If you’re craving something lighter than your usual beef burger but still packed with flavor and a bit of green goodness, you have to try this Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe. These patties are juicy, tender, and loaded with fresh spinach and melty mozzarella — a true game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual weekend cookouts. I promise, once you make them, they’ll become one of your favorite quick meals to whip up!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor: The combo of spinach, mozzarella, and pesto adds layers of fresh, cheesy, and herby notes that really wake up the chicken.
Juicy Texture: Using 90% lean ground chicken keeps these burgers tender without drying out, which can happen with super lean varieties.
Simple & Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether in a whole wheat bun or wrapped in lettuce, these burgers adapt to your dietary preferences easily.

Chicken Spinach Burgers, healthy chicken burgers, spinach burger recipe, juicy chicken patties with spinach, quick weeknight dinner ideas - 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

The ingredients for this Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe come together in perfect harmony—each playing a role to keep the patties flavorful but healthy. Knowing a few insider tips about each can really help you nail texture and taste every time.

Chicken Spinach Burgers, healthy chicken burgers, spinach burger recipe, juicy chicken patties with spinach, quick weeknight dinner ideas - 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: I stick to 90%-93% lean to keep the burgers moist and flavorful; the ultra-lean stuff can be dry and bland.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a subtle earthy bite and a pop of green nutrition—it wilts down nicely in the patty without overpowering.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully inside, providing that dreamy gooey texture that keeps every bite satisfying.
Pesto: Just a spoonful amps up the herbal, garlicky goodness without complicating the recipe.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth—you’ll thank me for this boost in flavor.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to make sure every ingredient shines and the burgers aren’t bland.
Canola Oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for cooking the burgers evenly without burning.
Whole Wheat Buns & Toppings: Choose your favorite buns or go low-carb with lettuce wraps; the toppings are where you can really customize your burger.

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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

One of my favorite things about the Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you’re in the mood for or what you have in the fridge. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, or cooking methods to make it truly yours.

Variation: I’ve often swapped the mozzarella for feta when I want a tangier bite — it adds a nice Mediterranean twist that pairs perfectly with the pesto.
Low-Carb Option: Instead of buns, try wrapping these in crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, light alternative.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture can give your patties some heat if you enjoy spice.
Grilled Version: Whenever I have the grill fired up, these burgers go on it for a slightly smoky flavor and those lovely grill marks.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your fresh spinach and mincing the garlic so everything is ready to go. I like to get my cheese shredded and pesto measured out before combining the mixture. It keeps the process smooth and mess-free.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients

Place the ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, pesto, garlic, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl. Using a fork at first helps distribute everything evenly. Then, getting in with your hands lets you gently mix it all without overworking the meat—overmixing can make the burgers tough, and we definitely want to avoid that.

Step 3: Form and Chill the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each into a patty about half an inch thick. At this point, I sometimes pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if I have time — it helps them firm up and hold together while cooking, especially if your ground chicken is particularly soft.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

Heat your large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the canola oil. Once shimmering, lay your patties in the pan — avoid overcrowding them. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving to get a nice crust, then carefully flip. If you’re adding extra cheese on top (mozzarella really is my go-to), now’s the time so it can melt while the other side finishes cooking, which typically takes another 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on the heat to stop burning; adjust down if necessary.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let your freshly cooked burgers rest for a few minutes — this helps keep the juices locked inside. Then, assemble your chicken spinach burgers with your favorite buns and toppings. I love a dollop of extra pesto and some fresh basil leaves for that final flavor boost!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients without overworking the meat, or the burgers will be dense and dry.
Spinach Tip: Using fresh spinach chopped finely distributes the greens evenly so you don’t get big chunks in bites.
Check Temperature: Cook burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety when using ground chicken.
Rest Before Serving: This simple step keeps the patties juicy — skipping it made my burgers lose moisture in the past!

How to Serve Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe

Chicken Spinach Burgers, healthy chicken burgers, spinach burger recipe, juicy chicken patties with spinach, quick weeknight dinner ideas - 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’m all about keeping things fresh and flavorful on top. A spoonful of extra pesto, some sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, or even thinly sliced red onions work wonders here. If you like a little spice, a swipe of chipotle mayo adds a smoky kick that’s unbeatable.

Side Dishes

Why not pair these savory burgers with crisp sweet potato fries or a bright, tangy cucumber salad? Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini also complement the flavors nicely without feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or something a little extra, I’ve served these mini-sized as sliders on toasted brioche buns with a colorful beetroot slaw. They make perfect finger food and add a pop of color to your spread. Another fun idea is turning the burger into a bowl—with the patty crumbled over quinoa and topped with fresh veggies and a little drizzle of pesto.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the chicken spinach burgers cool completely then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well ensures the flavors stay fresh and the patties don’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these burgers cooked or uncooked. If freezing uncooked, separate patties with parchment paper and pop them in a freezer bag. Cooked patties freeze great too and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming them gently in a skillet over low heat with a lid on to keep moisture in — this way they stay juicy and the cheese inside stays melty. Microwaving works in a pinch, but try to avoid overcooking which dries out the chicken.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it in, so your patties don’t turn out soggy.
What if I don’t have pesto on hand?

No worries! You can substitute pesto with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a similar herby note.
How can I ensure the chicken burgers don’t fall apart?

Handle the mixture gently without overmixing, and if needed, chill the patties before cooking to help them firm up and stay intact.
Can I grill these chicken spinach burgers?

Yes! Just oil your grill grates well and watch the heat to prevent sticking. Cooking times are similar, but be careful flipping since chicken is more delicate than beef.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spinach Burgers Recipe holds a special spot in my weeknight rotation because it’s quick, satisfying, and a delicious way to sneak in some greens. I love sharing these with friends—they’re always surprised how juicy and flavorful chicken burgers can be when done right. Give this recipe a try and make it your go-to burger that’s both comforting and a little bit fresh. Trust me, you won’t look back!