If you’re looking for a juicy, flavor-packed burger that doesn’t weigh you down, look no further than Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe. These vibrant patties are loaded with tender ground chicken, fresh spinach, zesty aromatics, and just the right amount of seasoning for a wholesome meal that everyone will crave. Whether you’re trying to squeeze more greens into your day or simply reimagining burger night, this recipe delivers the savory satisfaction you want—without the guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love a recipe where every ingredient truly counts? Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe comes together with simple, everyday items you likely have on hand, and each one adds flavor, moisture, or that perfect bite. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground chicken (1 pound): The star of the show—lean, mild, and eager to soak up all the seasonings you give it.
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped (1 cup): Adds stunning color, moisture, and a delightful pop of freshness in every bite.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Provides that irresistible aromatic punch that makes these burgers anything but boring.
- Red onion, finely chopped (¼ cup): Lends a touch of sweetness and crunch, making the burgers vibrant and mouthwatering.
- Breadcrumbs (¼ cup) or almond flour: Helps bind everything together; almond flour is a great low-carb option if you need it!
- Egg (1): Acts as the essential glue, holding your patties in perfect shape.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds healthy fat that keeps the burgers moist and juicy from the inside out.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Brings tang and depth without overpowering the chicken.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for making the flavors pop.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right zing without being too spicy.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Layers in more savory flavor for the ultimate bite.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Offers subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Olive oil for cooking: For pan-searing your patties to golden perfection (a little goes a long way).
How to Make Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Patty Ingredients
Start with a large mixing bowl and add your ground chicken, spinach, garlic, red onion, breadcrumbs or almond flour, egg, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix until just combined. The key here is not to overmix, or your burgers could become tough. You want everything evenly distributed but still light and airy—that’s how you get the juiciest results!
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Patties
Once the mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a burger patty, keeping them about ¾ inch thick for even cooking. Arrange them on a plate, cover loosely, and pop them in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes. Resting them ensures the burgers hold their shape and firms them up for pan-searing.
Step 3: Sear and Cook
Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, gently lay each patty onto the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, only flipping once for the best golden crust. Your Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe are ready when they reach 165°F inside—never dry and always tender. Feel free to grill, bake, or air-fry if you want to mix things up!
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Once cooked, these burgers are just begging for a stack of toppings. Serve them on whole wheat buns for that classic vibe or opt for lettuce wraps for a lighter twist. Try avocado slices, thick tomato rounds, tangy red onion, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt sauce to take them over the top.
How to Serve Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skimp on the garnishes—they’re what turn a great burger into a truly unforgettable one! For Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe, creamy avocado, a wedge of lemon, or a sprinkle of feta are all winning choices. Replacing mayo with a swipe of hummus or Greek yogurt adds a protein kick and a bright, tangy lift.
Side Dishes
Pairing options are endless! I love serving these healthy burgers with sweet potato fries, crisp veggie sticks, or a colorful quinoa salad on the side. If you’re meal prepping, go with a hearty bean salad or a simple cucumber and tomato medley to round out your plate with crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve them slider-style at your next party? Or stack them high and cut them in half for dramatic effect at a family dinner. These burgers are fantastic wrapped in butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap, or sliced and loaded onto a grain bowl for a protein-rich meal any time of day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. After they cool, layer them in an airtight container, separating each patty with a bit of parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick. This way, busy weekdays suddenly become exciting, delicious lunchtime opportunities!
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead of time, these are freezer-friendly champs. Shape the uncooked patties and separate them with parchment paper, then seal in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking, or cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, just until warmed through. You can also microwave them in 30-second bursts (covered with a damp paper towel), or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes. They stay surprisingly juicy if you avoid overheating!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible from the frozen spinach before adding it to the mix. This keeps your Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe from getting soggy.
What’s a good substitute for breadcrumbs?
Almond flour is a perfect low-carb, gluten-free alternative. You can also use oat flour or crushed cornflakes if you’re not strictly low-carb or gluten-free—each gives the patties a unique texture.
How do I make sure my burgers don’t fall apart?
The egg and breadcrumbs (or almond flour) work together to bind the patties, but chilling them before cooking is crucial. Don’t skip the refrigerator step, and handle the patties gently when flipping for the best results.
Are these burgers suitable for grilling outside?
Definitely! If grilling, lightly oil the grates and cook over medium heat, watching closely since chicken cooks quickly. Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe turn out fantastic with that extra smoky char from the grill.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is easily doubled or even tripled. Simply mix, shape, and either refrigerate, freeze, or cook as needed for future healthy lunches and dinners—the flavors only get better as they rest.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to put a fresh, energizing twist on burger night, give Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe a try. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your table. Let your creativity shine with toppings and sides, and discover just how delicious eating healthy can be!
Print
Spinach Chicken Burgers: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Spinach Chicken Burgers are the ultimate healthy recipe, combining lean ground chicken with nutritious spinach for a flavorful and protein-packed meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
For the burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, garlic, red onion, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Serve on whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings like avocado, tomato, or Greek yogurt sauce.
Notes
- These burgers can be grilled, baked at 375°F for 20–22 minutes, or cooked in an air fryer.
- For meal prep, freeze uncooked patties between layers of parchment paper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
