Best White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a new way to bring more flavor and nutrition into your weeknight dinners—without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share these White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers with you today. They’re juicy, packed with wholesome ingredients, and offer a fun, flavorful change from the usual beef burger routine.

I actually first started making these on a whim when I had leftover ground chicken and a small handful of spinach wilting in the fridge. I tossed them together, added a little white cheddar, and wow—total game changer. These burgers are now a staple in our house, especially when grilling season rolls around. Whether you’re making them on the stovetop or out on the grill, they always come out juicy and delicious.

What I really love about these is that they’re light but still hearty, thanks to the protein-rich chicken and melty cheddar. The spinach adds a bit of freshness, and the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce give just enough of that tangy, savory kick. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead and store, making them a go-to option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

So if you’re in the mood for something comforting but still a bit elevated, you’re going to want to give these a try. Let’s get into the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 450 g ground chicken

• 100 g fresh spinach, finely chopped

• 60 g white cheddar cheese, shredded

• 25 g breadcrumbs

• 40 g onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 15 ml Dijon mustard

• 5 ml Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Olive oil, for cooking

For Serving

• 4 burger buns

• Lettuce leaves (optional)

• Tomato slices (optional)

• Additional white cheddar cheese (optional)

STEP 1: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Be sure not to overwork the mixture—just mix until everything is evenly combined. Overmixing can make the patties tough, and we definitely want these to stay tender and juicy.

Tip: If you’re using pre-washed spinach, give it a quick rough chop so it blends evenly through the patties.

STEP 2: Shape the Patties

Once your mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. With clean hands, shape each portion into a patty that’s about 1.5 cm thick.

Here’s a little trick I use every time I make burgers: press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them stay flat while cooking instead of puffing up in the middle.

Optional Prep Tip: If you’re prepping these ahead, you can lay the shaped patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for a few hours—or even freeze them at this stage for future use.

STEP 3: Time to Cook

Now that your patties are ready, it’s time to get cooking. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and drizzle in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Place the patties in the hot pan, making sure there’s space between each one. Cook them for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the outside is beautifully golden and the internal temperature hits 75°C.

If you’re grilling outdoors, this recipe works just as well over medium heat on a clean, oiled grill grate.

Note: Chicken burgers can sometimes cook unevenly if your pan’s too hot, so aim for medium heat and don’t rush the flip!

We’re back to finish off these amazing White Cheddar & Spinach Chicken Burgers—and if your kitchen already smells incredible from the first steps, just wait until we assemble these beauties. In Part 1, we covered mixing and shaping the patties, and getting them cooked to golden, juicy perfection. Now, let’s move on to resting the patties, building the burgers, and exploring some simple ways to really make this meal your own.

Whether you’re cooking these for a casual family dinner or serving them at a backyard BBQ, this recipe hits that perfect balance between comforting and fresh. And the best part? You can keep it super simple or go all out with your toppings and sides—it’s totally up to you.

Let’s finish building these burgers!

STEP 4: Let the Patties Rest

Once your patties are fully cooked, carefully transfer them to a plate and let them rest for about 3 to 5 minutes. This is an important step—just like with steak or roast chicken, letting the meat rest allows the juices to redistribute, so each bite stays tender and flavorful.

Pro Tip: Tent the plate loosely with foil to keep the burgers warm while you get everything else ready. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

STEP 5: Assemble Your Burgers

Now for the fun part—building your burgers!

Start with your toasted burger buns (a quick minute or two on the grill or in the skillet adds the perfect bit of crunch). Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun if you like, then add your juicy white cheddar & spinach chicken patty.

Top it off with tomato slices, maybe an extra slice of white cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent, and finish with the top bun.

That’s it—you’re ready to eat!

Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Burger

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is when it comes to toppings and sauces. If you’re in the mood to switch things up, here are a few tried-and-true combos we love:

• Avocado slices + garlic aioli – Creamy and full of flavor.

• Pickled red onions + arugula – Adds a nice peppery tang.

• Spicy mayo + crispy bacon – For when you want a little kick and crunch.

• Honey mustard + baby spinach – Brings out the sweetness of the cheddar.

You can also keep it simple with just lettuce and tomato—these burgers have so much built-in flavor, they really don’t need much.

Sides That Pair Perfectly

These burgers are hearty enough to stand on their own, but if you’re making a full meal, here are a few great sides to serve with them:

• Sweet potato fries – Crispy, salty, and a little sweet.

• Crisp green salad – Keep it light and fresh.

• Grilled corn on the cob – Classic summer vibes.

• Potato wedges or chips – Always a hit with kids and adults alike.

You can also slice the patties and serve them over a grain bowl or salad if you’re looking for a lower-carb option. They’re just as tasty that way.

Make-Ahead Tips & Freezer Instructions

These chicken burgers are super meal-prep friendly. Here’s how you can get ahead of the game:

• To refrigerate (before cooking): Shape the patties and store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

• To freeze (before cooking): Wrap each raw patty individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling or pan-searing.

• To reheat (after cooking): Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

These burgers also hold up great for lunch the next day—just wrap them up with your favorite toppings and pop them in your lunchbox.