Juicy, flavorful, and packed with Mediterranean flair, Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are the quick-fix meal you’ll crave on busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike! Tender ground chicken meets creamy feta and bright pops of spinach for a burger experience that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mediterranean Magic: The salty tang of feta and the freshness of spinach bring bold Mediterranean flavors to every bite.
- Weeknight-Friendly: These Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers come together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something special without the fuss.
- Lean But Juicy: Ground chicken and a touch of mayo keep these burgers lusciously moist and never dry, with a lighter feel than beef.
- Customizable: Whether frying, grilling, or baking, you can make these burgers your way and tailor toppings to your cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Every element here is chosen for flavor and function—so simple, so essential. Each ingredient adds its own magic touch, whether it’s tenderness, a pop of color, or creamy richness.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): I recommend 92% lean, which keeps things juicy but not greasy.
- Fresh spinach (½ cup, chopped): Adds color and freshness. Chop it finely so it blends right in!
- Feta cheese (⅓ cup, crumbled): Salty and tangy, it gives every bite a burst of creamy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Give the patties savory backbone and balance.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds aroma and depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): For subtle, sweet-savory onion notes.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): The secret to ultra-moist burgers without extra fat.
- Cooking oil: Just a drizzle to prevent sticking—olive oil works beautifully.
Variations
What I love most about Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers is how endlessly adaptable they are! Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite ingredients or adjust for dietary needs. Consider these tasty twists:
- Use turkey instead of chicken: Ground turkey works just as well if you prefer a different protein base.
- Try goat cheese or mozzarella: Swap feta for another cheese—each gives these burgers a unique personality.
- Add fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, or basil bring extra brightness and are a wonderful way to use up what’s in your fridge.
- Make them gluten-free: No breadcrumbs here, but double-check your mayo and feta if you need to be 100% gluten-free.
- Pile on the veggies: Finely diced bell peppers or zucchini add crunch and color for extra nutrition.
How to Make Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
Step 1: Mix the Burger Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently fold everything together. Go easy here—over-mixing can make your Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide your mixture into five equal portions (about 3.5 ounces each). A plastic-lined ½ cup measuring cup makes this step a breeze—just press the mixture in, pull out, and gently flatten. Press a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps them cook evenly and reduce puffing.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle with a slick of oil over medium-high. Add the patties and cover (a lid or even a mixing bowl works) to trap moisture. Sear for 4–5 minutes on the first side, then flip, remove the lid, and finish for another 3–4 minutes. The internal temperature should hit 155–160°F. Rest the burgers for 5 minutes before serving so they stay juicy.
Step 4: Alternative Cooking Methods
These beauties shine on the grill, in the oven, or even in your air fryer! See the recipe notes for specific temperatures and timing—so you can enjoy Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers whatever your kitchen setup.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
- Gentle Mixing Yields Tender Burgers: Over-mixing ground chicken can make the texture tough; aim for just enough to combine the seasonings and fillings.
- Indents for Even Cooking: That little thumbprint in the center helps your patties cook flat and evenly—a pro trick for perfect burgers every time.
- Spinach Prep: If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out all extra water to prevent soggy burgers—it’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
- Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer for doneness; Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are juiciest when removed at 155–160°F and allowed to rest.
How to Serve Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
Garnishes
These burgers are irresistible as-is, but they truly shine with a few well-chosen garnishes. Try tangy tzatziki sauce, a thick slice of juicy tomato, fresh cucumber ribbons, or a pile of peppery arugula. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything, perfectly echoing those Mediterranean flavors!
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers with simple sides like herbed potato wedges, Greek salad, or crisp roasted veggies. If you’re in the mood for comfort, serve on a toasted brioche bun with sweet potato fries or a light quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
These burgers aren’t limited to buns! Tuck a patty into pita bread for a Mediterranean twist, slice and add to a grain bowl, or crumble over a leafy salad for extra protein. Mini sliders make a festive appetizer for gatherings, and leftovers are amazing stuffed in wraps for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers keep beautifully in the fridge. Store cooled patties in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper if stacking, for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping lunches or easy dinners!
Freezing
These burgers freeze well both cooked and uncooked. For raw patties, place a layer of parchment between each and freeze flat in a bag. For cooked burgers, let cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook or reheat as desired.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for quick lunches. A splash of water or broth helps prevent drying out, so each bite stays moist and flavorful.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just remember to use half the amount, thaw thoroughly, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible so your Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers don’t turn soggy.
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What’s the best way to keep the burgers from sticking to the pan?
Using a well-oiled nonstick skillet or griddle is key. Wait until your pan is hot before adding the patties, and let them sear undisturbed for several minutes so they release easily.
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How do I know when Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that they’ve reached 155–160°F in the center. The juices should run clear, and resting them for 5 minutes will finish the cooking and keep them juicy.
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Can I grill or bake these burgers instead of pan-frying?
You sure can! Grill over medium-high heat (oiled grates or a cast iron) for 4–6 minutes per side, or bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes—just remember to check the internal temperature for safety.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that serves up both comfort and vibrant flavor, you truly can’t go wrong with Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers. I can’t wait for you to take that first juicy, savory bite—this just might become your new go-to quick dinner! Let me know how you serve yours, and don’t be surprised if you start craving them weekly.
Print
Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 patties 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
These Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are juicy and flavorful, combining ground chicken with fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and a blend of seasonings. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken (I used 92%)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Mix the Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, feta cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mayonnaise. Lightly mix to incorporate the ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the meat mixture into 5 equal portions and form them into patties. Create a slight indent in the center of each patty to promote even cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F. Allow the burgers to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To ensure even patty sizes, use a plastic-lined measuring cup to portion out the meat mixture.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the burger mixture.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
