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White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers

Juicy and flavourful chicken burgers packed with sharp white cheddar and healthy spinach. This simple recipe creates a satisfying and healthier twist on a classic burger, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 415

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken mince
  • 150 g fresh spinach leaves
  • 120 g mature white cheddar coarsely grated
  • 1 large shallot very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium free-range egg lightly beaten
  • 50 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
  • 4 brioche burger buns
For Assembling
  • 4 slices of white cheddar
  • Crisp lettuce leaves like Little Gem
  • Ripe tomato slices
  • Garlic aioli or your favourite mayonnaise

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Place the fresh spinach in a large, dry frying pan over a medium heat. Let it wilt down, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes. Tip the wilted spinach into a sieve and press down firmly with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Once cool enough to handle, give it a final squeeze with your hands, then roughly chop it.
  2. Combine the Burger Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, the dry chopped spinach, the 120g of grated white cheddar, finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, and oregano. Season with the salt and pepper.
  3. Mix Gently: Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. It's important not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the finished burgers tough. The mix will feel a little soft.
  4. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty about 2cm thick. What works best for me is to place the formed patties on a plate lined with baking parchment and chill them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
  5. Cook the Burgers: Heat the olive oil in the same frying pan over a medium heat. Carefully place the chicken patties in the pan, ensuring not to crowd them (cook in two batches if needed). Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, until deeply golden brown.
  6. Flip and Finish: Flip the burgers and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side, or until cooked through. Chicken mince is a versatile ingredient, but it's crucial to ensure it's fully cooked. A meat thermometer should read 74°C (165°F) in the centre.
  7. Melt the Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of white cheddar. You can place a lid on the pan to help it melt into a lovely, gooey layer.
  8. Toast and Assemble: While the cheese is melting, split your brioche buns and lightly toast them in the pan or under the grill. To assemble, spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun, top with a lettuce leaf, the cheesy chicken burger, a slice of tomato, and finally the top bun. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, do not overmix the burger ingredients. Chilling the formed patties for 10-15 minutes is optional but helps them firm up and hold their shape during cooking.