If you’re craving a burger that feels fresh and healthy but still delivers on flavor and juicy satisfaction, you’ve got to try this Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something a bit lighter than a traditional beef burger but just as hearty and comforting. Plus, the spinach sneaks in a nice pop of green and nutrition, making it a total win-win. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be surprised at how delicious and simple chicken burgers can be!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor: Savory pesto and mozzarella pair harmoniously with tender ground chicken and fresh spinach.
Healthy Yet Satisfying: Lean chicken keeps the burgers lighter without sacrificing juiciness.
Flexible Cooking Method: Perfect on the stove or the grill, making it adaptable to your kitchen setup.
Simple, Clean Ingredients: No complicated sauces or fillers, just real food that comes together quickly.

Chicken Spinach Burgers, healthy chicken burger recipe, easy spinach burger, juicy chicken patties, nutritious chicken spinach patties - A burger sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath, showing four main layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown bun with a soft texture, topped with a fresh, bright green leaf of lettuce. Above the lettuce is a thick, red slice of tomato. On top of the tomato is a grilled patty with a slightly browned and textured surface, covered with melted white cheese that softly drapes over the edges. The top layer is a generous amount of green pesto sauce spread on the melted cheese. The top half of the bun is placed slightly behind the plate. In the background, to the right, there is a white bowl filled with the same green pesto sauce, and a green cloth is draped partly under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen — they come together for moist, flavorful patties with a subtle Italian twist. Shopping tip: Opt for fresh spinach rather than frozen for the best texture, and look for good quality pesto to really make the flavors pop.

Chicken Spinach Burgers, healthy chicken burger recipe, easy spinach burger, juicy chicken patties, nutritious chicken spinach patties - Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground chicken, a small pile of bright chopped fresh spinach, a small heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of vivid green pesto sauce, two whole garlic bulbs with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of golden canola oil placed symmetrically, all arranged in perfect balance on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground chicken: Around 90% lean is perfect since it’s juicy but not too greasy; super lean can get dry.
Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy note plus a nice color contrast in the patty.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness to every bite.
Pesto: Brings bold herb and garlic flavors, lifting the burgers beyond the usual.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that punch of aroma and taste.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to highlight the natural flavors.
Canola oil: Neutral oil for cooking without overpowering the flavors.
Whole wheat burger buns: I love the nutty flavor and extra fiber, but feel free to swap for gluten-free or lettuce wraps!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavors I’m craving. You should feel free to experiment too — don’t be shy to switch things up to suit your mood.

Adding sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil: I like to toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a little tang and some extra Italian vibe.
Swapping mozzarella for feta: Occasionally I switch to feta for a sharper, saltier bite that changes the burger’s character.
Using gluten-free or lettuce wraps: Perfect if you’re watching carbs or gluten, and it keeps things light and fresh.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne has been my go-to when I want a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe

Step 1: Mix everything gently

Start by adding the ground chicken, chopped fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper into a medium bowl. I recommend using a fork first to break things up, then finish mixing with your hands just until everything is combined — overmixing can make the patties tough, so keep it light and gentle.

Step 2: Form into patties

Divide the mixture evenly into 4 parts and shape each into a burger patty about half an inch thick. I find it helpful to wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Don’t press them too firmly — just enough so they hold together during cooking.

Step 3: Cook with care

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. When the oil is hot but not smoking, gently add your patties. Cook on the first side for about 5-6 minutes without moving them so you get a nice crust forming. Flip carefully and cook another 5-6 minutes until cooked through. If you want to melt additional mozzarella on top, add it as soon as you flip the burgers so it has time to melt perfectly.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Once cooked, let your chicken spinach burgers rest off the heat for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, so every bite stays juicy. Then pile on your favorite toppings and buns — or a lettuce wrap if you’re keeping it low-carb — and dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe

Handle the Meat Lightly: Overmixing can make burgers dense; mix just until combined.
Medium-High Heat Is Key: This heat level helps form a lovely crust without burning before the inside cooks through.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting burgers rest locks in moisture and makes them juicier.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality pesto make a big flavor difference compared to frozen or store-bought low-quality options.

How to Serve Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe

Chicken Spinach Burgers, healthy chicken burger recipe, easy spinach burger, juicy chicken patties, nutritious chicken spinach patties - A sandwich held by two woman's hands shows five clear layers: at the bottom, a white bun with a soft texture; above it, a bright green lettuce leaf with smooth edges; next, a thick slice of red tomato with a juicy look; on top of the tomato sits a cooked patty with bits of green herbs mixed in and covered by melted white cheese with a slightly bubbly surface; finishing the sandwich is the top white bun, golden brown and slightly textured. The sandwich rests on a plain white plate, set on a white marbled surface with a light green cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top these burgers with extra fresh spinach leaves and a dollop of pesto to amplify those flavors. Sliced sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves add an unexpected pop that I really love. If I want a creamy touch, a spread of garlic aioli or a slice of tomato is my go-to. Oh, and melting extra mozzarella cheese on top before serving is just heavenly.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like pairing these chicken spinach burgers with roasted sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes, a side of grilled vegetables or even a simple coleslaw complements the flavors beautifully too. If you want something cozy, homemade baked potato wedges are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these burgers as sliders on mini whole wheat buns — perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Another fun way is to let everyone customize their own burgers with a “toppings bar,” featuring fresh herbs, assorted cheeses, and sauces. You can even turn these into protein-packed lettuce wraps topped with crunchy veggies for a fun low-carb twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I store any leftover burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week. Just keep them separate from any buns or fresh toppings to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing raw patties before cooking. I form them, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick meal, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, then cook as usual. This way, I always have homemade burgers ready to go!

Reheating

When reheating cooked burgers, I prefer warming them gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep that crust intact and prevent drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make the texture less appealing. Adding a little splash of water and covering the pan helps maintain moisture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will deliver similar texture and flavor. Just keep in mind turkey can be slightly leaner, so you might want to add a small amount of oil or a bit more cheese to keep the patties moist.
Is it necessary to add pesto in the Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe?

The pesto really amps up the flavor by adding herbs, garlic, and a touch of nuttiness, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can skip it or substitute with finely chopped fresh basil and a little olive oil. The burgers will still be tasty, just less herbaceous.
How do I know when the chicken burgers are fully cooked?

Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe. Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to check. The burgers should also be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center.
Can I grill these chicken spinach burgers?

Definitely! Just make sure your grill is preheated well and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Because these burgers are a bit lean, grilling over medium heat is best to avoid drying them out.
What toppings go best with Chicken Spinach Burgers?

I love classic burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion, but these burgers also pair beautifully with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, extra mozzarella, or a smear of pesto. A garlic aioli or spicy mayo can add a nice kick too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly became a staple in my house—because it’s both easy and delicious. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something a little healthier without compromising flavor. I love how it brings in fresh greens and cheesy goodness with every bite, making it a meal you feel good about serving. If you haven’t tried mixing greens right into your burgers before, this is a great recipe to start with. Give it a go and I know you’ll be reaching for it again and again!