Greek Chicken Burgers offer a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. Infused with Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, these juicy chicken patties are perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking. Served with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies, these burgers are both satisfying and customizable, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a meal prep dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Greek Chicken Burgers:

  • 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean, 7% fat)

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1 small onion, grated or finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)

  • 1 large egg (for binding)

  • Olive oil (for cooking)

• Optional Toppings and Sides:

  • Butter lettuce

  • Tzatziki sauce

  • Crumbled feta cheese

  • Sliced onion, tomato, and avocado

  • Kalamata olives

  • Greek salad or roasted potatoes

Directions

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice. Add breadcrumbs and egg, and gently mix using your hands or a spatula.

2. Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape them into patties, about ½ inch thick. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing while cooking.

3. Cook the Patties:

   • Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   • Pan-Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping carefully.

   • Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the patties for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

   • Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the patties for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Assemble and Serve: Serve the burgers on toasted buns, pita, or lettuce wraps with tzatziki sauce and fresh toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. Pair with a Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries.

Nutrients (estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~300 kcal

• Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

  • Fiber: ~1g

  • Sugar: ~3g

• Protein: 26g

• Sodium: 600mg

• Cholesterol: 125mg

• Potassium: 450mg

Why Choose Ground Chicken?

Ground chicken is a leaner alternative to traditional beef, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier burger without sacrificing flavor. It provides a high-quality source of protein, while also keeping the fat content lower. The key to making these Greek Chicken Burgers juicy and flavorful lies in the addition of feta cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs, which not only enhance the taste but also ensure the patties stay moist during cooking. Using ground chicken in this recipe allows the flavors of the Mediterranean ingredients to shine through, while providing a healthier and lighter alternative to beef.

Mediterranean Flavors: Feta, Garlic, and Lemon

The distinctive Mediterranean flavors in these burgers come from the combination of feta cheese, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty richness that complements the lean ground chicken. The minced garlic gives the patties a fragrant depth of flavor, while the lemon zest and juice provide a fresh, tangy bite that elevates the whole dish. Fresh parsley or dill adds a touch of herbaceous brightness, making the burgers more aromatic and flavorful. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of tastes that evoke the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

The Role of Breadcrumbs and Egg

Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option) and egg act as binding agents in the Greek Chicken Burgers. The breadcrumbs help the patties hold together, giving them a perfect texture, while the egg ensures that everything stays intact during cooking. The slight bind from the breadcrumbs and egg allows the juicy chicken, feta, and herbs to meld together without falling apart, ensuring that every bite is just as flavorful and satisfying as the last.

How to Make Greek Chicken Burgers

Making Greek Chicken Burgers is simple and straightforward, with minimal prep time. First, you combine the ground chicken with feta cheese, grated onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, oregano, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice. Add breadcrumbs and egg to help bind everything together. Gently mix the ingredients using your hands or a spatula until well combined. Next, shape the mixture into patties, ensuring they are about ½ inch thick. A slight indent in the center of each patty prevents them from puffing up during cooking. Once the patties are shaped, they can be grilled, pan-seared, baked, or air-fried, depending on your preference.

Cooking Methods: Versatility at Its Best

Greek Chicken Burgers can be cooked using a variety of methods, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences or kitchen tools:

• Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients beautifully.

• Pan-Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side. This method gives the burgers a golden, crispy exterior while keeping them juicy on the inside.

• Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake the patties for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking is a great option if you’re cooking multiple burgers at once and prefer a hands-off method.

• Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the patties for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. This method results in a crispy texture without the need for extra oil, making it a healthier option.

Toppings and Sides to Complete the Meal

Greek Chicken Burgers can be customized with a variety of delicious toppings and sides. Traditional toppings include creamy tzatziki sauce, which adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the savory chicken patties. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions provide additional crunch and flavor. For extra richness, you can add crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado. These burgers can be served on toasted buns, pita bread, or wrapped in butter lettuce for a low-carb alternative.

Pair your Greek Chicken Burgers with a side of Greek salad for a vibrant and nutritious addition to the meal, or opt for roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries for a comforting side. These burgers are perfect for a casual dinner, a summer cookout, or meal prepping for the week.

Nutritional Benefits

Greek Chicken Burgers are a nutritious choice, providing a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. With around 300 calories per serving, they are a filling yet light option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without overindulging. The lean ground chicken offers a high-protein base, while the feta cheese provides healthy fats and calcium. The fresh vegetables, herbs, and lemon juice contribute additional nutrients and antioxidants, making these burgers not only tasty but also health-conscious. The addition of tzatziki sauce adds a creamy component without overwhelming the burger’s fresh flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek Chicken Burgers are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and drinks. For a more traditional Mediterranean meal, serve the burgers with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy potatoes. A refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of white wine complements the vibrant flavors of the burger. If you’re preparing these burgers for meal prep, they can be stored in the fridge for several days and enjoyed as an easy, healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Conclusion: A Fresh Take on a Classic Burger

In conclusion, Greek Chicken Burgers offer a fresh, healthy, and flavorful twist on the traditional beef burger. With their blend of Mediterranean ingredients like feta, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, these juicy chicken patties are both satisfying and customizable. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or baking, these burgers are quick to prepare and perfect for any meal occasion. Paired with tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies, Greek Chicken Burgers are a delightful and nutritious option that will please anyone craving a flavorful, lighter alternative to a classic burger.