These moist, juicy ground chicken burgers are versatile and satisfying. Serve them on a toasted bun with your favorite toppings, wrapped in lettuce for a carb-free option, or crumbled into a bowl with grains and vegetables for easy meal prep.
Best Chicken Burger Recipe
If you want a lighter burger without red meat, these chicken burgers deliver flavor and texture. Made with ground chicken and finely chopped spinach, they stay incredibly moist without using breadcrumbs. They’re naturally gluten-free and straightforward to prepare. Pair them with coleslaw or air-fryer sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
This recipe is adapted from the cookbook “Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking” by Catherine McCord. The book focuses on practical meal prep ideas and includes recipes designed to be made ahead, which makes these chicken burgers a great candidate for batch cooking and freezing.
“Fresh spinach is the secret here: it keeps the patties tender and adds nutrients without altering the flavor. These burgers don’t need breadcrumbs or other fillers, and they work great on a bun or wrapped in lettuce for a lighter meal.”
Catherine McCord, Author
Are chicken burgers healthy?
Ground chicken tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat than many beef options while still providing a solid source of protein. Adding spinach increases fiber and micronutrients and helps keep the patties moist. Overall, when prepared with minimal added fat and paired with whole-food sides, chicken burgers can be a nutritious choice.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or mixed Italian herbs or sage)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or a light coating of oil for the pan
- 5 low-calorie hamburger buns, toasted (optional)
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, lettuce, sliced tomato, raw or sautéed onions
How to Make Chicken Burgers
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into five evenly sized, flattened patties.
- Cook the patties: Heat a large skillet, griddle, or grill pan over medium-low heat. Lightly spray or brush the surface with oil. Add the patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Assemble: Place each patty on a toasted bottom bun or a lettuce leaf, add preferred toppings, and finish with the top bun or a second lettuce leaf.
What to Serve With Chicken Burgers
- Classic sides: seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings with your favorite ketchup or a spicy chipotle sauce.
- Potato alternatives: grilled baby potatoes or a cold red potato salad for something hearty without frying.
- Vegetable sides: parmesan asparagus fries, baked zucchini sticks, or cauliflower tots pair well for added vegetables.
- Lighter accompaniments: coleslaw, broccoli salad, raw beet salad, or a corn-tomato-avocado salad keep the meal bright and fresh.
Storage and Reheating
Cool cooked burgers completely and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat options:
- Microwave for about 30 seconds (time may vary by microwave).
- Warm in a skillet over low-to-medium heat for 1–2 minutes per side.
- Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Meal Prep and Freezing
These burgers freeze well and are ideal for meal prep. To freeze raw patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, then transfer to labeled zip-top bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. You can also cook a batch, cool the patties, and freeze them fully cooked for quick reheating later.
Variations and Tips
- Protein swap: Use 93% lean ground turkey if you prefer.
- Boost the flavor: Add a teaspoon of a favorite spice—harissa, smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning—for a flavor twist.
- Grilled version: Cook on a lightly oiled grill over medium heat for about five minutes per side for charred grill marks.
- Repurpose leftovers: Crumble cooked burgers over rice or grains, fold into wraps, or serve in lettuce cups for a quick lunch.
Nutrition and Yield
Yield: 5 servings — Serving size: 1 burger.
Estimated nutrition per burger: Calories: 284 kcal; Protein: 27.5 g; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Fat: 3 g; Fiber: 3 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Cholesterol: 117 mg; Sodium: 487.5 mg; Sugar: 2 g.
Final note
These chicken burgers are quick to prepare, flexible, and well suited to batch cooking. Try them with different spices and toppings to match your tastes, and consider freezing a few patties so you always have a fast, flavorful meal option on hand.