Ingredients
Feta Cheese Spread
- 2 ounces feta cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2%)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup English cucumber, finely chopped (about 3 ½ ounces)
- 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (½ a lemon, juiced)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Dash of freshly ground pepper
Chicken Burgers
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed to remove all liquid
- 1 pound ground chicken, 93% lean
- 4 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
- ¼ cup almond meal or breadcrumbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 4 brioche buns (see note for low carb / low cal / keto option)
Chicken Burger Toppings
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- Green leaf lettuce, washed and dried
- English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Feta Cheese Spread: Combine all ingredients for the feta cheese spread in a small bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and if lumps remain, microwave an additional 15-30 seconds until creamy. Alternatively, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. The spread can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: Mix together all tzatziki sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate. This sauce can also be prepared a day before to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the Spinach: Thaw frozen spinach in the microwave and let cool. Squeeze thoroughly to remove all excess liquid, ensuring the burger mixture is not soggy.
- Mix Burger Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, squeezed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, almond meal or breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Shape mixture into four equal-sized patties.
- Preheat Grill and Prepare Smoke (Optional): Preheat grill to 450°F (232°C). If using mesquite smoke chips, place them in a smoker box on the heat for about 7 minutes until smoke begins.
- Grill Burgers: Spray both sides of the patties with grilling spray to prevent sticking. Grill for 5 minutes on the first side. Flip and grill for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread feta cheese spread on the inside of brioche buns. Place the cooked chicken burger on the bun, add tomato slices, lettuce, cucumber, and red onion. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the burger and serve immediately.
- Alternative Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken burger on a bed of lettuce, as a lettuce wrap, or inside a pita bread with the same toppings for variety.
Notes
- Brioche buns can be swapped for low carb, low calorie, or keto-friendly options for dietary preferences.
- Both the feta cheese spread and tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day ahead to save time and enhance flavors.
- Ensure all liquid is squeezed out from thawed spinach to prevent soggy burgers.
- Using a meat thermometer is recommended to check that chicken burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat