White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a tasty twist on your usual chicken burger. They combine juicy ground chicken with fresh spinach and melted white cheddar cheese, making every bite packed with flavor and a little bit of green goodness. The cheddar boosts the flavor with its sharp, creamy touch, while the spinach adds a nice freshness and color.
I love making these burgers because they feel like a treat but are pretty simple to pull together at home. Mixing the spinach right into the chicken keeps the patties moist and flavorful, which is something I always look for. Plus, using white cheddar instead of regular cheese makes a difference with its rich taste—it’s like a surprise upgrade every time you take a bite.
My favorite way to serve these burgers is on a soft bun with some crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a little mayo or mustard to keep it simple. They’re perfect for a weekend dinner or a casual get-together when you want something a bit special but still familiar. I often toss some oven-roasted potatoes or a light salad on the side, and it feels like a complete and satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This lean meat keeps the burger light but can dry out easily. I prefer a mix with a bit of thigh meat for extra moisture. If unavailable, ground turkey works well too.
Fresh Spinach: Chopped spinach blends nicely into the meat to add color and nutrients. If you only have frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before mixing.
White Cheddar Cheese: Its sharpness adds great flavor and melts beautifully. If you want a milder taste, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella instead.
Breadcrumbs and Egg: These binders keep the patties from falling apart. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
How Do You Keep Chicken Burgers Juicy and Well-Bound?
Because ground chicken is lean, the key is careful mixing and adding binders:
- Gently mix ingredients to avoid compacting the meat too much, which can make burgers tough.
- Use breadcrumbs and egg to hold everything together—don’t skip these.
- Press a small dent in the center of each patty; this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Cook over medium-high heat to get a nice crust without drying the inside.
- Cover the pan when melting cheese to trap heat and finish cooking the patty through.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for gently combining all the ingredients without overworking the chicken.
- Skillet or grill pan – helps you get a nice sear and cook patties evenly on the stove.
- Spatula – handy for flipping burgers without breaking them apart.
- Cheese grater – for shredding your white cheddar finely, so it melts nicely.
- Toaster or grill – to lightly toast burger buns for a crisp, warm finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add crumbled feta instead of white cheddar for a tangy, Mediterranean twist that pairs well with spinach.
- Mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to add a burst of sweet, concentrated flavor.
- Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork if you want a different but still tender base.
- Stir in some minced jalapeño or chili powder for a spicy kick that wakes up the mild flavors.
White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers Homemade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 4 burger buns
- Tomato slices, for serving
- Fresh spinach or lettuce, for serving
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes to cook. In total, you should have delicious burgers ready in about 30 minutes including toasting the buns and assembling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Mix just enough to blend everything well without overworking the meat.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal parts. Shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick. To help the patties cook evenly and prevent puffing, press a shallow dent into the center of each one.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and brush lightly with olive oil or cooking spray. Place the patties on the hot pan and cook for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned on one side.
Flip the patties, then sprinkle shredded white cheddar cheese on top of each. Cover the pan with a lid or foil to help the cheese melt as the chicken finishes cooking, about another 5-6 minutes. Make sure the chicken is completely cooked through.
4. Toast and Assemble:
While the patties cook, toast the burger buns until warm and slightly crisp. To assemble, spread fresh spinach or lettuce on the bottom bun, add a slice of tomato, then place the hot chicken patty with melted cheese. Top with the other bun half.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your juicy, cheesy White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers immediately with your favorite sides like crispy fries, a fresh salad, or oven-roasted veggies.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it into the chicken. This prevents soggy patties.
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This keeps the patties binding well without gluten.
Can I Prepare the Burgers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can form the patties up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Cook them fresh when ready for best texture and flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, which can dry them out.