If you’re dreaming of a juicy, flavor-packed burger that’s a little out of the ordinary, you’re going to fall in love with these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers. The tender, savory chicken patty gets a melty boost from sharp white cheddar and a pop of freshness from chopped spinach, making every bite a satisfying twist on the classic. Quick to make, incredibly customizable, and destined to be a household favorite, these burgers are the perfect excuse to fire up your skillet or grill for something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers is how a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create big flavors and just the right texture. Each one serves a special purpose, whether it’s flavor, juiciness, or that irresistible melty goo factor.
- Ground chicken: The moist, lean base that keeps your burgers juicy but light, and acts as a blank canvas for all the other flavors.
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped: Adds color and nutrients, and helps keep the patties extra moist without weighing them down.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Salty, sharp, and beautifully melty, it gives these burgers their signature cheesy punch.
- Garlic, minced: Brings just the right amount of aromatic zing to round out the savory flavors.
- Dijon mustard: With a smart kick of tang, it lifts the flavors and keeps the chicken anything but boring.
- Onion powder: Offers gentle, rounded sweetness and boosts that classic burger flavor profile.
- Salt: Because every great burger needs a little salt to make the flavors sing.
- Black pepper: For just a touch of subtle heat, enhancing every bite.
- Olive oil for cooking: Ensures an irresistible golden sear and helps prevent sticking whether you’re using a skillet or grill pan.
- Burger buns: Soft, fluffy, and sturdy enough to hold all those glorious juices and toppings—choose your favorite style.
- Optional toppings (tomato, red onion, avocado, lettuce, mayo or aioli): A fresh, crisp finishing touch that adds freshness, creaminess, or a little extra tang as you please.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large bowl and tossing in the ground chicken, chopped spinach, white cheddar, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix these together with clean hands or a spatula—just until everything is evenly distributed. Try not to overmix; you want the patties to stay tender, not dense. You’ll see flecks of green, golden cheese, and little bursts of seasoning everywhere.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide your chicken mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a patty that’s about the size of your burger buns. If the mixture feels sticky (which is totally normal), wetting your hands lightly with water can help with forming perfect patties. Place the patties on a plate or tray, ready for cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place your patties in the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side—be patient! You want a golden-brown crust to form before flipping. The burgers are done when they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you love a little extra cheese, now’s also when you can add another slice just before they finish cooking, covering the pan for peak melty magic.
Step 4: Toast Those Buns
While the burgers cook, slice and toast your burger buns lightly, either in the toaster or directly in the pan with a touch of olive oil. This tiny extra step gives your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers a hint of crunch that makes a world of difference.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once your patties and buns are ready, it’s time for the fun part: building your masterpiece. Slather the bottom bun with mayo or aioli, layer on the chicken patty, and pile on any toppings you love—from crisp lettuce and juicy tomato to creamy avocado and bright red onion. Pop on the top bun and serve your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers hot and fresh!
How to Serve White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
A great burger gets even better with thoughtful garnishes. I love sprinkling on microgreens or fresh chopped herbs for a summery finish. A light drizzle of herbed aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a tangy yogurt sauce can give your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers their own signature vibe.
Side Dishes
These burgers shine alongside classic sides like oven-baked sweet potato fries, a crunchy slaw, or a zippy garden salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For something extra special, try grilled corn on the cob or a big bowl of garlic roasted potatoes—the simplicity lets the burgers stand out without competing.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers slider-style for a party, or pile the patties over a fresh salad for a lighter meal. If you’re skipping buns, wrap the cooked burgers in crisp lettuce leaves or tuck them inside warm pita for a surprising twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra burgers? Place any leftover White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For best results, keep the buns and toppings separate—this way the burger stays juicy and the veggies fresh when you’re ready to enjoy another round.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? You can freeze the uncooked patties on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. If you’re freezing already-cooked burgers, wrap each tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes per side. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of water and cover with foil to keep them moist if reheating from frozen.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw, drain, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the frozen spinach before mixing it into your chicken. This keeps your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers from turning soggy.
What can I substitute for white cheddar cheese?
For a different cheesy kick, try sharp yellow cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy edge. Feel free to get creative—just use the same amount and shred it finely for the best melt.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
Yes, the patties themselves are naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to use gluten-free burger buns if you need them, and double-check that any condiments or toppings are free from gluten as well.
Can I grill these instead of pan-frying?
You bet! White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers hold up great on the grill. Oil the grates well, and use a medium heat to avoid flare-ups and sticking. They’re delicious with those classic grill marks and a touch of smokiness.
How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?
Be gentle with your mixing and shaping, and make sure your mixture isn’t too wet. If you find the patties aren’t holding together, a tablespoon of breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed) can help bind them, but usually the cheese and spinach do a great job as is.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dinner that’s easy, a little out-of-the-ordinary, and totally crowd-pleasing, White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are your new go-to. Every bite is packed with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and bursts of green—making them just as good for a weeknight treat as they are for a weekend backyard feast. Dive in and discover your latest burger obsession!
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White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a delicious twist on classic burgers, combining juicy ground chicken with flavorful spinach and creamy white cheddar. Perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein and nutrients.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ¾ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
For serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: sliced tomato, red onion, avocado, lettuce, mayo or aioli
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Toast the burger buns if desired. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can use frozen spinach—just thaw, drain, and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
- These burgers are great grilled or pan-fried and pair well with sweet potato fries or a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (patty with bun)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
