Description
Crafted with Mediterranean flair, this chicken burger blends succulent poultry with tangy feta and fresh spinach. Zesty herbs and simple ingredients create an unforgettable sandwich you’ll crave after the first delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (1 pound) ground chicken, 93% lean
- 6 oz (6 ounces) feta cheese, finely crumbled
- 10 oz (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ¼ cup almond meal or breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (1 teaspoon) salt
- 1 tsp (1 teaspoon) pepper
- 1 tsp (1 teaspoon) oregano
- ¼ tsp (¼ teaspoon) fresh ground pepper
- 1 tbsp (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2% fat)
- 4 oz (4 ounces) cream cheese
- ¼ cup English cucumber, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps (2 tablespoons) dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp (¼ teaspoon) salt
- Dash of freshly ground pepper
- 4 Brioche buns
Instructions
- Feta Cheese Spread: Blend cream cheese, feta, garlic, and herbs in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short intervals, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Tzatziki Preparation: Whisk Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, ideally overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Burger Patty Mixing: Thoroughly drain spinach, then combine with ground chicken, feta, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to maintain meat’s tenderness.
- Patty Formation: Divide mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping into uniform patties. Create a central indentation to prevent bulging during cooking.
- Grill Preparation: Heat grill to 450°F, ensuring clean and lightly oiled grates to prevent sticking.
- Grilling Process: Cook patties for 5-6 minutes on first side until golden. Flip and grill additional 3-4 minutes, reaching 165°F internal temperature. Optional: add feta cheese slice during final minute.
- Bun Toasting: Lightly toast burger buns on grill for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Burger Assembly: Spread tzatziki on bottom bun, place grilled patty, add feta cheese spread, and top with fresh spinach or mixed greens.
Notes
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent soggy burger patties and ensure a perfect texture.
- Handle Chicken Gently: Mix ingredients minimally to maintain a tender, juicy burger without compacting the meat too much.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prepare Ahead: Make tzatziki sauce a day in advance to develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg