Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal option, Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers fit the bill perfectly. With just a few simple ingredients, like ground chicken, feta cheese, and spinach, you can whip up a tasty dish in under 20 minutes. These burgers are not only low in calories but also packed with protein, making them a great choice for any diet. Let’s explore the details of this nutritious recipe and discover how to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a quick and nutritious meal, these Healthy Greek Chicken Burgers are a fantastic choice. They take less than 20 minutes to prepare, using just 5-7 simple ingredients.

You can easily mix everything together, form patties, and cook them on a grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet. Each serving is low in calories, packed with protein, and offers flexibility for various diets, including gluten-free and keto options. The recipe is also food allergy-friendly, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

The traditional Greek flavors, like olives and oregano, make each bite delicious. Plus, you can customize your burger with toppings like tzatziki sauce or serve it in a lettuce cup for a low-carb alternative.

Enjoy a flavorful meal that fits your dietary needs easily!

History

The origins of Greek chicken burgers can be traced back through the history of gyros, a beloved dish that has evolved over time.

Gyros began in the 19th century in Bursa, within the Ottoman Empire, where the method of grilling stacked meat on a vertical spit was developed. This method of cooking allowed for the creation of dishes like gyros that are enjoyed today.

After the population exchange in 1922-23, immigrants from Anatolia and the Middle East brought gyros to Greece, where it was adapted to include pork.

As Greek migration to the U.S. increased post-World War II, gyros made their way into American cuisine, evolving with new ingredients.

Today, gyros are celebrated worldwide, influencing many culinary traditions, and serving as a foundation for dishes like the healthy Greek chicken burger.

Recipe

Ingredients
– 1 pound ground chicken
– ½ cup breadcrumbs or oat flour
– ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
– ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
– ⅓ cup finely diced red onion
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons fresh or freeze-dried dill
– 1 clove minced garlic
– ½ tsp salt
– ⅛ tsp black pepper
– Tzatziki sauce, for serving
– Optional toppings: cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, sliced onions
– Whole wheat or brioche buns

Cooking Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs (or oat flour), crumbled feta cheese, thawed spinach, diced red onion, dried oregano, dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties, about 1 inch thick. You should yield about 4-6 patties, depending on your desired size.
Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Once hot, add the patties to the grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 165°F (75°C) and they’re golden brown on the outside.
Remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the burgers on whole wheat or brioche buns, topped with tzatziki sauce and your choice of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, and lettuce.

Extra Tips
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the ground chicken mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the herbs and spices to infuse more deeply into the meat, enhancing the flavorful ingredients. Additionally, if you’re making a large batch, cooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future use. Just reheat them in the oven or on the grill before serving.

Enjoy your healthy Greek chicken burgers!

Final Thoughts

Enjoying healthy Greek chicken burgers can be a great addition to your meal rotation, especially considering their nutritional benefits and ease of preparation.

With only 180 calories per serving and 18 grams of protein, these burgers support muscle growth and tissue repair. They’re low in carbohydrates and contain no added sugars, making them suitable for various dietary needs. Additionally, they provide a good source of high protein content, contributing to 32% of your Daily Value.

Quick to prepare in under 20 minutes, you can easily fit them into a busy lifestyle. Pair them with healthy sides or toppings to create a balanced meal.

FAQ

Wondering how to make the most of your Greek chicken burgers? You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste.

If you don’t have ground chicken, try using 93% lean turkey or lean ground pork. For binding, you can skip the egg and use a flax egg or extra breadcrumbs instead. If you want a dairy-free option, omit feta cheese without losing flavor. Additionally, consider making Greek chicken burgers to provide a flavorful alternative to traditional hamburgers.

You can swap spinach for kale or chard; just remember to squeeze out excess liquid. When forming patties, verify they’re about 1 inch thick.

Grill or pan-fry them for 4-6 minutes per side, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F. Finally, top them with tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, or hummus for a delightful finish!