White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful burger that’s also a little bit unexpected—and that’s exactly why I love making this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe. The first time I whipped these up was for a casual weekend cookout, and honestly, they stole the show. My friends kept asking what was in them because the combination of tender ground chicken, sharp white cheddar, and fresh spinach creates this irresistible mix of savory, melty, and just a hint of green goodness. I’ve since made these countless times, especially when I want a lighter twist on a classic burger but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

What makes these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers stand out is how easy they come together, yet they carry such a delightful aroma and color that makes your mouth water before you even take a bite. The bright green spinach adds freshness and a pop of color, while the sharp cheddar melts perfectly to create that luscious, creamy texture. Plus, the little kick from Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce amps up the flavor without complicating things. I love how these burgers stay juicy and tender, not dry like some chicken patties can be.

Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned cook—this recipe is forgiving and straightforward. I’ll walk you through the steps so you can get the timing and flavors just right. Mixing by hand, chilling the patties, and checking for that perfect internal temperature are all key tips I’ll share so your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers come out perfect on your first try. Ready to get cooking?

Ingredients You’ll Be Working With

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get familiar with the ingredients you’ll need. It’s best to measure carefully for the right balance—especially seasonings and cheese—to make sure your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe comes out perfect. Don’t worry about substitutions; I’ll touch on those below.

• Ground chicken: The lean base for a tender, juicy burger; choose 93% lean for the best texture.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color and a mild fresh bite; finely chopped helps blend into the patties.
• Sharp white cheddar cheese: The star melty ingredient that adds a rich, tangy kick.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Keeps the burgers moist and helps bind all the ingredients.
• Yellow onion: Finely diced for sweetness and subtle crunch.
• Garlic: Minced to infuse the patties with savory depth.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and layers of flavor without overwhelming.
• Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and roundness for a burger full of character.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning all the flavors evenly.
• Olive oil: For searing with a lovely golden crust and slight fruitiness.
• Burger buns: Choose your favorite type to hold these beauties— brioche or potato rolls work great.
• Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese to dress up your burger.

If you’re short on fresh spinach, baby kale works fine too, just chop it finely. For breadcrumbs, feel free to use gluten-free if needed. And while sharp white cheddar is ideal, mild cheddar or even a smoked variety offer tasty alternatives.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl: Choose a medium-large size for easy ingredient combining.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate amounts make the flavor balanced.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For finely chopping spinach, onion, and garlic.
• Grater: To freshly grate sharp white cheddar for better melt and taste.
• Large skillet or frying pan: For even cooking and searing with olive oil.
• Meat thermometer: To check the internal temp hits the safe 165°F mark perfectly.
• Spatula or tongs: For gently flipping the burgers without breaking them.

How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

Let’s get these delicious White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers ready. The key is mixing gently and cooking just until juicy and golden. Follow these steps for a fail-proof result.

1. Combine ingredients: In your mixing bowl, add ground chicken, finely chopped fresh spinach, grated sharp white cheddar, panko breadcrumbs, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon just until combined—overmixing can make the patties dense.
2. Form patties: Divide the mixture into four even portions and shape into patties about ½ inch thick. Press a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing up while cooking. Pop the patties into the fridge for at least 15 minutes to firm up and hold their shape better on the skillet.
3. Heat the pan: Warm a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the surface hot enough to get a golden crust but not so hot that the burgers burn before cooking through.
4. Cook the patties: Place burgers gently in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side. Flip carefully and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until they’re golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. If you want melted extra cheese on top, add it during the last minute and cover briefly.
5. Rest the burgers: Remove the patties from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your burger juicy and flavorful.
6. Toast and assemble: While burgers rest, toast your buns lightly in the skillet or toaster. Then add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or more cheese. Stack the patties on buns and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Flavor Boosters

Add layers to your White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe by piling on fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or sliced red onion for crunch. A smear of garlicky aioli or a drizzle of honey mustard can amplify the savory profile, while a few pickles add a sharp, tangy bite that balances the richness perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

These burgers pair wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries, a classic coleslaw, or a crunchy garden salad for a lighter side. If you’re into beverages, a cold lager, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or even sparkling water with lemon complements the fresh and cheesy flavors.

Presentation Touches

For gatherings, cut the White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers into slider-sized portions for easy sharing. Layer the patties on colorful plates, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Wrapping sliders with parchment paper tied with twine makes for cute, practical, and tidy presentation perfect for picnics or casual parties.

Variations & Easy Swaps

• Use ground turkey or lean beef instead of ground chicken for a flavor twist.
• Try sharp gouda or mozzarella instead of white cheddar to change the cheese vibe.
• Swap spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green texture and flavor.
• For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed nuts as a binder.
• Add finely chopped jalapeños or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
• Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make patties ahead, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Cooked burgers store well wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• For freezing, freeze raw patties on a tray, then transfer to a bag; cook from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese? Sure, but freshly grated melts more smoothly and tastes fresher.
• What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can omit it or add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for some umami.
• How do I prevent chicken burgers from drying out? Use a bit of panko for moisture retention, don’t overcook, and rest patties before serving.
• Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking on the stove? Yes! Just be gentle when flipping and watch the cooking time to avoid flare-ups.
• Is it okay to mix the patties by hand? Absolutely—mixing by hand helps avoid overworking the meat and ensures even distribution.

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