Description
Delicious and healthy chicken spinach burgers made with lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, and pesto. Perfectly seasoned and pan-cooked to juicy perfection, these burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic and great for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground chicken (about 90% lean)
- ½ cup chopped fresh spinach
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
For Serving
- Whole wheat burger buns
- Desired toppings (see notes)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper to a medium bowl. Using a fork and then your hands, gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty approximately ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Pan: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil, allowing it to warm before adding the burgers.
- Cook Burgers: Place the patties in the pan and cook them over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on the first side. Flip the burgers carefully and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through. If desired, add sliced cheese on top after flipping to allow it to melt as the burgers finish cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the burgers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve on whole wheat buns or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings such as extra mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil.
Notes
- Use ground chicken labeled 90%-93% lean for good flavor; avoid ultra-lean (99%) as it can be bland.
- You can make your own ground chicken by pulsing raw chicken breasts in a food processor until broken down.
- Enhance flavor by topping with extra melted mozzarella cheese and a dollop of pesto.
- Optional toppings like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add an Italian twist.
- Burgers are traditionally made in a pan but can be grilled if preferred.
- Serve in buns or lettuce wraps for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
