Greek chicken burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, these burgers combine ground chicken with fresh herbs and spices, making them a healthy yet delicious option. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or meal prep, they cater to various dietary needs while satisfying your taste buds. Serve them with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies for a full Greek experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of feta cheese, garlic, and oregano creates a rich and vibrant taste.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, these burgers can be whipped up quickly, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them in a bun, pita, or over a salad—great for any meal style.
- Healthy Alternative: Made with lean ground chicken, these burgers are lower in fat than traditional beef options.
- Customizable Toppings: Personalize each burger with your favorite toppings like avocado or sliced tomato.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These essentials will help ensure your Greek chicken burgers turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the patties evenly while achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Greek chicken burgers:
For the Burgers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup (loosely packed) baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Butter lettuce
- Tzatziki sauce
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced onion
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced avocado
How to Make Greek Chicken Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken with diced red onion, minced garlic, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped baby spinach, chopped fresh dill, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Form Patties
Divide the mixture evenly into four portions. Form each portion into large patties that are about ¾ inch thick.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
In a large skillet over medium heat, add extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can also grill these patties if you prefer that method.
Step 4: Assemble Your Burgers
Once cooked, you can enjoy the patties as is or assemble them into Greek chicken burgers. Layer them with butter lettuce, tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta cheese, sliced onion, sliced tomato, and sliced avocado according to your taste preferences!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Burgers
Greek chicken burgers are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your Greek chicken burger experience.
Classic Tzatziki Style
- Serve the burgers with tzatziki sauce on top for a refreshing flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.
- Add sliced cucumber and tomato for extra crunch and freshness.
Mediterranean Pita Wrap
- Wrap the burger in a warm pita bread along with fresh greens and sliced onion for a handheld delight.
- Include feta cheese for an added creamy texture and authentic Greek taste.
Burger Bowl
- Create a burger bowl using lettuce as a base, topped with the burger patty, diced tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
- Add quinoa or couscous for a hearty and healthy grain option.
Grilled Vegetable Platter
- Pair the burgers with a side of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, adding color and flavor to your meal.
- Drizzle some olive oil over the veggies before grilling for enhanced taste.
Simple Salad
- Serve alongside a light Greek salad made of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese tossed in olive oil and lemon juice.
- This adds brightness to your meal while keeping it healthy.
Sweet Potato Fries
- Accompany your burgers with crispy sweet potato fries, providing a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the burger.
- Bake or air-fry them for a healthier side option.
How to Perfect Greek Chicken Burgers
To ensure that your Greek chicken burgers turn out juicy and flavorful every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs like dill and spinach will enhance the flavor of your burgers significantly.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined; overworking can make the patties tough.
- Form evenly-sized patties: Ensuring all patties are uniform in size helps them cook evenly.
- Cook at medium heat: Cooking at medium heat prevents burning while allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly inside.
- Let rest before serving: Allowing burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps them juicy when you cut into them.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize your burgers with different toppings like avocado or pickled red onions for unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Burgers
Complement your Greek chicken burgers with delightful side dishes that add variety to your meal. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing cabbage slaw dressed in lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors of the burger.
- Tabbouleh: This parsley-based salad with bulgur wheat offers a fresh herbaceous note to balance out the dish.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection makes for a delightful summer side dish.
- Hummus & Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crunchy pita chips provides an addictive appetizer before diving into your burger.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until crispy complement any burger perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Greek chicken burgers can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using lean ground chicken: Lean ground chicken can result in dry burgers. Choose a blend with some fat for juicier patties.
- Not seasoning enough: Skipping or skimping on spices will lead to bland burgers. Be generous with herbs and spices for robust flavor.
- Over-mixing the meat: Mixing too much can make the burgers tough. Gently combine ingredients until just mixed to keep them tender.
- Skipping the chill time: Not refrigerating the patties before cooking can lead to them falling apart. Chill them for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking the patties too long can dry them out. Monitor their internal temperature to ensure they remain juicy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Greek chicken burgers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Greek Chicken Burgers
- Freeze uncooked or cooked patties in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Greek Chicken Burgers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Greek chicken burgers that might help you get started:
What toppings go well with Greek Chicken Burgers?
Toppings like tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, fresh vegetables, and sliced avocado complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works well with the same seasonings.
How do I know when my Greek Chicken Burgers are done?
Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I grill Greek Chicken Burgers?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor; just ensure they are well-formed so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
Final Thoughts
Greek chicken burgers are not only flavorful but also versatile enough for various dietary needs. Whether you enjoy them grilled or baked, topped with fresh veggies or rich sauces, these burgers deliver satisfaction in every bite. Don’t hesitate to customize your toppings or spices according to your taste!
Greek Chicken Burgers
Greek Chicken Burgers are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic favorite, infusing Mediterranean flavors into juicy, tender patties. Made with lean ground chicken and a vibrant mix of fresh herbs and spices, these burgers are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Serve them with creamy tzatziki sauce and an array of fresh veggies for a delightful taste of Greece in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with red onion, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into patties about ¾ inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble your burgers with lettuce, tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, sliced onion, tomato, and avocado as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
