Get ready for a burger night that’s about to steal the spotlight! These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers pack rich, sharp cheese, vibrant greens, and juicy chicken into every bite, creating a burger that feels special yet is incredibly easy to pull together. Imagine tender patties with gooey white cheddar, flecked with fresh spinach, gently pan-seared to a perfect golden brown—all ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a unique twist for your next cookout, White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are bound to be your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a handful of simple, accessible ingredients can create absolute burger magic. Each component brings its own special flavor, texture, or color—making these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers both satisfying and beautiful on the plate.
- Ground chicken: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors in the mix.
- Fresh spinach (finely chopped): Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness—plus an extra veggie boost.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, offering sharpness and richness with every bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties and give them a beautiful, juicy texture.
- Egg: Acts as a glue to hold everything together for patties that never fall apart.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses a gentle bite that wakes up all the flavors.
- Onion powder: Lends savory depth without competing for center stage.
- Salt: Brings out and balances the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild, warming kick—just enough to notice.
- Olive oil (for cooking): Ensures a golden, lightly crisp crust as you cook the burgers.
- Burger buns: Soft, fluffy, and ready to cradle all that deliciousness.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, mayonnaise or mustard—personalize your burger to taste.
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Mix the Burger Patty Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to blend everything just until combined; be careful not to overmix, which can make your patties tough. You’re aiming for a mixture that’s well dispersed—every bite should have a pop of cheddar and a hint of spinach!
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide your chicken mixture into four equal portions. Wet your hands lightly (this helps prevent stickiness), and shape each portion into a thick, even patty. Try to keep them about the size of your burger buns so every bite is perfectly balanced—no sad, lonely bun overhang here!
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, gently nestle the patties into the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to press down (keep all those juices inside). They’re done when golden brown and the centers reach 165°F (74°C)—safe, juicy, and irresistible.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the burgers finish, split and toast your buns either in the pan or a toaster oven. Just a minute or two is all you need for a slightly crisp, sturdy base that stands up to the juicy patties without getting soggy.
Step 5: Assemble the White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Time for the grand finale! Lay the cooked burgers on the bottom halves of the buns, then go wild with toppings—think lettuce for crunch, tomatoes for juiciness, red onion for zing, and a slather of mayo or mustard. Pop the tops on, serve warm, and watch everyone dig in with delight.
How to Serve White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way in making your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers feel extra special! I love a layer of crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices for a classic feel, but a few rings of pickled red onion or even some fresh basil leaves can add a unique twist. A swipe of the right sauce—creamy mayo or zesty Dijon—ties everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
What’s a burger night without fantastic sides? Pair your White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers with sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or even oven-roasted veggies for a lighter touch. Chips, coleslaw, or a batch of corn on the cob also make winning companions. Just add something fresh and crunchy to balance out the burger’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many clever ways to showcase these burgers! Try serving them bun-less on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal—just a drizzle of vinaigrette and you’re set. You can also slide mini patties onto slider buns for party platters, or stack them with avocado slices and a fried egg for a truly brunch-worthy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers, let the patties cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the buns and toppings separate until you’re ready to eat, so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
These burgers are perfect for meal prep! To freeze, place cooked and cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Remember to label the bag with the date to keep things organized.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water and a lid on—this keeps them nice and moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second bursts until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to your chicken mixture—this keeps your patties from becoming soggy while delivering all the great flavor and color you’re after.
Are White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers gluten-free?
They can be! Simply choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free burger buns for a completely gluten-free meal. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Can I cook the patties on the grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, grilling adds a delicious smokiness. Just preheat the grill to medium-high, oil the grates well, and cook the patties for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, checking that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What other cheeses work well in this burger?
While white cheddar is my favorite for its sharpness and melt, you can try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even gouda for a twist. Just choose a cheese that melts easily for that perfectly gooey effect.
Can I make the burger mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix and shape the patties up to a day ahead, store them covered in the fridge, and cook just before serving. This makes weeknight dinners even speedier and helps develop the flavors even more.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so rewarding about biting into a burger you made from scratch, especially when it’s bursting with flavor and a little bit good-for-you, too. White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are easy to love and even easier to make, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite burger!
Print
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on traditional burgers, made with ground chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy white cheddar cheese. Juicy and packed with nutrients, they are a delicious and healthier alternative to beef burgers.
Ingredients
Chicken Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, mayonnaise or mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Cook the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the Burgers: Toast the burger buns if desired. Assemble the burgers with your preferred toppings and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) if fresh spinach isn’t available.
- For a lighter option, skip the bun and serve over greens.
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