If you’re craving something that’s both juicy and packed with wholesome goodness, look no further than these White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers. This recipe combines tender chicken, sharp white cheddar, and fresh spinach into one incredibly flavorful and satisfying burger that will quickly become a favorite in your home. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of creamy cheese, vibrant greens, and savory chicken, making this dish a delicious and nutritious upgrade from traditional burgers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wholesome flavor combo: The mix of white cheddar and fresh spinach adds layers of taste that make each bite irresistible.
Healthy twist: Ground chicken is leaner than beef, making these burgers lighter but still full of protein and flavor.
Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can have dinner ready without stress.
Versatile toppings: These burgers adapt easily to your favorite buns, sauces, and sides, making them perfect for any occasion.
Kid-friendly: The mild cheese and hidden spinach make this a delicious way to get picky eaters to enjoy their veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers rely on simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one is carefully chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and appearance without complicating the process.

Ground chicken: Provides a moist, lean base with a mild flavor perfect for absorbing seasonings.
White cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy richness that melts perfectly inside the patties.
Fresh spinach: Supplies vibrant color and a subtle earthiness, plus extra nutrients.
Garlic powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and undertone that balances the flavors nicely.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and brightening each bite.
Olive oil: Used for cooking, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping achieve a golden crust.
Burger buns: Choose your favorite buns to complement the burger’s texture and style.
Optional extras: Such as mustard, mayo, or pickles to personalize your burger experience.

Variations for White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Adjusting the ingredients can cater to your dietary preferences or simply mix things up to keep meal time exciting.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for heat.
Herb infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme for an herbal brightness.
Gluten-free option: Serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary needs.
Cheese swaps: Substitute white cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
Veggie boost: Fold in grated zucchini or finely diced bell peppers with the spinach for more texture and nutrition.

White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

How to Make White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the spinach

Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and finely chop it. If you prefer a softer texture, briefly sauté the spinach in a pan until wilted, then let it cool before adding to the mixture.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with the chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Grate or dice the white cheddar cheese and fold it into the mixture gently to distribute evenly.

Step 3: Form the patties

Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick, to ensure they cook consistently. Avoid overpacking to keep them tender.

Step 4: Cook the burgers

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy burgers.

Step 5: Toast the buns and assemble

While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast your buns for added texture. Serve each patty on the bun with your favorite toppings and condiments.

Pro Tips for Making White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

Don’t overwork the meat: Gently mix ingredients to keep the burgers juicy and tender instead of dense.
Chop cheese finely: Ensures even melting and prevents large pockets of cheese escaping during cooking.
Use a meat thermometer: To double-check the patty is perfectly cooked and safe to eat without drying out.
Let patties rest: Allow cooked burgers to rest on a plate for a couple of minutes before serving to retain juices.
Experiment with greens: Try baby kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a flavor twist.

How to Serve White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or crunchy pickles elevate the burgers with texture and bursts of fresh flavor. Add a spread of garlic aioli or Dijon mustard for an exciting punch.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicious burgers with crispy sweet potato fries, a light green salad, or grilled veggies. A side of coleslaw or tangy cucumber salad can also complement the savory patties beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the burgers open-faced on toasted artisan bread or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fresh presentation. You can even turn these patties into sliders for a fun party appetizer or lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful for quick meals later.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and can be cooked straight from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat burgers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or in the oven to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the patties.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and creates a similarly lean and juicy burger, though it may have a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I have to cook the spinach before adding it to the patties?

Not necessarily. You can use fresh chopped spinach if you prefer a bit more texture, but sautéed spinach helps reduce moisture and gives a softer bite.

What type of white cheddar is best for the burgers?

A sharp or extra sharp white cheddar melts beautifully and delivers bold flavor, but mild varieties also work if you want a subtler taste.

How can I prevent the burgers from falling apart while cooking?

Handle the mixture gently and avoid overmixing, and make sure patties are packed firmly but not too tight. Cooking over medium heat also helps maintain their shape.

Are these White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers suitable for meal prep?

Yes, they hold up well and can be refrigerated or frozen for easy reheating, making them a great option for healthy weekly meal planning.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed a burger without that perfect blend of creamy cheese and nutritious greens. This recipe is not only delicious and easy but also a fantastic way to elevate your typical burger routine into something fresh and fulfilling. Give it a go and savor every juicy, flavorful bite—you won’t regret it!

White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free option available, High Protein

Print Recipe

Description

These White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers offer a juicy, flavorful, and nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. Combining tender ground chicken with sharp white cheddar and fresh spinach, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy cheese, vibrant greens, and savory protein for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Prepare the spinach: Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and finely chop it. For a softer texture, briefly sauté the spinach in a pan until wilted, then let it cool before adding to the mixture.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with the chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Grate or dice the white cheddar cheese and gently fold it into the mixture to distribute evenly.
Form the patties: Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick, to ensure they cook consistently. Avoid overpacking to keep them tender.
Cook the burgers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and to keep the burgers juicy.
Toast the buns and assemble: Lightly toast your buns for added texture. Serve each patty on a bun with your favorite toppings and condiments such as mustard, mayo, or pickles.

Notes

Don’t overwork the meat to keep the burgers juicy and tender instead of dense.
Chop cheese finely to ensure even melting and prevent large pockets of cheese escaping during cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to double-check the patty is perfectly cooked and safe to eat without drying out.
Let patties rest on a plate for a couple of minutes before serving to retain juices.
Experiment with greens like baby kale or Swiss chard as a substitute for spinach for a flavor twist.