These Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers are packed with flavor and are a fun twist on your regular burger. Made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a hint of feta cheese, they’re super tasty!
I love how easy they are to whip up on a weeknight. Serve them with a side of veggies or on a bun with tzatziki sauce for a refreshing bite. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is lean and perfect for burgers. If you are looking for a more robust flavor, ground turkey or even lean beef could be substituted. Just be mindful of the cooking time as beef may require a bit longer to cook through.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy taste that works beautifully here. If you’re dairy-free or can’t find feta, try using crumbled tofu or leave it out entirely for a simpler flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley brings a fresh note to the burgers. If you’re not a fan, swap it for fresh mint or basil. These will give a nice twist to the flavor!
Spinach: Spinach is great for adding nutrients. You can use kale or Swiss chard instead—just make sure to chop them finely. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using arugula.
Greek Yogurt: This is the base for the sauce and keeps it creamy. If you want a lighter option, use a dairy-free yogurt or even mashed avocado for a different texture.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Are Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep these burgers juicy and flavorful, the key is to mix your ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough burgers. Just combine everything until mixed!
- Use a food thermometer to check the patties. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture.
- For a golden crust, make sure your grill or skillet is preheated and lightly oiled. This makes a big difference in texture!
How to Make Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
- Tomato slices (for topping)
- Cucumber slices (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped red onion, chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly blended. It’s going to smell wonderful!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts. With your hands, shape each part into a burger patty. Make sure they’re evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. Set them aside for now.
3. Preheat and Prepare the Cooking Surface:
Preheat your grill or a stovetop skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill or skillet with a bit of cooking spray or oil to prevent the patties from sticking. This step is important for a nicely grilled burger!
4. Cook the Chicken Patties:
Once the grill or skillet is hot, carefully place the chicken patties on it. Cook the patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
5. Make the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
While the patties are cooking, take a small bowl and mix together the plain Greek yogurt and lemon juice to create a refreshing sauce. This will add a nice zing to your burgers!
6. Rest and Assemble:
Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. To assemble your burgers, place a cooked chicken patty on a large lettuce leaf. Drizzle the Greek yogurt sauce over the top and add tomato and cucumber slices to create a fresh topping.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your healthy Greek chicken burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them right away and celebrate your delicious creation. These are great for a light meal or a fun summer cookout.
Can I Use Other Types of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, lean beef, or even ground lamb if you prefer a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the meat you choose, ensuring that it reaches a safe internal temperature.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Leftover chicken burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, ensuring they’re hot all the way through before serving.
Can I Freeze These Burgers?
Yes! You can freeze the raw shaped patties before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can add avocado slices, shredded carrots, or red bell pepper for extra crunch. You could also try adding a slice of your favorite cheese to melt on top of the patty while it’s cooking for additional flavor!
