Juicy, cheesy, and packed to the brim with vibrant greens, these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers will change the way you feel about weeknight dinners forever. A flavor-packed blend of white cheddar and spinach elevates your everyday chicken burger into something truly crave-worthy—fast, fresh, and completely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Utterly Juicy: The blend of fresh spinach and creamy white cheddar locks moisture into each bite—never a dry burger in sight.
- Speedy Weeknight Wonder: From mixing bowl to dinner plate in under 30 minutes, these are perfect for busy evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Veggie-Packed Goodness: Finely chopped spinach melds seamlessly into the chicken, so you get your greens without even thinking about it.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Customizable: Everyone can build their own burger masterpiece—just set out your family’s favorite toppings for a delicious DIY dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how just a handful of everyday ingredients create such tender, flavor-packed White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers. Each one plays a special part, from adding moisture to packing in the color, so it’s worth grabbing them all!
- Ground chicken: The lean, protein-rich base that turns juicy with a little care—opt for ground thigh meat for extra tenderness, if you like.
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped: Sneaks in nutrients and keeps your burgers beautifully green and moist. Chop very fine so it folds right in.
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Adds creamy sharpness and that magical gooey melt inside every burger.
- Breadcrumbs: Help the patties hold their shape and soak up the flavorful juices.
- Finely chopped onion: Brings gentle sweetness and subtle crunch, balancing the richness.
- Garlic cloves, minced: For savory depth—always trust garlic to make things better!
- Dijon mustard: Adds a bright, zippy note that wakes up every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds umami and a little mysterious background flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Olive oil, for cooking: Ensures a golden, crispy finish on the patties.
- Burger buns: Soft or toasted, classic or whole wheat—choose your favorite vessel for all that goodness.
- Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato slices, extra cheese): Add freshness, crunch, and even more oozy cheese if you like.
Variations
One of my favorite things about making White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers is how endlessly adaptable they are. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to different diets, it’s easy to mix things up to fit your crowd.
- Use ground turkey: Swap in ground turkey for an equally tasty, slightly lighter burger with the same cheesy-spinach magic.
- Go gluten-free: Reach for gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns—no one will ever know the difference.
- Try different greens: Baby kale or arugula make bold, peppery substitutes for spinach if you’d like a little twist.
- Make it spicy: Add a teaspoon of chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes if you love a gentle kick.
- Get extra cheesy: Use aged sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack in place of (or alongside!) the white cheddar for more flavor complexity.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Mix Up the Magic
Start by adding your ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. With clean hands or a sturdy spatula, gently mix until everything is evenly blended, being careful not to overwork—the mixture should feel soft and slightly sticky, and flecked with bright green and orange-gold throughout.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. With damp hands (this helps prevent sticking), shape each into a thick, even patty. Don’t worry if they look a little rustic—they’ll hold together beautifully as they cook!
Step 3: Sizzle and Cook
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your patties and let them sear undisturbed until the undersides are crisp and golden, about 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until deeply caramelized and the centers reach 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. The cheese will melt and the spinach will stay vibrant—perfection!
Step 4: Rest and Assemble
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This trick lets all those precious juices settle so your first bite is extra juicy. Place each patty on a soft bun with your favorite toppings—crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, or even another layer of cheese if you can’t resist!
Pro Tips for Making White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
- Maximum Moisture: For extra-juicy burgers, avoid over-mixing the chicken and always let the patties rest after cooking—this locks in all those wonderful juices!
- Finely Chop the Greens: Chop spinach as finely as possible before mixing it in; this prevents big leafy pockets and helps the burgers stay together.
- Get the Golden Crust: Use medium-high heat and don’t move the patties around in the skillet—giving them time on each side ensures that irresistible golden crust.
- Grill or Skillet: These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are fabulous on the grill for a smoky edge, but a stovetop skillet gives you perfect control and caramelization every time.
How to Serve White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers
Garnishes
Don’t hold back when it comes to garnishes! Top your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers with crunchy romaine, juicy tomato slices, or an extra handful of shredded cheddar for over-the-top cheesiness. A few thin rings of red onion or a quick brush of spicy mayo also add zing and color.
Side Dishes
Classic fries or crispy sweet potato wedges are always a hit, but I love pairing these burgers with a simple green salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted veggies to round out the meal. For extra freshness, a pile of pickles or quick-pickled onions can bring fun contrast to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the burgers slider-style on mini-buns for a party, or go bunless and pile the patties high over a bed of greens for a lighter, knife-and-fork dinner. Cut each burger in half and arrange with lemon wedges and colorful toppings for a striking platter sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover patties will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before storing to keep them at their juiciest, and store buns and toppings separately for best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked or uncooked White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers for up to 3 months! Just layer parchment between patties and seal tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist—or pop them in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture at its best!
FAQs
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Can I grill these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor and a crispier outside. Oil your grill well and handle patties gently with a wide spatula, as chicken burgers are naturally a bit softer than beef. Grill over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
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What’s the best way to prevent chicken burgers from falling apart?
Mixing in breadcrumbs helps a lot, and be sure to chop the spinach super fine. When forming patties, pressing them together firmly but gently makes a difference. Most importantly, don’t flip burgers too early—let that crust form so they hold together well!
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Can I make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the patties and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to one day before cooking. This actually helps the flavors meld and can make the mixture a touch firmer, leading to even better burgers.
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Are these burgers suitable for meal prep or freezing?
These burgers are meal-prep superstars. Make a double batch, freeze extras, and thaw overnight for a speedy dinner later in the week—just follow the freezing and reheating tips above for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to shake up burger night, these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers will become a new favorite at your table. I hope you give them a try—let their irresistible cheese pulls and savory, hearty bites bring some extra joy to your next meal!
Print
White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 12 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings (4 burgers) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are a flavorful twist on traditional burgers, packed with juicy ground chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Burger Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese
Instructions
- Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until evenly combined.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape them into patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Assemble: Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. Assemble the burgers by placing the patties on buns with your favorite toppings. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns for a gluten-free option
- Can be grilled instead of pan-fried
- Leftover patties keep 3 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Burger
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
