Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (90% lean/10% fat)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or ½ cup thawed, squeezed dry frozen spinach)
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded white cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray, for cooking
  • 4 burger buns (brioche, sesame seed, or your favourite)
  • Lettuce leaves (Romaine, butter lettuce, or your favourite)
  • Sliced tomato
  • Sliced red onion
  • Pickles (dill or sweet)
  • Mayonnaise, mustard, or other preferred condiments

Instructions:

  1. If using fresh spinach, sauté in olive oil until wilted. Cool slightly and chop finely. If using frozen, thaw, squeeze dry, and chop.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, spinach, white cheddar, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional Dijon/Worcestershire. Avoid overmixing.
  3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Form into patties, about ¾ inch thick.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optional: Add extra cheese in the last minute to melt.
  5. Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill patties for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optional: Add extra cheese in the last minute to melt.
  6. Place patties on toasted buns and top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and your favourite condiments.