Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
