If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful burger that’s lighter than traditional beef burgers, these White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers are a must-try. Made with lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, sharp white cheddar, and simple seasonings, these homemade burgers are tender, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, meal prep, or healthy family meals, these burgers are easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. The melted white cheddar keeps the patties moist, while the spinach adds freshness, color, and extra nutrition without overpowering the flavor.
Serve them on toasted burger buns with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them lettuce-wrapped for a lower-carb option.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Burgers
These homemade chicken burgers are everything you want in an easy dinner recipe.
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Juicy and tender every time
- Loaded with melted white cheddar
- Great way to add extra vegetables
- Perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Easy to customize with different toppings
- Excellent for meal prep
Unlike many ground chicken burgers that can become dry, these stay moist thanks to the cheese, egg, and fresh spinach.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Ground chicken is naturally lean, making it a healthier alternative to beef. However, it can sometimes lack moisture.
This recipe solves that problem by combining shredded white cheddar, fresh spinach, breadcrumbs, and egg, creating burgers that are tender, flavorful, and perfectly juicy.
The mild flavor of chicken also allows the garlic, paprika, and cheddar cheese to shine.
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Avocado
- Red onion
- Extra white cheddar
- Pickles
- Your favorite burger sauce
Ingredient Notes
Ground Chicken
Choose fresh ground chicken with a little fat for the juiciest burgers.
Ground chicken breast works too but may produce a slightly leaner burger.
White Cheddar
Sharp white cheddar adds bold flavor while helping keep the patties moist.
Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than packaged shredded cheese.
Spinach
Fresh spinach works best.
Finely chop it so it mixes evenly throughout the patties.
Breadcrumbs
Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs both work well.
Panko breadcrumbs create a slightly lighter texture.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
How to Make White Cheddar and Spinach Chicken Burgers
Prepare the Burger Mixture
In a large bowl combine:
- Ground chicken
- Chopped spinach
- White cheddar cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Avoid overmixing, which can make the burgers dense.
The mixture will be slightly sticky.
Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
Shape each portion into a burger about ½ inch thick.
If the mixture sticks to your hands, lightly coat them with olive oil.
Place the patties on a plate while heating the skillet.
Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, add the chicken patties.
Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
The burgers should develop a golden brown crust while remaining juicy inside.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest Before Serving
Transfer the cooked burgers to a plate.
Allow them to rest for about 3 minutes.
Resting helps keep the juices inside the burgers.
Assemble
Toast the burger buns if desired.
Add the chicken burger and your favorite toppings.
Popular options include:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Garlic aioli
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
Serve immediately.
Why Add Spinach?
Spinach offers several benefits.
It:
- Adds moisture
- Increases nutrition
- Blends seamlessly into the chicken
- Provides beautiful color
- Doesn’t overpower the flavor
Even picky eaters often don’t notice it’s there.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Cheddar Chicken Burgers
Mix cooked chopped bacon into the burger mixture.
Buffalo Chicken Burgers
Add Buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Mediterranean Style
Mix in feta cheese and oregano instead of cheddar.
Southwest Burgers
Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom Swiss
Top with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
Low-Carb Version
Serve inside lettuce wraps instead of burger buns.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the patties up to one day ahead.
Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to cook.
You can also freeze uncooked patties between sheets of parchment paper.
Storage
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Cooked or uncooked patties freeze well for up to 3 months.
Wrap each burger individually before freezing.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or cooking.
Reheating
Warm cooked burgers:
- In a skillet over medium-low heat
- In a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes
- In the microwave for about 1 minute
Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
Serving Suggestions
These burgers pair perfectly with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Oven-roasted potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Garden salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Pasta salad
- Fresh fruit salad
For a lighter meal, serve the burger over a mixed green salad instead of a bun.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Burgers
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture.
- Finely chop the spinach for even distribution.
- Freshly shred the cheese for better melting.
- Slightly oil your hands before shaping the patties.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the burgers rest before serving.
- Toast the buns for extra texture.
- Add cheese during the last minute of cooking if you want an extra cheesy topping.
- Serve immediately for the juiciest results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes. Grill over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make these burgers gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use gluten-free buns.
What cheese works besides white cheddar?
Swiss, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, provolone, Gouda, and pepper jack all make excellent alternatives.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the patties up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Why are my chicken burgers dry?
Overcooking is usually the cause. Remove them from the heat as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze uncooked patties?
Yes. Freeze them individually between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What toppings go best with these burgers?
Lettuce, tomato, avocado, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, pickles, and extra white cheddar all pair wonderfully with these burgers.
Can I cook them in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
Are these burgers good for meal prep?
Definitely. They reheat well and make excellent lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.