Easy Healthy Spinach Chicken Burgers with White Cheddar

Healthy Spinach Chicken Burgers pack lean protein, bright greens, and melty white cheddar into a juicy, weeknight-ready burger that eats like a treat, not a compromise. These patties hit the sweet spot between wholesome and craveable — perfect when you want something lighter than beef but still totally satisfying.

Why you’ll fall for these burgers

Want a burger that’s both nutritious and delicious? This recipe checks the boxes.

• They deliver high protein without the heaviness of red meat.
• The spinach keeps things vibrant and adds a gentle veggie boost.
• White cheddar gives the rich, melty comfort that makes a burger feel like dinner.

Bold tip: Handle the meat gently — overworking makes dense patties.

Plus, they’re ridiculously flexible: grill ’em, pan-sear ’em, or bake them. Meal-prep friendly? Absolutely.

The idea behind the recipe

I wanted a burger that answers “What’s for dinner?” with both health and oomph. Ground chicken sings when seasoned well and paired with fresh greens — and the spinach sneaks nutrients in without stealing the show. Think of this as a smarter burger that still earns seconds.

Ingredients — what each one brings to the party

• 1 lb ground chicken — lean and mild; the perfect base for flavor.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped — color, nutrients, and moisture.
• 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese — melty richness that feels indulgent.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs — binder; keeps patties together.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion — savory depth and a little crunch.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced — aromatic backbone.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard — tang and a touch of bite.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce — subtle umami lift.
• Salt and black pepper — essential balance.
• Olive oil, for cooking — for searing without frying.
• 4 burger buns — pick whole grain for extra fiber.

Each ingredient plays a role: texture, moisture, binding, or flavor. Swap smartly and the burger still sings.

Step-by-step: How to Make It

Follow these short steps and you’ll get perfect patties every time.

1. Mix gently. In a large bowl combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, white cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix.
2. Form patties. Divide into four equal portions and press into even patties about ¾-inch thick. Make a slight dimple in the center of each; this helps them cook flat.
3. Heat the pan. Warm a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Cook the patties. Cook 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (75°C) in the center. If grilling, cook similarly on medium heat.
5. Rest briefly. Let patties rest 3–4 minutes before assembling to lock in juices.
6. Assemble. Place patties on buns and add toppings: lettuce, tomato, avocado, or a smear of garlic aioli.

Pro tip: If the patties feel fragile, chill them for 15–20 minutes before cooking. That helps them hold their shape.

Pro tips for perfect results

• Use fresh spinach. Cooked, watery spinach can make the mixture soggy. Chop fresh and squeeze out excess moisture if needed.
• Choose low-moisture cheese to avoid watery patties.
• Breadcrumbs are flexible. Panko gives a lighter texture; almond flour works for a low-carb swap.
• Don’t press while cooking. Squeezing the burger loses juices.
• Test one first. Make a small test patty to check seasoning before shaping the whole batch.

FYI: a hot skillet creates a better crust, so preheat well.

Variations to try

• Herb-forward: Stir in chopped basil, parsley, or dill for an Herb Spinach Chicken Burgers vibe.
• Italian twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and mozzarella for a tangy lift.
• Chicken Parmesan-style: Top with marinara and a melted parmesan or provolone slice for a Chicken Parmesan Burger With Spinach feel.
• Spicy: Mix in red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
• Turkey swap: Got turkey on hand? This works with turkey patties too — see the “turkey” section below for ideas about What To Make With Turkey Burger.

These riffs transform the base recipe into something new without extra fuss.

Healthy swaps and nutrition notes

Want to keep things light? Try these changes:

• Use whole-wheat breadcrumbs or oat flour for more fiber.
• Swap white cheddar for a lighter cheese or less cheese to reduce calories.
• Serve on lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

These tweaks help the recipe fit into plans that rely on Healthy Recipes Ground Chicken or Healthy Ground Chicken Spinach Burgers goals.

Best ways to serve

• Classic burger: Bun, patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a smear of mustard or Greek yogurt sauce.
• Bowl option: Skip the bun — serve patties sliced over quinoa or mixed greens for a protein-packed dinner.
• Taco-style: Crumble the burger into bowls with avocado, salsa, and lime.
• Kid-friendly: Top with melted cheese and serve with sweet potato fries.

Serve with a crisp slaw or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.

Make-ahead & storage

• Raw patties: Form and freeze on a tray until solid, then bag; cook from frozen, adding a few minutes.
• Cooked patties: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.
• Meal-prep tips: Double the batch and use for quick lunches — slice and add to salads throughout the week.

Bold tip: Keep cooked patties wrapped individually in the freezer to prevent freezer burn.

Ground chicken vs. turkey — and other protein swaps

If you’re wondering What To Make With Turkey Burger, these chicken patties translate well to ground turkey. Turkey has a slightly drier texture and milder flavor, so add a touch more olive oil or an extra egg yolk for moisture. Both meats make excellent entries under High Protein Chicken Dinner Recipes or turkey-based swaps for variety.

Pairings that elevate the meal

• Sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges.
• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate.
• Grilled veggies like zucchini and peppers for a summer vibe.
• Light slaw for crunch and acidity.

These sides keep the meal balanced and make the burger feel like a complete, thoughtful dinner.

Kids and picky-eater strategies

Not sure the kids will try spinach? Sneak it in finely chopped — they often don’t notice it. Or serve the patty plain with cheese and let them add condiments. These burgers also make smart Ground Chicken Spinach Recipes choices when parents want a veggie boost in familiar comfort food.

FAQs

Flavor boosters and sauces

Try these to take the burger next-level:

• Garlic-herb yogurt sauce (Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, herbs).
• Chipotle mayo for smoky heat.
• Pesto for herbal punch.
• Sundried tomato aioli for tangy richness.

A bold sauce can transform the experience and tailor it to different palates or themes.

Recipe variations that fit your goals

• Low-carb: Replace buns with lettuce and omit breadcrumbs (or use almond flour).
• High-protein: Add an egg and extra white cheddar to up the protein profile for High Protein Chicken Dinner Recipes.
• Mediterranean: Fold in feta and oregano for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with a cucumber salad.

These options help the recipe sit comfortably in many meal plans.

Why this belongs in your recipe rotation

These burgers strike a rare balance: they’re quick, adaptable, family-friendly, and healthy. They let you enjoy a comforting burger while keeping an eye on nutrition — perfect for cooks who want Healthy Spinach Chicken Burgers that deliver on both taste and macronutrients. Plus, they fit cleanly into collections of Ground Chicken Spinach Recipes and Healthy Recipes Ground Chicken for weeknight meal planning.

Final thoughts — wrap-up

If you’re hunting for a burger that’s lighter than beef but still full-flavored, try these Healthy Ground Chicken Spinach Burgers. They’re an easy win for dinner, excellent for meal prep, and simple to adapt to whatever you have in the fridge. Whether you’re craving a classic bun setup or a leaner salad bowl, these patties hold up and taste damn good doing it.

So, what are you waiting for? Mix, shape, sear, and savor. And if you try swapping turkey next time, tell me how your What To Make With Turkey Burger experiment turned out — I’m guessing it’ll be delicious.

Make them, tweak them, and enjoy that melty white cheddar goodness.

Follow me on Pinterest for daily new recipes.

Print