Mediterranean Chicken Burger Patties

This Mediterranean-inspired twist on a classic burger combines fragrant herbs, vibrant vegetables, and lean ground chicken for a healthier yet incredibly flavorful meal. These Greek chicken burgers have become my go-to option whenever I want to bring those sunny vacation flavors to our dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first created these Greek chicken burgers when trying to recreate flavors from our family trip to Santorini. What began as a vacation-inspired experiment has turned into our most requested weekend lunch when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Creates a lighter burger with a neutral base that absorbs all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully
• Red onion: Adds a pleasant sharpness and beautiful color contrast
• Garlic cloves: Provide that essential aromatic foundation no Greek dish should be without
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Contribute intense sweet tanginess and umami depth
• Baby spinach: Incorporates vegetables directly into the patty while adding moisture
• Fresh dill: Brings that distinctive Greek flavor profile that transports you instantly to Mediterranean shores
• Dried oregano: Is the quintessential Greek herb that ties everything together
• Extra virgin olive oil: Ensures the patties stay juicy and develop a beautiful golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the burger patties:

Combine ground chicken, diced red onion, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped spinach, fresh dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined without overworking the meat. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties about 1-inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center to prevent the burgers from puffing up during cooking.

Cook the patties:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip once and cook for another 5 minutes on the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, grill the patties on a preheated grill for the same amount of time.

Assemble the chicken burger:

Place the cooked patties on a serving plate and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve on butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or on toasted buns. Top with tzatziki sauce, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, tomato, and avocado for a complete Mediterranean experience.

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The secret ingredient that truly elevates these burgers is the fresh dill. My grandmother always insisted that dill was the heart of Greek cooking, and when I take that first bite filled with its distinctive flavor, I can almost hear her voice telling me stories from her childhood in a small Greek village.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Greek chicken burgers are perfect for meal prep. After cooking, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For quick reheating, microwave for 60-90 seconds or warm in a skillet with a splash of water under a lid to prevent drying out.

For longer storage, freeze cooked patties separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

If you want to prepare these in advance for a party, you can form the raw patties up to 24 hours ahead. Place them with parchment paper between each patty in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Serving Suggestions

Create a complete Greek feast by serving these chicken burgers alongside homemade tzatziki, a crisp Greek salad with chunks of feta, and lemon-herb roasted potatoes. For an impressive presentation, set up a build-your-own burger bar with various Mediterranean toppings.

For a lighter meal, wrap these patties in large butter lettuce leaves instead of buns and add a drizzle of tahini sauce. The crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the savory burger.

These burgers also work beautifully sliced and served over a grain bowl with quinoa, cucumber, olives, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a satisfying lunch option.

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Make It Your Own

The beauty of these Greek chicken burgers lies in their versatility. Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken if you prefer. For a richer flavor profile, try using a mixture of ground lamb and chicken.

If you love cheese, consider mixing some crumbled feta directly into the patty mixture before cooking. The cheese will melt slightly and create pockets of creamy tang throughout the burger.

Allergic to certain ingredients? No problem. Skip the onions and add extra herbs, or replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I grill these chicken burgers instead of pan-frying?

Yes, these Greek chicken burgers work beautifully on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the patties for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.

→ What can I substitute for ground chicken?

Ground turkey is the best substitute for ground chicken in this recipe, maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile. Ground pork would also work well but will create a slightly richer burger. For a vegetarian option, you could use a plant-based meat substitute, though you might need to adjust the binding ingredients slightly.

→ How do I prevent the chicken burgers from falling apart?

To keep your Greek chicken burgers intact, make sure to thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined. Chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before cooking to help them set. When cooking, avoid flipping them too frequently, and only flip once the first side has developed a golden crust, which helps hold the patty together.

→ What's the best way to serve these Greek chicken burgers?

These versatile burgers can be served multiple ways. For a low-carb option, wrap them in butter lettuce leaves with tzatziki sauce and sliced vegetables. For a traditional burger, serve on toasted buns with tzatziki, feta cheese, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. They also work well in pita bread with Greek-inspired toppings or alongside a Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.

→ How do I make homemade tzatziki sauce?

To make tzatziki sauce, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 grated cucumber (squeezed of excess moisture), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, and salt to taste. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This creamy sauce perfectly complements the Greek flavors in the chicken burgers.

→ Can I make these burgers ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator with parchment paper between each patty. For longer storage, you can freeze the raw patties for up to 1 month or cook them first and freeze for up to 3 months. If serving at a party, you can cook them just before guests arrive and keep them warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) until ready to serve.