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These Chicken Burgers with Feta Cheese and Spinach are packed with bright Mediterranean flavors and juicy goodness. The combo of feta and spinach keeps the patties moist and tender while adding a fresh twist. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe brings a little gourmet flair to homemade burgers.
I first made these burgers when I wanted a healthier alternative to beef but still craved bold flavors. They quickly became a favorite with my whole family asking for seconds and even thirds.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese for the spread: gives a salty creamy base fresh and good quality feta works best
- Cream cheese for smoothness in the spread: opt for full fat for richness
- Fresh garlic cloves: brightens the spread and sauce with a punch of flavor
- Lemon juice: adds acidity and freshness to both sauces
- Greek yogurt for the tzatziki: thick and creamy 2 percent fat is a nice balance
- English cucumber: finely chopped for crunch and cool contrast in the sauce
- Fresh dill: aromatic herb essential to authentic tzatziki use fresh rather than dried when possible
- Frozen chopped spinach: make sure to squeeze out all the liquid to keep the burgers from getting soggy
- Ground chicken: lean but not too dry 93 percent lean hits the right balance
- Almond meal or breadcrumbs: to help bind the patties and provide structure
- Yellow onion and plenty of garlic: for savoriness and depth in the burgers
- Seasonings of salt, pepper, and oregano: for classic Mediterranean flavor
- Brioche buns: soft and slightly sweet to complement the savory burger
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Start by preparing the garlic and onion for maximum flavor. Finely chop one medium yellow onion and six garlic cloves. You want them finely minced so they mix evenly into the chicken.
- Prepare the Feta Cheese Spread:
- In a small bowl, combine two ounces of feta cheese, four ounces of cream cheese, one minced garlic clove, a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds, stir, and microwave again if needed until creamy. Alternatively, pulse ingredients in a food processor until smooth. This spread can be prepared one day in advance to save time.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Mix one cup of Greek yogurt, two minced garlic cloves, a quarter cup of finely chopped English cucumber, two tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a dash of freshly ground pepper. Refrigerate and let flavors meld for at least 30 minutes. This sauce also benefits from being made a day before.
- Prepare the Burgers:
- Thaw ten ounces of frozen chopped spinach in the microwave and let it cool. Then squeeze out all the liquid using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels getting rid of moisture is crucial to prevent burgers from being watery. Combine the spinach with one pound of ground chicken, four ounces of finely crumbled feta, a quarter cup of almond meal or breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of oregano in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine ingredients evenly, then shape into four equal patties.
- Grill the Burgers:
- Preheat grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If using mesquite smoke chips, place them in a smoker box over the heat for about seven minutes until smoking begins for an extra smoky flavor. Spray both sides of the burgers with grilling spray to prevent sticking. Grill burgers for five minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for three to five minutes longer until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spread the feta cheese spread generously on the inside of the brioche buns. Add the grilled chicken burger, then top with sliced tomato, green leaf lettuce, thinly sliced cucumber, and red onion. Finish by spooning some of the chilled tzatziki sauce over the burger. For a lower carb option, serve the burger wrapped in lettuce or in a pita bread.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the feta spread. That creamy tang paired with the warm juicy chicken is unbeatable. I remember serving these to friends on a summer night and everyone raved about how fresh and exciting a chicken burger could taste.
Storage Tips
Store leftover burgers separated from toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wrap the buns separately to keep them from drying out. The feta cheese spread and tzatziki sauce both keep well in the fridge for about four to five days. For longer storage, freeze patties uncooked on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken if preferred. For a nut-free binder, swap almond meal with regular breadcrumbs. If you do not have fresh dill for tzatziki, substitute with dried dill but reduce the quantity as it is more concentrated. You can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream in the tzatziki for a slightly different creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers are fantastic with sweet potato fries or a crisp Greek salad. A side of grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers also pairs well. For a lighter meal, serve the burger as a lettuce wrap with all the same toppings and sauces. Adding a few olives or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on the toppings adds another layer of Mediterranean richness.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the chicken burgers from being soggy?
Make sure to squeeze out all liquid from the thawed spinach before mixing it with the ground chicken. This helps keep the patties firm and prevents excess moisture.
- → Can I prepare the feta cheese spread in advance?
Yes, the feta cheese spread can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld and saves time during cooking.
- → What’s the best way to cook these chicken burgers?
Grilling at a high heat (around 450°F) helps develop a nice crust while maintaining juiciness inside. Cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F ensures safety.
- → Are there alternatives to brioche buns for serving?
These can be served on lettuce wraps or in pita bread for a lower-carb or lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- → How can I add extra freshness to the burger?
Adding thin slices of tomato, cucumber, red onion, and fresh leaf lettuce complements the savory patties with bright, crisp textures.