Certainly! Here is the complete guide to making delicious White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers, including the recipe, nutritional information, and helpful tips for burger lovers.
📝 The Complete Recipe
This version creates 4 flavorful and juicy burgers, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. Many of the key techniques used to ensure success, such as chilling the patties before cooking and creating a slight indentation, are supported by advice found across the reviewed recipes.
Main Ingredients
· 1 lb ground chicken
· 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
· ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
· ¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
· ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
· 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 large egg
· ½ tsp each of paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
· 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Method & Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, egg, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough.
2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Gently shape each into a patty about ¾-inch thick. Using your thumb, press a slight indentation into the center of each patty; this helps it cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up into a ball.
3. Chill: Place the formed patties on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold together better during cooking.
4. Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The burgers are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If adding an extra cheese slice, place it on top during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt.
5. Rest & Serve: Let the cooked burgers rest for 5 minutes. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
📊 Nutrition & Calories
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional value for one burger patty (without bun or toppings).
Per Serving (1 patty)
· Calories: 310
· Protein: 28g
· Total Fat: 18g
· Carbohydrates: 6g
· Fiber: 1g
💡 Tips for Burger Lovers
To make the best burgers and enjoy them in new ways, try these ideas:
· For Perfect Patties: Use your hands to mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. Always press a thumbprint into the center of each raw patty to help it cook flat. Don’t press down on the burgers with your spatula while cooking—this squeezes out the flavorful juices.
· Cooking Variations: You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or grill them over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side.
· Serving & Storage: For a lighter meal, skip the bun and serve the patty over a salad or grain bowl. Cooked patties can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
🔄 Creative Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily customize it:
· Cheddar Jalapeño: Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
· Mediterranean Spinach & Feta: Swap the cheddar for crumbled feta cheese.
· Ultimate Juicy Burger: Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the chicken mixture for extra moisture and richness.
· Herb-Infused: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil.
🍽️ Burger History & Benefits
The modern hamburger has roots in German culinary traditions before becoming an American icon in the early 1900s. Recipes like this one represent a contemporary, health-conscious evolution of that classic. Choosing ground chicken over beef provides a leaner source of protein with less saturated fat. Adding fresh spinach boosts the meal’s vitamin, mineral, and fiber content. The white cheddar contributes flavor, moisture, and calcium. Together, these ingredients create a satisfying meal that aligns with a balanced, nutritious diet.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you create a delicious meal! If you try one of the flavor variations, let me know how it turns out.