Greek Ground Chicken Burger: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Greek ground chicken burger: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, right from your very own kitchen! Forget everything you thought you knew about burgers because this isn’t your average backyard barbecue fare. We’re talking about a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to a taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea.

While the classic American burger holds a special place in our hearts, this Greek-inspired twist offers a lighter, brighter, and equally satisfying alternative. Ground meat patties have been enjoyed for centuries across various cultures, but the Greek influence brings a unique blend of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients that elevate the humble burger to new heights. Think of it as a deconstructed souvlaki, reimagined for the modern palate.

What makes this Greek ground chicken burger so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of lean ground chicken, infused with the vibrant flavors of oregano, mint, garlic, and lemon. The texture is incredibly juicy and tender, and the toppings – creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta cheese – create a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. So, ditch the beef and get ready to experience a burger that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground chicken
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crispness)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 4 hamburger buns

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (optional):

• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• Lettuce (Romaine or butter lettuce recommended)
• Roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)

Instructions:

Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. First, let’s get the Tzatziki sauce out of the way. This will give the flavors time to meld while we prepare the burgers. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you squeeze out as much excess water as possible – this is crucial to prevent a watery sauce!), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with a pinch of each and then adjust as needed. Remember, the feta in the burgers is already salty, so don’t overdo it!
3. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour or two. This allows the flavors to really develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Preparing the Chicken Burgers:

1. Now, let’s move on to the main event: the chicken burgers! In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Important: Don’t overmix the mixture! Overmixing will result in tough burgers. Just gently combine the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. I like to use my hands for this, but you can also use a wooden spoon or spatula.
3. Once the mixture is combined, divide it into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help prevent the burgers from puffing up too much in the center while cooking.
4. Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during cooking. You can even refrigerate them for a few hours if you’re preparing them ahead of time.

Cooking the Chicken Burgers:

1. There are several ways to cook these burgers, and I’ll walk you through my preferred methods. You can grill them, pan-fry them, or bake them.

Grilling:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken burgers on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
3. Tip: Avoid pressing down on the burgers while they are grilling, as this will squeeze out the juices and make them dry.
4. Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy burger.

Pan-Frying:

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken burgers in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Tip: If the burgers are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the chicken burgers on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Once the burgers are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Assembling the Burgers:

1. While the burgers are cooking, prepare your buns and toppings. Lightly toast the hamburger buns if desired.
2. Spread a generous amount of Tzatziki sauce on the top and bottom buns.
3. Place a cooked chicken burger on the bottom bun.
4. Top with your desired toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, lettuce, and roasted red peppers.
5. Place the top bun on the burger and serve immediately.
6. Enjoy your delicious and healthy Greek ground chicken burger! I love serving these with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes. They’re also great for meal prepping – just cook the burgers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This Greek ground chicken burger recipe isn’t just another burger; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The combination of lean ground chicken, vibrant Mediterranean herbs, tangy feta, and that creamy, cool tzatziki sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched taverna. It’s healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing option for your next barbecue.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. While I’ve presented my favorite combination of ingredients, feel free to experiment and make it your own! Craving a little extra heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. Want to boost the veggie content? Finely dice some cucumber, bell pepper, or even spinach and mix it right in. For a lighter option, skip the bun altogether and serve the burger patties over a bed of mixed greens with a generous dollop of tzatziki. Alternatively, you could wrap the patties in warm pita bread with your favorite toppings for a delicious and portable lunch.

Speaking of serving suggestions, these Greek ground chicken burgers pair perfectly with a variety of sides. A classic Greek salad, complete with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and a tangy vinaigrette, is always a winning choice. Roasted lemon potatoes add a comforting and flavorful element to the meal. For something a little lighter, consider serving them with grilled asparagus or a simple quinoa salad. And don’t forget the tzatziki! It’s not just a topping for the burger; it’s also a fantastic dip for vegetables, pita bread, or even sweet potato fries.

I’ve found that this recipe is also incredibly adaptable to different dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free buns or serve the burgers without any bread at all. If you’re watching your dairy intake, you can easily substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether. The tzatziki sauce can also be made with dairy-free yogurt, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.

I truly believe that this Greek ground chicken burger recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or the stovetop!), and get ready to experience burger bliss.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve made it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and most importantly, how much you enjoyed it. Sharing your experiences helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this fantastic recipe. Happy cooking!