Delicious homemade white cheddar and spinach chicken burgers served on a plate.

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Homemade

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Homemade are a tasty twist on the classic chicken burger. They’re packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and gooey white cheddar cheese melted right…

By Willow Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, cook later.
Serves 4–6

White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Homemade are a tasty twist on the classic chicken burger. They’re packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and gooey white cheddar cheese melted right inside. These burgers have a wonderful mix of flavors and textures, making each bite both cheesy and healthy with a touch of green goodness.

I love making these at home because they’re so simple to put together, and they feel a little special with the white cheddar melted right in. Adding spinach not only gives the burgers a nice pop of color but also sneaks in some veggies without being overwhelming. It’s one of those recipes that feels fresh and satisfying at the same time, which makes me happy every time I eat one.

For serving, I like to toast the buns just a little and pile on some of my favorite toppings like tomato slices and a bit of mayo or mustard. They’re perfect for a weekend lunch or a casual dinner with friends. Whenever I make these burgers, I enjoy how the cheese melts and the spinach adds a nice freshness that keeps the burger from feeling too heavy. They’ve quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I want something both tasty and a little different from the usual chicken sandwich.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Chicken: This is the base for your burgers. I like using lean ground chicken for a tender texture. If you want a bit more moisture, ground turkey works well too.

Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach (well drained) is a good substitute. It blends into the patties nicely.

White Cheddar Cheese: This cheese adds creamy flavor and melts wonderfully inside the burger. If you’re out, Monterey Jack or mozzarella also melt well and taste mild.

Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mix. You can use panko or regular breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats.

Onion and Garlic: These bring flavor depth. I prefer fresh and finely chopped or grated onion and garlic to mix seamlessly into the patties.

How Do You Keep Chicken Burgers Juicy and Well-Shaped?

Chicken can dry out easily, so here’s how I keep my patties juicy and intact:

  • Don’t overmix the meat: Mix ingredients gently to avoid dense burgers.
  • Add moisture: Egg and finely chopped spinach add moisture. Breadcrumbs help retain it.
  • Shape patties evenly: Make sure patties are about the same size and thickness (around ¾ inch) for even cooking.
  • Use a hot skillet or grill: This helps form a nice crust and locks juices inside.
  • Cook to right temperature: Use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (75°C). Overcooking dries out the chicken.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your ingredients without making a mess.
  • Sharp knife – helps finely chop spinach, onion, and garlic for even flavor throughout.
  • Skillet or grill pan – great for cooking the patties evenly and getting a nice sear.
  • Spatula – makes flipping the burgers easy without breaking them apart.
  • Meat thermometer – handy to check that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Measuring cups and spoons – help you add the right amount of seasonings and breadcrumbs.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Swap white cheddar for pepper jack if you want a little spicy kick inside your burger.
  • Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist that pairs well with spinach.
  • Mix in some cooked bacon bits for smoky crunch if you like extra texture and flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of oregano for a brighter, fresher taste.

Easy White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Homemade?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Patties:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For Cooking and Serving:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Extra spinach leaves (for serving)
  • Optional: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, or your favorite burger toppings

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to cook the chicken burgers, for a total time of roughly 30 minutes including assembly and toasting buns.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix the Burger Ingredients:

In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix just until everything is evenly combined. Try not to overmix, so the patties stay tender.

2. Shape the Patties:

Divide the chicken mixture evenly into 4 portions. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Try to make the patties uniform in size so they cook evenly.

3. Cook the Patties:

Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the patties are cooked fully through and golden brown on the outside. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) when inserted.

4. Toast the Buns:

While the patties cook, lightly toast your hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until warm and slightly crisp.

5. Assemble and Serve:

Place a few fresh spinach leaves on the bottom bun. Top with the warm chicken patty, then add any condiments or additional toppings you like. Finish with the top bun and serve your burgers warm and melty.

Enjoy your delicious homemade White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers!

Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This helps prevent the patties from becoming soggy.

How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Burgers?

Store any leftover cooked chicken burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the patties together without gluten.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Burgers from Falling Apart?

Mix the ingredients gently and don’t overwork the meat. Using an egg and breadcrumbs as binders helps, and cooking over medium heat until fully cooked but not overdone also keeps them intact.

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Willow

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