If you’re looking for a juicy, flavorful twist on the classic chicken burger, you’re going to absolutely love this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe. I discovered this combo one afternoon when I wanted something fresh but comforting at the same time, and wow—it quickly became a family favorite. You’ll find that the sharpness of the white cheddar paired with vibrant spinach and tender ground chicken makes every bite a delight. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through all my tips to make these burgers perfectly every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: The sharp white cheddar complements the earthy spinach and mild chicken perfectly.
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it great for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
- Versatile: Works just as well pan-fried or grilled, adapting to your kitchen style.
- Family Approved: My whole crew goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a role in making the perfect chicken burger. The fresh spinach gives a nutritious pop, while white cheddar adds melty richness without overpowering. I always suggest fresh garlic and good quality Dijon mustard to brighten the profile.
- Ground chicken: Use fresh, lean ground chicken for juicy burgers that bind well.
- Fresh spinach: Finely chopped so it blends right into the mix without large leaves poking out.
- White cheddar cheese: Sharp and shredded fresh for that perfect melt.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps hold everything together; I often use plain or panko for texture.
- Onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and moisture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced—fresh garlic always beats jarred for flavor intensity.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth. Don’t skip it!
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami bomb that ties flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper: Season well to enhance all the ingredients.
- Olive oil: For cooking, provides a light richness and helps burger edges crisp up nicely.
- Burger buns: Soft, but sturdy enough to hold that juicy patty.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or a little extra cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Variations
I love making this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe my own depending on who’s at the table or what I’ve got around. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs!
- Gluten-free option: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free, and choose gluten-free buns — I’ve done this for friends and it works wonderfully without sacrificing flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños into the mix for a little heat.
- Cheese swap: If you don’t have white cheddar, Monterey Jack or even mozzarella can work in a pinch.
- Grilled instead of pan-fried: For that smoky flavor, cook the patties on a grill — just keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Mix Everything Gently But Thoroughly
Start by combining your ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. I like to mix with my hands here — it helps me feel when it’s evenly combined without overworking the meat, which keeps the burgers tender. Don’t worry if it looks a little loose; the breadcrumbs and cheese will help it hold together once cooked.
Step 2: Shape Your Patties with Care
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. I find using a kitchen scale for this step helps make patties the same size, so they cook evenly. Shape each portion gently into a patty about ¾-inch thick—don’t pack them too tightly! Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this little trick stops them from puffing up while cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Juicy Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Once shimmering, add your patties. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes per side. Trust me, patience pays off here—it’s tempting to turn them often, but let that crust form for the best flavor and texture. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 165°F (75°C) is your target for safely cooked chicken that’s still juicy. After cooking, let the patties rest on a plate for a few minutes; this keeps all those delicious juices locked in.
Step 4: Assemble and Enjoy
Place each patty on a bun and add any toppings you love—lettuce, tomato, maybe a little extra cheese. I love how the fresh veggies add crunch and color, making the whole thing feel like a real meal. Grab a napkin, sit down, and soak up all that homemade goodness!
Pro Tips for Making White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing gently keeps the burgers tender—too much mixing makes them tough.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures juicy, safe burgers every time.
- Indent the Patty Centers: This simple trick helps patties cook evenly and prevents bulging.
- Let Patties Rest Before Serving: Resting seals in moisture, so your burgers stay juicy longer.
How to Serve White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

Garnishes
For garnishes, I usually stick with crisp lettuce and thick juicy tomato slices—it just adds that refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the cheddar. Sometimes I throw on caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor boost. You could also add a swipe of garlic aioli or your favorite tangy sauce to kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these burgers are sweet potato fries or a big bowl of crunchy coleslaw. I also love pairing them with a light cucumber salad or roasted veggies when I want to keep things on the healthier side. For a casual cookout, classic potato salad is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
When I serve these at gatherings, I sometimes use mini slider buns and offer a toppings bar so everyone can customize their bites—which always sparks conversation! Another fun idea is to stack two thin patties with extra cheese in the middle for a “double-decker” surprise. Wrapping them in parchment and tying with string makes for cute, easy handhelds perfect for picnics or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and sometimes I eat half before dinner!), store cooled patties in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep great for up to 3 days, which makes them perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads.
Freezing
I’ve frozen uncooked patties successfully—just shape and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual. It’s a real time saver for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil for a few minutes on each side to regain that crispy exterior. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it makes the burgers a bit soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute, but keep in mind it’s often leaner than chicken, so adding a bit more breadcrumbs or a splash of olive oil can help keep the patties juicy.
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How do I prevent these chicken burgers from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and not over-mixing the meat is key. Also, chilling the patties for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them firm up and hold their shape better on the skillet or grill.
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Can I make these burgers ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead and store them raw or cooked in the fridge for a day or two. For longer storage, freezing is your friend, and just thaw when ready to cook or reheat.
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What kind of buns work best?
I like soft yet sturdy buns like brioche or potato rolls—they hold the juicy patty well without getting soggy too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe has become my go-to anytime I want something that feels both wholesome and a little special. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat yet doesn’t take hours or a million ingredients to pull off. I’m confident you’ll enjoy these as much as my family does, so give it a try and savor every juicy, cheesy bite!
Print
White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 burgers) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with nutritious spinach and savory white cheddar cheese. Perfectly pan-fried to a golden brown, these burgers are an easy and delicious twist on classic chicken burgers, complemented by optional fresh toppings and served on soft burger buns.
Ingredients
Burger Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a round patty, ensuring they are compact but not too dense for even cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Patties: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute for a moister burger.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each patty on a burger bun and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato slices, or extra cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
- These burgers can also be grilled instead of pan-fried for a smoky flavor.
- Leftover patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg

