Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

If you’re looking for a burger that’s not only delicious but also loaded with flavor and nutrition, then you’ll absolutely love this Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach! This recipe is a family favorite in my home, and it’s easy to see why. The juicy chicken patties are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend gatherings. Plus, who can resist that creamy feta cheese spread?

These burgers bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your backyard. They are so versatile that they can be served on traditional buns, as lettuce wraps, or even in pitas. Trust me, once you try these Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach, they’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy these tasty burgers any night of the week.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with spinach and feta cheese, these burgers deliver essential nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
• Make-ahead options: Both the feta cheese spread and Tzatziki sauce can be prepared in advance, saving you time on busy days.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the juicy chicken patties and creamy toppings—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to come by. Here’s what you need to create these delightful chicken burgers:

For the Feta Cheese Spread

• 2 ounces feta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup English cucumber, finely chopped (about 3 1/2 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (1/2 a lemon, juiced)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• dash of freshly ground pepper

For the Chicken Burgers

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed to get ALL the liquid out!
• 1 pound ground chicken, 93% Lean
• 4 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
• ¼ cup almond meal or breadcrumbs
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano

For Serving

• 4 Brioche buns (See note for low carb / low cal / keto option!)*
• 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
• green leaf lettuce, washed and dried
• English cucumber, thinly sliced
• red onion, thinly sliced

Variations

This Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach recipe is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Instead of ground chicken, try using ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Add some heat: If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Change the greens: Add other leafy greens like arugula or kale instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Switch up the cheese: Try using goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for something different.

How to Make Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Step 1: Prepare the Feta Cheese Spread

Start by making the feta cheese spread. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. This warms everything up so it mixes easily. Give it a good stir; if there are still lumps, pop it back in the microwave for another 15–30 seconds. This spread is creamy and delicious—perfect for slathering on your burger buns!

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Next up is the Tzatziki sauce! Mix together all those refreshing ingredients in a bowl. It adds such a nice zingy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. Don’t forget to refrigerate it while you prepare everything else—this allows those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Squeeze Out That Spinach

Thaw your frozen spinach in the microwave—then let it cool down before squeezing out ALL that liquid. This step is crucial because excess moisture can make your burger mixture too wet.

Step 4: Mix Your Burger Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all of your burger ingredients. Use your hands (it’s okay—it’s fun!) to mix until everything is well combined. Shape them into four equal patties; this helps them cook evenly on the grill.

Step 5: Preheat Your Grill

While shaping your patties, preheat your grill to about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using Mesquite smoke chips for added flavor, place them in a smoker box over direct heat until they start smoking.

Step 6: Grill Those Burgers

Spray both sides of each burger patty with grilling spray. Grill them for about five minutes on one side until they develop those beautiful grill marks. Flip them over and grill for an additional three to five minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Assemble Your Burgers

Now comes the fun part! Smear some of that tasty feta cheese spread onto each bun—don’t be shy! Layer on your grilled chicken burger patty followed by slices of tomato, cucumber, lettuce, red onion—and don’t forget that zingy Tzatziki sauce!

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

You can serve these chicken burgers on classic brioche buns or get creative by wrapping them in lettuce leaves or stuffing them into pita bread. No matter how you serve them up—enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Creating the perfect chicken burger is all about attention to detail and a few handy tips can take your dish from good to unforgettable!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, quality feta cheese, and vibrant spinach will enhance the flavor of your burgers significantly. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also provide more nutrients.

• Don’t skip squeezing out the spinach: Removing excess moisture from the spinach is crucial. If you leave it in, your burger mixture could become too wet, making it difficult to form patties that hold together.

• Shape patties evenly: For even cooking, make sure all your burger patties are uniform in size. This ensures that they cook at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others remain undercooked.

• Tempered heat is key: Preheating your grill to a high temperature helps create those beautiful grill marks while sealing in juices. Just remember to adjust the heat if they start to char too quickly!

• Let them rest: After grilling, allow your burgers to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the patty, keeping them juicy and flavorful.

How to Serve Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach

Presenting your chicken burger beautifully can make all the difference! Here are a few ideas that will impress your family or guests alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or dill on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows everyone to add a zesty splash right before digging in.
• Extra feta crumbles: A handful of crumbled feta on top of each burger enhances flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These are not just delicious; they add a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of your burger.
• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil brightens up your meal while complementing its Mediterranean roots.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can be grilled alongside your burgers for a colorful and nutritious side.
• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This light salad made with quinoa instead of bulgur offers a protein-packed side that’s full of fresh herbs and lemony goodness.

Enjoy creating this delicious Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach! Each bite is packed with flavor and nutrition that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the burgers and sauces ahead of time, which makes busy weeknights a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the feta cheese spread and tzatziki sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• The feta cheese spread and tzatziki sauce can also be frozen in small portions for easy use later.

Reheating

• Thaw burgers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat the burgers on a grill or stovetop over medium heat until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
• For the sauces, simply thaw in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for the Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground chicken. Just make sure it’s lean to keep your burgers juicy!

How can I make the Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach lower in calories?

You can use whole-grain buns or lettuce wraps instead of brioche buns. Additionally, reducing the amount of feta cheese or using a lighter cream cheese can help cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

What toppings go well with the Chicken Burger with Feta Cheese and Spinach?

Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion pair beautifully, along with your homemade tzatziki sauce. Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!

How do I know when my chicken burger is fully cooked?

To ensure that your chicken burger is fully cooked, check that its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A meat thermometer is really helpful for this!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach as much as I do! They are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re sharing them with family or prepping for yourself during the week, I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite. Happy cooking!