What the heck is this?
These burgers are like your favorite grilled chicken sandwich, but with a major flavor upgrade. We’re talking juicy ground chicken, shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, garlic, and just enough seasoning to make you go, “Wait, why haven’t I been making this forever?” Pan-fried or grilled to golden perfection, these patties are protein-packed, veggie-snuck, and weeknight-meal approved.
Perfect for burger night, meal prep, or when you want to eat something that feels indulgent but is secretly kind of wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ Sneaky greens—great way to get spinach in without anyone noticing
✓ Melty cheddar built right into the patty (YES.)
✓ Lighter than beef, still big on flavor
✓ Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
✓ Works for burgers, bowls, lettuce wraps—you name it
The Stuff You’ll Need
For the Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken (lean but not too lean—93% is perf)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, just squeeze out the water)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 egg or 2 tbsp breadcrumbs if your mix feels too wet
For Serving:
- Burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Your fave toppings: tomato, red onion, avocado, pickles, more cheese
- Sauces: mayo, mustard, BBQ, ranch, or even sriracha-honey
Let’s Get Cooking
- Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cheddar, spinach, garlic, and seasonings. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix—don’t overwork it. - Form the Patties
Shape into 4 equal patties. If it’s too sticky, chill the mix for 10–15 minutes first or lightly oil your hands. - Cook It Up
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Add cheese on top for the last minute if you’re feelin’ cheesy. - Build Your Burger
Layer your cooked patty on a toasted bun (or lettuce wrap) with toppings of choice. Sauce it up and dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Add a fried egg on top for a brunchy vibe or go double-patty for beast mode.
Switch It Up
• Use turkey instead of chicken
• Add chopped jalapeños for a kick
• Swap cheddar for feta and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist
• Serve in a bowl with rice and tzatziki for a burger bowl moment
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I grill these?
A: Heck yes. Just oil the grates well—they’re a little softer than beef patties.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Totally. Freeze uncooked patties with parchment between them, then thaw and cook as needed.
Q: Is the spinach optional?
A: Sure, but it adds a ton of moisture, nutrition, and green vibes. You won’t even taste it, promise.
Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers: Healthy-ish Never Tasted So Good
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
Description
These burgers are like your favorite grilled chicken sandwich, but with a major flavor upgrade. We’re talking juicy ground chicken, shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, garlic, and just enough seasoning to make you go, “Wait, why haven’t I been making this forever?” Pan-fried or grilled to golden perfection, these patties are protein-packed, veggie-snuck, and weeknight-meal approved.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
1 lb ground chicken (lean but not too lean—93% is perf)
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, just squeeze out the water)
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 egg or 2 tbsp breadcrumbs if your mix feels too wet
Instructions
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cheddar, spinach, garlic, and seasonings. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix—don’t overwork it.Form the Patties
Shape into 4 equal patties. If it’s too sticky, chill the mix for 10–15 minutes first or lightly oil your hands.Cook It Up
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F). Add cheese on top for the last minute if you’re feelin’ cheesy.Build Your Burger
Layer your cooked patty on a toasted bun (or lettuce wrap) with toppings of choice. Sauce it up and dig in.
Notes
Use turkey instead of chicken
• Add chopped jalapeños for a kick
• Swap cheddar for feta and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist
• Serve in a bowl with rice and tzatziki for a burger bowl moment
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 per burger (without bun/toppings)
- Protein: ~30g