If you’re craving a delightful twist on classic burgers that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, this Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Juicy ground chicken blended with tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic all come together to create patties that are as flavorful as they are healthy. Topped with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and a cool dollop of tzatziki sauce, these burgers offer a refreshing and satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exotic. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe brings a slice of Greece straight to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe plays a crucial role in building its vibrant flavor, delightful texture, and beautiful color. From creamy feta to fresh spinach, these components blend seamlessly to create a burger that’s both hearty and fresh.
- 1 pound ground chicken: Provides a lean, tender base that soaks up all the wonderful seasonings.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a salty, creamy richness that defines the Greek character of the burger.
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch for extra texture.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh spinach: Brings a pop of green and boosts the burger’s nutrition.
- 2 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives: Infuse a briny depth with authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a lovely herbal note.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic punch that complements the spices.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that ties the flavors together perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the other seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Ensures a beautifully browned crust on the patties.
- 4 burger buns: Choose your favorite — classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free.
- Lettuce: Adds a crisp layer that contrasts the juicy burger.
- Tomato slices: Bring a juicy sweetness to every bite.
- Tzatziki sauce: A creamy cucumber-yogurt topping that cools and complements the savory burger.
How to Make Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by placing your ground chicken in a large bowl. Add the crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, fresh spinach, Kalamata olives, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything together until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can make the patties tough instead of tender.
Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture evenly into four portions, and shape each into a patty that’s about ¾-inch thick. The patties should hold together but not be too tightly packed. This careful shaping helps the burgers cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the pan. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the outside develops a gorgeous golden brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you prefer, these burgers also grill beautifully outdoors on a preheated grill.
Step 4: Toast the Buns and Assemble
While the burgers cook, toast your buns lightly for added texture and warmth. To assemble, layer the bottom bun with lettuce, a juicy tomato slice, the cooked chicken patty, and a generous spoonful of creamy tzatziki. Top it off with the other half of the bun and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slices not only brightens up the burger visually but also introduces a refreshing crunch and moistness that complement the savory patties perfectly. Don’t skip the tzatziki sauce — it’s the signature finishing touch that adds cooling creaminess and authentic Greek flair.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean sides such as a bright Greek salad, crispy roasted potatoes, or even simple pita chips with hummus. For a light meal, you can serve the burgers with a chilled cucumber and tomato salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice, echoing the fresh flavors inside the patties.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve these Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe patties wrapped in lettuce leaves for a refreshing low-carb option. They’re also fantastic crumbled over a bed of greens with a drizzle of tzatziki as a flavorful Mediterranean bowl. Or go rustic with open-faced burgers served on toasted pita bread topped with extra olives and feta crumble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the buns and fresh garnishes separate to maintain their texture and freshness. When ready to enjoy, assemble the burgers again with fresh toppings.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you want to cook them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking according to the recipe instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cooked patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture nice and juicy. Add fresh toppings and tzatziki after reheating for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I make these Greek Chicken Burgers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free buns or simply wrap the patties in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb, gluten-free option without sacrificing any flavor.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives if I don’t like them?
If Kalamata olives aren’t your favorite, try stirring in chopped green olives or even capers for a similar salty, tangy punch. You can also omit olives and add a little extra feta for creaminess.
Is ground chicken a healthy choice for burgers?
Yes, ground chicken is leaner than beef and offers a great source of protein while keeping the fat content lower. It’s a wonderful base for flavorful, healthy burgers like this Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe.
Can I prepare these burgers ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix and shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes meal prep easier, especially for busy weeknights or gatherings.
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). The patties should also be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about biting into these juicy, flavorful Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe patties that makes any meal feel special. They’re simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests with pride. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious taste of the Mediterranean that will surely become a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Burgers are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional burgers, featuring ground chicken mixed with feta cheese, fresh spinach, Kalamata olives, and herbs. Cooked to perfection on the stovetop or grill, they deliver Mediterranean flavors in every bite and are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking & Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns (or lettuce wraps for gluten-free)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, chopped spinach, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties ensuring they are compact but not overly dense for even cooking.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat until shimmering. This helps prevent the patties from sticking and adds flavor.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the patties on the hot skillet or grill pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Flip carefully to achieve a golden-brown crust and ensure the inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they are cooked through.
- Toast Buns (Optional): While the burgers cook, you may toast your burger buns lightly on the same pan or in a toaster for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Burgers: On each bun or lettuce wrap, layer lettuce leaves and tomato slices, add the cooked chicken patty, then finish with a generous spoonful of creamy tzatziki sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the assembled Greek chicken burgers warm to enjoy the full blend of Mediterranean flavors and juicy texture.
Notes
- These burgers can be grilled outdoors for enhanced smoky flavor.
- For a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve the patties in lettuce wraps or over a fresh salad instead of buns.
- Patties can be formed ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking to save preparation time.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
