Name: White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken (preferably thigh + breast blend); 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped; 3/4 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil or other cooking oil (for grill/skillet); 4 burger buns; Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, avocado, pickles

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I love these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers — juicy, flavorful chicken patties studded with spinach and melted white cheddar, served on soft buns. They’re a lighter twist on the classic burger without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m always looking for ways to make burgers nutritious without losing that comforting, hearty feel. By folding spinach into the patties and letting white cheddar melt in the pockets, I get bursts of flavor and color in every bite. These burgers are vibrant, satisfying, and a perfect midweek dinner or cookout option. White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground chicken (preferably thigh + breast blend)
fresh spinach, finely chopped
white cheddar cheese, shredded
onion, finely diced
garlic, minced
egg
breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
Dijon mustard
salt
black pepper
olive oil or other cooking oil
burger buns
optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo, avocado, pickles

Directions

Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, diced onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until ingredients are just combined.
Fold in the shredded white cheddar, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
About ½ cup of mixture at a time, shape into burger patties (adjust size to your buns). Press slightly so they hold together well.
If using a grill, grease the grates lightly. Place the patties on the hot grill or skillet.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side (depending on thickness), or until internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and the cheese is melted inside.
During the last minute of cooking, toast the buns (cut‑side down) on the grill or skillet if desired.
Assemble the burgers with your choice of toppings and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Makes: 4 burgers (adjustable)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if preferred.
Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack instead of white cheddar for more bite.
Add finely chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes for heat.
Mix in a bit of feta cheese for tangy contrast.
Use whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps to lighten it further.

Storage / Reheating

Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in a 325 °F (160 °C) oven until heated through. (Cover with foil if the burgers risk browning too much.) You can also freeze cooked patties: wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers

FAQs

What kind of ground chicken is best?

I prefer a mix of breast and thigh meat because it gives a balance of lean protein and moisture. But plain ground chicken breast works fine too — just be careful not to overcook.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes — I often form the patties and refrigerate them (covered) for up to a day before grilling. Let them rest at room temperature about 10 minutes before cooking for more even heat.

How do I keep the burgers from falling apart?

Make sure to bind with egg and breadcrumbs, and don’t overmix the meat. Press the patties firmly but gently. Also, letting the patties chill for 10–20 minutes before cooking helps them hold together.

How can I tell when they’re done?

Use a meat thermometer and look for an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). The juices should run clear and the cheese inside should be melted.

Can I cook them in the oven instead of on the grill or skillet?

Absolutely. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C), place patties on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and bake for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to crisp the tops, if desired.

Conclusion

These White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers give me a delicious balance of health and indulgence. The spinach adds color and nutrients, while the melted white cheddar brings creaminess and flavor. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. I hope when you try them, they become a favorite in your rotation too.