Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit different from your usual burger night, you’ve got to try my Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe. These burgers are juicy, packed with tasty greens, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella that pulls apart just right. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will be asking for them on repeat. So, let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavor Profile: The chicken’s mildness is perfectly matched with fresh spinach, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic pesto for a burger that’s anything but boring.
  • Healthy Yet Satisfying: Using lean ground chicken keeps these burgers lighter than traditional beef without sacrificing juiciness.
  • Simple, No-Fuss Cooking: These burgers come together in less than 30 minutes — great for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • Customizable: Easily tweak toppings and cooking methods to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe harmonize beautifully — the lean chicken provides a clean canvas, spinach adds moisture and nutrients, while mozzarella brings melty cheesiness you can’t resist. Plus, a bit of pesto and garlic amps up the flavor without any heaviness.

Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella, healthy chicken burger recipes, easy spinach burger ideas, cheesy chicken burger recipes, nutritious burger dishes - 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 use 90-93% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and subtle earthiness that keeps the burgers tender.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Choose shredded for easy mixing or sliced for melting on top.
  • Pesto: A little goes a long way to boost flavor naturally without extra salt.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic lends bright aroma and depth.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper: Basic seasoning essentials to enhance all tastes.
  • Canola oil: Good for cooking since it handles medium-high heat without smoking.
  • Burger buns and toppings: Whole wheat buns add nutty flavor; pick your favorite fresh toppings to complement.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe is the freedom to make it your own. I often sneak in extras or switch up toppings depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—so don’t be shy to play around!

  • Variation: Adding sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil on my burger gives it a Mediterranean twist that my family loves.
  • Low-carb swap: Skipping the bun and wrapping the patty in crisp lettuce keeps it light without sacrificing flavor.
  • Grilling: Cooking these on the grill adds a smoky char I find irresistible during summer cookouts.
  • Spice it up: Mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat for when you want a little kick.

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

Step 1: Mix the Magic

Start by tossing your ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, a dollop of pesto, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into a bowl. I like to use a fork first to break up the chicken, then get in there with clean hands to fold everything together gently — you want it mixed but not mushy. Overworking the meat makes the burger tough, so mix just until combined.

Step 2: Shape Your Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form patties about half an inch thick. I find this thickness cooks evenly and stays juicy without drying out. If the mixture feels sticky, a light mist of water on your hands helps you shape patties without mushiness.

Step 3: Pan Sear to Perfection

Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add canola oil. When the oil shimmers, place your patties in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them — if they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat. When flipping, if you want extra melty mozzarella, add sliced cheese on top so it melts gently as the burger finishes cooking.

Step 4: Let Them Rest

Once cooked through, remove the patties from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. This little wait helps the juices redistribute, so when you bite in, it’s juicy and tender. Then, assemble your burgers with your favorite buns and toppings — and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined is key to tender burgers — I’ve learned this the hard way with dense patties before!
  • Use Pesto Wisely: A tablespoon of pesto inside the patty adds a punch of flavor without overwhelming the chicken.
  • Let Burgers Rest: Taking a few minutes after cooking locks in moisture — it really elevates the juicy factor.
  • Watch Your Heat: Medium-high is great for a nice sear, but too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw; adjust as needed.

How to Serve Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe

Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella, healthy chicken burger recipes, easy spinach burger ideas, cheesy chicken burger recipes, nutritious burger dishes - 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 my burgers with fresh basil leaves, ripe tomato slices, and a generous spoonful of pesto — it highlights the Italian-inspired flavors perfectly. Sometimes, I add a handful of arugula for a peppery crunch that balances the creamy mozzarella. It’s simple but feels so gourmet.

Side Dishes

These burgers pair beautifully with sweet potato fries or a crisp garden salad on the side. When I want something cozy, roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes work wonders. If you’re after something lighter, a tangy cucumber and dill salad is a refreshing companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these burgers open-faced on artisan breads with drizzles of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. They also make fantastic sliders if you’re hosting a casual game day party — just halve the patties and add mini buns.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I wrap leftover burgers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe holds moisture well, so reheated burgers still taste almost as fresh as when first made.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these patties uncooked—just shape them first, then freeze on a tray until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Cooking them straight from frozen takes a couple extra minutes but the flavor stays great!

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water and a lid to steam gently, or warm in the oven wrapped in foil. Microwaving works, too, but can dry out the burger if you’re not careful—less is more!

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?

    Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, you could swap in provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well so your burgers stay juicy and cheesy.

  2. Is it okay to bake or grill these burgers instead of pan-frying?

    Yes! Pan-frying gives you great control and a nice sear, but baking at 375°F for about 20 minutes or grilling over medium heat works well, too. Just watch closely to avoid drying out since chicken cooks faster than beef.

  3. How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?

    Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into a patty—the juices should run clear, and there shouldn’t be any pink inside. Cooking times can vary depending on patty thickness.

  4. Can I prepare the burger mixture in advance?

    Yes, you can mix everything and shape patties a few hours ahead, then keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook. Just make sure to cook and consume within 24 hours for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe holds a special spot in my meal rotation because it’s quick, nourishing, and always hits the spot with just the right flair of Italian flavors. I recommend you give it a go when you want something healthier than your usual burger but just as satisfying. Grab these ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy a burger night that feels both comforting and a little bit special. You’ll thank me later!

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Chicken Spinach Burgers with Mozzarella Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

These chicken spinach burgers combine lean ground chicken with fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, and pesto for a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic burger. Cooked quickly on the stovetop and perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, they can be served on whole wheat buns or as low-carb lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.


Ingredients

Main 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

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

For Serving

  • Whole wheat burger buns
  • Desired toppings such as extra mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, lettuce wraps


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, pesto, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix gently first with a fork, then use your hands to bring everything together until just combined without overworking the meat.
  2. Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty approximately ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
  3. Heat the Pan: Warm a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Cook the Burgers: Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop a good sear. Carefully flip the burgers and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and they are cooked through. If adding slice cheese, place it on the patties after flipping to melt during the final cooking.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the burgers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. Serve on whole wheat buns or as lettuce wraps with your choice of toppings like extra mozzarella, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil.

Notes

  • Use lean ground chicken (90-93% lean) for better flavor; 99% lean can be too bland.
  • You can make your own ground chicken by pulsing raw chicken breasts in a food processor until finely chopped.
  • For extra flavor, add a dollop of pesto or extra melted mozzarella on top of the cooked burgers.
  • Additional Italian toppings like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil complement the flavors perfectly.
  • Though the recipe uses stovetop cooking, these burgers can be cooked on a grill if preferred.
  • Serve on regular buns or opt for lettuce wraps to keep the dish low carb and gluten free.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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