Ready to fall in love with burger night all over again? These Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are flavor-packed and perfectly juicy, with pockets of creamy feta, vibrant spinach, and a hint of Mediterranean magic in every bite. Whether you’re craving something fresh for a weeknight dinner or looking to wow friends at your next cookout, this recipe hits all the right notes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Freshness: The spinach and herbs give these burgers a vibrant green punch and flavorful bite.
- Perfectly Moist and Tender: Thanks to a bit of mayo and feta cheese, these burgers stay juicy—even when cooked through.
- Quick Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish, you’ll be plating up in under 30 minutes—prep and cook included!
- Meal-Prep or Party Ready: Make them ahead, freeze, grill, bake, or even air fry—these Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are as versatile as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers lies in their short and straightforward ingredient list—each one truly pulls its weight! Every element adds either a new layer of flavor, a pop of color, or a tender bite that makes these burgers so memorable.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): Go for a 92% lean mix for the juiciest, most flavorful patties. Too lean, and you risk dryness.
- Fresh spinach (½ cup, chopped): This is the vibrant heart of the burger—adding color, freshness, and tenderness.
- Feta cheese (⅓ cup, crumbled): Tangy and creamy, feta creates delicious flavor pockets throughout every bite.
- Salt (¾ teaspoon) and pepper (½ teaspoon): A balanced blend to enhance all the savory flavors.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) & onion powder (½ teaspoon): These add that irresistible, subtle savory boost.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): It keeps the patties moist and adds a tiny hint of richness without being heavy.
- Cooking oil: Just a little for greasing your skillet or grill—ensuring those gorgeous, golden sear marks!
Variations
Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are a dream for customizing to your table—no matter who you’re feeding or what’s in your fridge! Here are a few fun and easy ways to make this recipe your own and suit anyone’s taste.
- Turkey Swap: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a slightly richer flavor and equally tender results.
- Extra Herbs: Fold in chopped dill, parsley, or basil for even more herbaceous goodness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle heat kick.
- Low-Dairy Option: Opt for a dairy-free feta alternative or simply skip the cheese if needed—your burgers will still be moist and delicious.
- Frozen Spinach: Substitute thawed, well-drained frozen spinach (use half the amount)—just make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture.
How to Make Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
Step 1: Mix and Mingle
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, finely chopped fresh spinach, crumbled feta, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula and mix just until everything is incorporated—you want the mixture uniform, but don’t overwork it, or your burgers can turn out dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the chicken mixture into 5 even portions (about 3.5 ounces each). Using a plastic-lined ½ cup measuring cup makes this super easy! Form into patties with a slight indent in the middle of each to help them cook evenly—think classic burger, but with beautiful green flecks throughout.
Step 3: Sizzle to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high, brushing lightly with oil. Add the patties and cover with a lid or domed mixing bowl, letting the burgers steam and sear for 4-5 minutes. Flip, uncover, and cook another 3-4 minutes, or until the center hits 155-160°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes—they’ll finish cooking and become extra juicy.
Step 4: Alternate Cooking Methods
If grilling, bake, or even air fry is more your speed, you’re in luck—these Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers were made for versatility! Try grilling over medium-high heat (lid closed) or bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. For the air fryer, preheat to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, checking doneness as you go.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
- Mayo Magic: Don’t skip the mayonnaise! Even a spoonful dramatically boosts juiciness in lean ground chicken.
- Spinach Prep: If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze every drop of moisture out to avoid soggy patties.
- Perfect Patty Indent: That little thumbprint in the center prevents burger “doming”—so they stay flat and cook evenly.
- Gentle Mixing: Overmixing compresses the meat and makes burgers tough, so stop as soon as everything is combined.
How to Serve Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
Garnishes
Give your Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers the spotlight they deserve! A dollop of tzatziki, a pile of crisp arugula, or slices of ripe tomato and cucumber turn every burger into a mini-Mediterranean feast. A crumble of extra feta and a scatter of fresh dill or mint add irresistible color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with Greek-inspired sides like oven-roasted potatoes with lemon and oregano, a fresh tomato-cucumber salad, or sweet potato fries. Even a simple pile of mixed greens with a citrusy vinaigrette is a perfect match—fresh and easy!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers open-faced on toasted sourdough, tucked inside warm pita pockets, or over a bed of herbed quinoa with lots of veggies. For parties, mini “slider” versions are a huge hit—just shape smaller patties and serve with colorful picks and bite-sized buns!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers keep wonderfully! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ready to grab for a speedy lunch or a protein-packed snack.
Freezing
Burgers freeze beautifully either uncooked or cooked. Flash-freeze patties individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. No need to thaw before reheating—just add a few minutes to your cooking time.
Reheating
Gently reheat burgers on the stovetop over low-medium heat, in the oven covered with foil, or even in the microwave for about a minute per side. Add a splash of water to the pan or cover burgers while reheating to keep them tender and moist.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe—just watch for similar fat content (around 92%) so your Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers come out moist and flavorful. Turkey may have a slightly richer flavor, but the method and seasonings remain the same.
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Can I prep the patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the patties up to a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator, or freeze them for longer storage. They’ll be ready to cook whenever you need a fuss-free meal.
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What’s the best way to keep the burgers from sticking to the grill or pan?
Lightly oil the grill grates, skillet, or griddle before adding your burgers. Also, make sure to let the patties form a nice crust before flipping—if they stick, give them another minute or so to release naturally.
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Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Definitely! Just use half as much frozen spinach (it’s more condensed), and be sure to squeeze out all the liquid after thawing. Extra moisture from the spinach can make the patties too soft or watery otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a meal-prep master or a burger enthusiast searching for your next favorite, these Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers deliver every time. Give them a whirl, and I guarantee you’ll want to make them part of your regular dinner rotation—don’t forget to share your own creative spins!
PrintChicken Feta Spinach Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 patties 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
These Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are juicy and flavorful, combining ground chicken with fresh spinach, crumbled feta, and a blend of seasonings. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken (I used 92%)
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, feta, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mayonnaise. Mix lightly.
- Divide the mixture into 5 patties, about 3.5oz each, creating a slight indent in the middle of each.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with cooking oil. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then 3-4 minutes on the second side or until internal temperature reaches 155-160°F. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To divide the meat evenly, use a plastic-lined measuring cup. For frozen spinach, thaw, squeeze out water, and use half the amount. For grilling, baking, or air frying alternative cooking methods, follow the provided instructions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg