If you’ve been searching for a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal, you’re going to love this Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of lean ground chicken and vibrant, fresh spinach, bringing a burst of green goodness inside every juicy patty. The blend of fragrant spices makes each bite hearty and satisfying without any heaviness. Whether you’re looking to eat lighter or just want a tasty burger that feels as good as it tastes, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each item plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition to create a burger that’s anything but ordinary.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base keeps these burgers tender and healthy.
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, savory depth without overpowering the patty.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances natural sweetness and brings out the meat’s savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed Italian herbs or sage: Choose your favorite for an aromatic herbal note that brightens the burger.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and inviting color to the patties.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to amplify all the flavors in the burger.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Gives just the right peppery bite at the end.
- Olive oil spray, as needed for cooking: Helps achieve a crisp golden crust without excess fat.
- 5 low-calorie hamburger buns (toasted): Light enough to complement the patties without overpowering them.
- Optional toppings (sliced avocado, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, sliced tomato, raw or sautéed onions): Customize to your heart’s content for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing your ground chicken in a large mixing bowl, then add the finely chopped spinach along with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or your favorite herb alternative), paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good mix with your hands or a spoon until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This step ensures every bite will have that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into five equal portions and gently shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Don’t forget to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty—this little trick helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up as they hit the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Lightly coat a non-stick skillet or grill with olive oil spray and heat it over medium heat. This step is crucial to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust that seals in juices while preventing sticking. The aroma you’ll get from the sizzling spices will have your mouth watering in no time.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place your patties onto the preheated pan or grill, letting them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) — this guarantees safe consumption while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Resist the urge to press down with a spatula; you want to keep all those flavorful juices locked in.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
While your patties are finishing up, toast the low-calorie hamburger buns either on the grill or in a toaster. Toasting adds a satisfying crunch and slight warmth that pairs beautifully with the savory patties.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Toppings
Now for the fun part! Layer the juicy chicken spinach patties onto your toasted buns and jazz them up with your favorite toppings like creamy avocado slices, crisp lettuce, tomato, sautéed onions, or your preferred condiments. Each choice adds a personal touch that elevates this Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe into a truly customized meal experience.
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten up the presentation and flavor. For an extra healthful twist, try a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon and minced garlic as a refreshing spread instead of traditional mayo.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs excellently with crunchy veggie sticks, a crisp green salad, or even baked sweet potato fries for a wholesome meal. The freshness of vegetables complements the hearty burgers perfectly, making each bite balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a low-carb option, serve the patties wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of buns. You can also turn this recipe into sliders for a fun party appetizer or layer the burger into a grain bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and roasted veggies for a hearty lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them a perfect ready-to-go protein for quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked patties separately by wrapping each in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will last up to 2 months frozen, so you can enjoy your Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe anytime, even on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the patties overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes! You can finely chop or mince chicken breast yourself, but using pre-ground chicken offers the best texture and ease for this recipe.
Is spinach necessary in the recipe?
Spinach not only adds vibrant color and nutrients but also helps keep the patties moist. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries! The beauty of this Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe is its flexibility—simply use what you have on hand, focusing on garlic, onion powder, and an herb of your choice.
Can I grill these burgers outside?
Absolutely! These patties are perfect for the grill. Just brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and grill over medium heat until fully cooked.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Using low-calorie buns and skipping high-fat toppings like mayonnaise will keep the calories down while still enjoying full flavor from the herbs and spices.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic favorite with a nutritious twist. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless customization options, it’s bound to be one of your go-to meals whenever you want something both tasty and wholesome. Give it a try soon, and watch your friends and family ask for seconds!
Print
Healthy Chicken Spinach Burger Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This healthy and flavorful Chicken Burger recipe combines lean ground chicken with fresh spinach and aromatic spices, creating juicy patties perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Served on toasted low-calorie buns with optional fresh toppings, this burger offers a nutritious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Burgers Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed Italian herbs or sage
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- To taste freshly ground black pepper
- As needed olive oil spray (for cooking)
Buns and Toppings
- 5 pieces low-calorie hamburger buns (toasted)
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, sliced tomato, raw or sautéed onions
Instructions
- Prepare the burger mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or your herb of choice), paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the patties: Divide the mixture into five equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, roughly ¾ inch thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.
- Heat the cooking surface: Spray a non-stick skillet or grill with olive oil spray and heat it over medium heat. This prevents sticking and promotes a beautiful golden-brown crust on the patties.
- Cook the patties: Place the patties on the preheated skillet or grill. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
- Toast the buns: While the patties are cooking, toast the low-calorie hamburger buns in a toaster or on the grill until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the burgers: Once the patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, assemble each chicken patty on a bun and add your favorite toppings such as sliced avocado, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, sliced tomato, or raw/sautéed onions.
Notes
- Ensure the ground chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- The spinach adds moisture and nutrients but can be substituted with other leafy greens if preferred.
- Using olive oil spray helps reduce added fat while preventing sticking.
- You can customize the burgers with various toppings to suit your taste.
- To keep the burgers moist, avoid pressing down on them while cooking.
