Our Ultimate White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

Are you searching for a way to liven up your midweek meals, something that is both nourishing and genuinely exciting? Perhaps you love the comfort of a delicious burger but would prefer a lighter option that doesn’t sacrifice any flavour. We know the feeling, and we’ve crafted the perfect solution. Let us introduce you to a recipe that’s set to become a firm family favourite: our sensational White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers. This recipe is our definitive answer, yielding a flavourful, moist patty that is remarkably straightforward to prepare. We’re confident that after one bite, you’ll be finding every opportunity to make them again.

This is more than just a standard burger; it’s a delightful elevation of a classic. We have artfully blended lean chicken mince with the tangy, creamy notes of mature white cheddar and the nutritious, earthy taste of fresh spinach. The outcome is a burger that is wonderfully tender, moist, and packed with goodness. It stands as one of our most-loved ways to use chicken mince, with its only rival being our comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. Prepare to take your burger night from simply good to truly outstanding.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Chicken Burgers

Before we walk you through the recipe, let’s explore exactly why these burgers deserve a special place in your culinary collection. They are a true game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, delicious, and fulfilling meal.

• Wonderfully Juicy and Full of Flavour: We know the main worry with chicken burgers is dryness, but we’ve cracked the code. The melting white cheddar creates little pockets of creamy joy, while the wilted spinach provides just enough moisture to ensure the patties stay incredibly succulent as they cook.
• A Wholesome Choice: We use lean chicken mince and pack in plenty of spinach, making this a fantastic healthy chicken burger that’s high in protein and vital nutrients. It’s a superb method for getting some extra greens into everyone’s diet, especially for those who might be a bit fussy.
• Beautifully Simple and Speedy: We understand that life can be hectic. That’s precisely why this recipe was developed to be quick and easy. You can have these patties mixed, formed, and ready to cook in less than 15 minutes, which makes them ideal for a busy weeknight. These are genuinely easy chicken burgers.
• Totally Versatile: These burgers are brilliant no matter how you decide to cook them. Whether you’re lighting the barbecue, using a stovetop griddle, or opting to bake them in the oven, they cook beautifully every time. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference, too.

The Star Ingredients for Our White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

The brilliance of this recipe is rooted in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Every component has a vital part to play in achieving that perfect harmony of taste and texture. Here is what we’ll need and the role it plays:

• Chicken Mince: The heart of our patties. We suggest a lean chicken mince (with about 7% fat) to strike the ideal balance between flavour and a non-greasy texture.
• Mature White Cheddar: This is where the magic happens! A high-quality, sharp white cheddar imparts a robust, tangy flavour that melts gorgeously and complements the chicken perfectly. For the best texture and melt, we always grate our own from a block.
• Fresh Spinach: Our not-so-secret ingredient for adding moisture and nutrients. We use fresh spinach, wilted and squeezed, to give a beautiful fleck of green and an earthy depth.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are much lighter and create a less dense texture than traditional types. They help bind the patties together while keeping them wonderfully tender.

*Egg: A single egg is the crucial binder that holds everything together, preventing your patties from crumbling while they cook.

• Garlic & Onion Powder: These two provide a foundational savoury, aromatic flavour that enhances both the chicken and the cheese.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Absolutely essential for seasoning, helping to awaken and marry all the individual flavours.
• Burger Buns & Toppings: Choose your favourite buns (brioche and wholemeal are our top picks) and gather your preferred toppings to complete your burger creation.

Let’s Get Cooking: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you ready to make the most delicious chicken burgers you’ve ever tasted? This chicken burger recipe is wonderfully simple. Just follow these steps for perfect results every single time.

1. Wilt and Squeeze the Spinach: In a large, dry frying pan, place your fresh spinach over a medium heat. Allow it to wilt completely, stirring now and then, which should take about 2–3 minutes. Tip the wilted spinach into a sieve and use the back of a spoon to press out as much liquid as you possibly can. This step is crucial for avoiding a watery burger mixture! Finely chop the drained spinach and set it aside.
2. Combine the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, add the chicken mince, grated white cheddar, chopped spinach, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently combine all the ingredients until they are just mixed. Take care not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough burgers.
3. Form Your Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball, then flatten it to create a patty approximately 1-inch thick. We find that making a slight indentation in the centre of each patty with your thumb helps to prevent them from doming as they cook. For perfect homemade chicken patties, you can place them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
4. Cook Your Burgers: You have several great options for cooking, which we outline in more detail for you below. Whichever method you choose, make sure the burgers are cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
5. Build Your Burger: While the patties are resting for a moment, gently toast your burger buns. Now for the fun part: assemble your burgers with all your favourite trimmings. We adore a layer of garlic aioli, some crisp lettuce, a juicy slice of tomato, and a few thin slices of red onion.

Choosing Your Cooking Method

One of the finest qualities of these spinach and cheese chicken burgers is their wonderful adaptability. You can cook them using whichever method suits you best.

Pan-Frying for a Perfect Sear

This is our preferred method for a speedy weeknight dinner. It creates a wonderful, crisp exterior while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.

• Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over a medium heat.
• Gently place the patties into the pan, leaving enough space between them.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until they are a beautiful golden-brown and cooked all the way through.

Grilling for That Smoky Flavour

An ideal choice for a summer barbecue! Grilling adds a delicious, smoky char that truly enhances the burgers’ flavour profile.

• Preheat your grill or barbecue to a medium-high temperature.
• Brush the grill grates with a little oil to stop the burgers from sticking.
• Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes on each side, keeping the lid down as much as possible, until you see clear grill marks and they are thoroughly cooked.

Baking for a Hands-Off Approach

Baking is a brilliant, healthier alternative that demands very little supervision, which frees you up to sort out your side dishes and toppings.

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan / Gas Mark 6).
• Arrange the patties on a baking tray lined with baking parchment.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway point, until they are golden and fully cooked.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Burgers Ever

If you want to guarantee that your burgers are nothing short of perfect, we’ve compiled a few of our top tips to ensure your success.

• A Gentle Mix is Key: We really can’t overstate this! Combine the ingredients only until they’ve come together. Overworking chicken mince will unfortunately lead to dense and chewy burgers.
• The Secret is Dry Spinach: Any extra water is the biggest foe of a well-formed burger patty. Squeezing every last bit of moisture from the spinach is vital for firm, flavourful burgers that aren’t soggy.
• Chill Before Cooking: If you have a moment, letting the formed patties rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes helps them to keep their shape much better when cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: For peace of mind, the most reliable way to know if your chicken burgers are cooked is by using a digital meat thermometer. The internal temperature must reach 74°C (165°F). Safe handling of raw chicken is paramount; for up-to-date food safety information, we always refer to the Food Standards Agency website.
• Let Them Rest: Similar to a quality steak, allowing your cooked burgers to rest for a few minutes is a great idea. This lets the juices settle back into the meat, ensuring every bite is as succulent as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen spinach for this chicken burger recipe?

Yes, you certainly can. Ensure the frozen spinach is fully thawed, then bundle it in a clean tea towel or a few sheets of kitchen roll and wring out all the excess liquid. You need to be particularly thorough here, as frozen spinach contains a great deal of water.

How do I store and reheat leftover White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers?

You can store any cooked leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, either pan-fry them for a few minutes on each side, place them in an oven preheated to 180°C for around 10 minutes, or warm them in an air fryer until piping hot.

Can I freeze these chicken burgers?

Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for making a larger batch to freeze. Lay the uncooked, shaped patties on a baking tray lined with parchment and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months. You can cook them straight from frozen; just remember to add an extra 5-7 minutes to your chosen cooking time.

What other cheese can I use?

While we are partial to the sharp bite of white cheddar, please feel free to get creative! Gruyère would introduce a wonderful nutty flavour, Monterey Jack would be exceptionally gooey, or a spicy pepper jack would lend your burgers a fantastic kick.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Burger

And that’s our complete guide to creating simple, flavourful, and deeply satisfying White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers that are guaranteed to be a hit. It is the ideal way to savour a comforting classic with a wholesome and delicious new spin. If you’re a fan of cheesy chicken burgers, we highly recommend you also try our Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers for another tasty option!

So, the only question left is, what are you waiting for? It’s time to move on from uninspired dinners and truly elevate your burger experience. Get your ingredients together, start mixing, and prepare yourself for the juiciest, most flavour-packed chicken burger you’ve ever had.

We would be thrilled to see how yours turn out! If you give this recipe a go, please leave us a comment below to share your thoughts, or tag us in your photos on social media. Happy cooking!

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