Name: Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground chicken (about 90% lean); ½ cup chopped fresh spinach; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon pesto; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon canola oil; Whole wheat burger buns; Desired toppings (such as extra mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, lettuce for wraps)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 3 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit different from your typical burger night, this Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with juicy chicken, tender spinach, melty mozzarella, and a punch of pesto that makes every bite sing. Trust me, once you try this, regular burgers might not stand a chance. I can’t wait to share this crowd-pleaser with you!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced flavors: The pesto and mozzarella add rich, savory notes that bring the mild chicken and fresh spinach to life.
Healthy and hearty: Lean ground chicken keeps it light without sacrificing juiciness or texture.
Simple, no-fuss prep: Just mix, form, and cook—no fancy techniques or equipment needed.
Versatile serving options: Eat it bun-style, wrapped in lettuce, or on a low-carb plate—you choose your vibe.

Spinach Chicken Burgers, healthy chicken burger recipe, easy spinach burger patties, juicy chicken burger ideas, pesto chicken burger - A burger sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath, showing four main layers. The bottom layer is a light golden brown bun with a soft texture, topped with a fresh, bright green leaf of lettuce. Above the lettuce is a thick, red slice of tomato. On top of the tomato is a grilled patty with a slightly browned and textured surface, covered with melted white cheese that softly drapes over the edges. The top layer is a generous amount of green pesto sauce spread on the melted cheese. The top half of the bun is placed slightly behind the plate. In the background, to the right, there is a white bowl filled with the same green pesto sauce, and a green cloth is draped partly under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe plays a purposeful role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that make these burgers unforgettable. Here’s a quick look at what’s inside and why I reach for them.

Spinach Chicken Burgers, healthy chicken burger recipe, easy spinach burger patties, juicy chicken burger ideas, pesto chicken burger - Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground chicken, a small pile of bright chopped fresh spinach, a small heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of vivid green pesto sauce, two whole garlic bulbs with papery skins, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of golden canola oil placed symmetrically, all arranged in perfect balance on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground chicken: Choosing around 90-93% lean ensures the burgers stay juicy but not greasy; super lean chicken can be a bit bland.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, moisture, and a subtle earthiness that keeps these burgers bright and nutritious.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside, making every bite gooey and comforting without overpowering.
Pesto: The secret star that infuses each patty with herbal, garlicky goodness and a punch of flavor.
Garlic: A little goes a long way here, amplifying the savory depth of the burgers.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together without being overbearing.
Canola oil (for cooking): With a high smoke point, it’s perfect for cooking without adding unwanted flavors.
Burger buns and toppings: Choose whole wheat buns for a nutty flavor and hearty texture or switch to lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe lends itself to tweaks—whether you’re craving Italian vibes, a cheese-loaded feast, or a quick low-carb meal. Feel free to make it your own, and don’t be shy about experimenting with your favorite flavors.

Add-ins: I sometimes toss in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to amp up those Italian flavors—it’s like a caprese burger on steroids!
Cheese swaps: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, Swiss or provolone both melt nicely and give a slightly different twist.
Cooking methods: While I usually pan-fry these, grilling adds a lovely smoky touch—just be gentle because ground chicken can get dry if overcooked.
Serving style: For a low-carb version, I skip the bun and use big lettuce leaves instead. It’s refreshing and doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Magic

Start by tossing the ground chicken, chopped fresh spinach, shredded mozzarella, pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper into a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork initially to break things up, then switch to your hands to gently combine everything. Don’t overmix here—just enough so the ingredients hold together. Overworking the meat can make your burgers tough, and nobody wants that!

Step 2: Shape Your Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. I find shaping them into roughly half-inch-thick patties works perfectly—they cook evenly and stay nice and juicy inside. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook at the same rate. If it’s tricky to keep them from sticking to your hands, lightly wet your palms or sprinkle a bit of flour.

Step 3: Time to Cook

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add that tablespoon of canola oil. Once shimmering, place your patties in the pan. Give them about 5-6 minutes on one side without poking or pressing them; this helps build a golden crust. Then flip carefully, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until fully cooked through. You can check by cutting into one or using a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F for safety. If you want some extra cheesy goodness, add a slice of mozzarella right after flipping the burgers so it melts beautifully.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let your burgers rest on a plate for a few minutes—this keeps all the juices inside, so every bite is deliciously moist. Then pile on your favorite buns and toppings, or wrap them in lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t overmix the meat: This keeps the burgers tender instead of dense or rubbery.
Use fresh spinach only: Frozen tends to release too much water and mess with burger texture.
Keep a close eye on the heat: If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
Let burgers rest: This helps flavors settle in and juices redistribute for the best eating experience.

How to Serve Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe

Spinach Chicken Burgers, healthy chicken burger recipe, easy spinach burger patties, juicy chicken burger ideas, pesto chicken burger - A sandwich held by two woman's hands shows five clear layers: at the bottom, a white bun with a soft texture; above it, a bright green lettuce leaf with smooth edges; next, a thick slice of red tomato with a juicy look; on top of the tomato sits a cooked patty with bits of green herbs mixed in and covered by melted white cheese with a slightly bubbly surface; finishing the sandwich is the top white bun, golden brown and slightly textured. The sandwich rests on a plain white plate, set on a white marbled surface with a light green cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top these burgers with extra mozzarella slices melted right on, plus a dollop of pesto to punch up those herbal notes. For freshness, ripe tomato slices and crisp lettuce add great contrast. Some thinly sliced red onion or even a few sun-dried tomatoes make for a nice Italian-inspired twist, too.

Side Dishes

Pair these burgers with sweet potato fries or a simple side salad with a balsamic vinaigrette for a healthy, balanced meal. On casual days, I love serving them alongside roasted veggies or even a quinoa salad for some extra texture and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, try mini slider versions with bite-sized buns—perfect for sharing. Another idea I adore is serving the burgers open-faced on toasted ciabatta with a drizzle of basil oil and a sprinkle of parmesan—looks impressive and tastes absolutely divine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and sometimes I do!), I usually store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled down before refrigerating to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the patties pre-cooked and after cooling them down completely, wrapped individually in plastic wrap, then stored in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep the burgers juicy when reheating, I warm them slowly in a pan over low heat or pop them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can dry them out quickly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach in this Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe?

While you can use frozen spinach, I don’t recommend it because frozen spinach has extra water that can make the burger mixture soggy and harder to form. If you do use it, be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing.
What’s the best way to prevent chicken burgers from falling apart?

Make sure you don’t overmix the ingredients and keep the patties a bit compact but not too dense. Also, using a binder like the mozzarella cheese inside helps hold things together. Cooking over medium heat without pressing down on the patties while cooking also keeps them intact.
Can I make these burgers spicy?

Absolutely! Try adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mix for a kick. You can also spice up your toppings with pepper jack cheese or a chipotle mayo.
Is it okay to grill these chicken spinach burgers?

Yes, grilling works wonderfully and adds a smoky flavor. Just be gentle and avoid flipping too often, and consider making the patties a little thicker so they don’t dry out quickly on the grill.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, flavorful, and feels a little special without much hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals, and I love how it’s healthy enough not to feel like an indulgence. I really hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as my family and I have—they might just be your new go-to burger, too!