rings for bright crunch and extra freshness. A smear of garlic aioli or Dijon mustard complements the cheesy, savory patties perfectly.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple yet satisfying, like sweet potato fries, a colorful mixed greens salad, or grilled vegetable skewers. These options enhance the wholesome vibe and let the burger shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic bun by serving the patties on toasted ciabatta or whole-grain focaccia. For a low-carb option, wrap your burger in large lettuce leaves or even place it atop quinoa for a protein-packed bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the burgers moist and flavorful.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked or uncooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months and thaw quickly in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat your burgers gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until warm throughout. Avoid high heat to maintain juiciness and prevent drying out the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach in White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it into the patties to prevent excess moisture.

What type of white cheddar works best?

A sharp white cheddar with strong flavor and good melting qualities works best to give the burgers their signature cheesy richness.

Are these burgers freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Both cooked and uncooked patties freeze well, making meal prep easy and convenient.

Can I grill these burgers or should I stick to stovetop cooking?

Both methods work wonderfully. Grilling adds a smoky char while stovetop cooking provides control and even browning.

How can I make these burgers more kid-friendly?

Omit strong spices and chop spinach finely to blend smoothly into the patties; serve with kid-favorite sides like carrot sticks or apple slices.

Final Thoughts

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are an incredible way to enjoy a juicy, flavorful meal packed with freshness and cheesy goodness. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a delicious and approachable dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Dive in, experiment with variations, and most importantly, savor every bite!

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a flavorful and nutritious twist on the classic chicken burger. Juicy ground chicken mixed with fresh spinach and sharp white cheddar cheese creates a perfect balance of protein, greens, and creamy cheese. Easy to prepare and versatile to cook on the grill, stovetop, or oven, these burgers are family-friendly and customizable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground chicken
1 cup fresh spinach, washed and finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
1 large egg
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach: Wash and finely chop fresh spinach. Lightly sauté it in a pan just until wilted or use it raw for a fresher texture. Drain any excess moisture thoroughly to avoid soggy patties.
Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each into a compact patty about 3/4 inch thick. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the burgers tender.
Cook to Perfection: Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through internally (165°F/75°C). Let rest briefly before serving for juicier results.

Notes

Don’t Overmix the meat to keep burgers tender.
Drain Spinach Well to avoid soggy patties.
Use a quality sharp white cheddar to maximize flavor.
Cook a test patty first to adjust seasoning.
Let burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling/Stovetop
Cuisine: American