Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Chicken Burger
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this Spinach & Feta Chicken Burger. This satisfying and healthy dish combines ground chicken or turkey with fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for summer barbecues or a weeknight dinner, these burgers are both nutritious and incredibly filling. Top them off with your favorite fresh veggies and serve on a toasted bun for a delightful gastronomic experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (divided)
butter
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
red onion
1 (chopped, reserve half for topping)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (defrosted and squeezed dry)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
feta cheese
1/4 pound (crumbled)
ground chicken or turkey
1 1/3 pounds (1 package)
Montreal steak seasoning
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
2
Once the butter has melted, add the chopped garlic and half of the chopped red onion. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the garlic and onion mixture to a bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
4
While the mixture is cooling, wring the defrosted spinach to remove excess moisture by twisting it in a clean kitchen towel over the sink. Ensuring the spinach is dry is crucial for the burger mixture.
5
Add the prepared spinach to the bowl containing the cooled garlic and onion. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and mix well.
6
Incorporate 1/4 pound of crumbled feta cheese, followed by the ground chicken or turkey and the McCormick's Montreal seasoning. Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil for added moisture, and mix everything together until well combined.
7
Form the mixture into 4 equally-sized patties, approximately 1 inch thick.
8
Increase the heat on the skillet to medium-high. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown.
9
Once cooked, place the patties on toasted buns and top with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, olives, and the remaining half of the red onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mediterranean Spinach & Feta Chicken Burger?
It is a healthy and flavorful burger made by combining ground chicken or turkey with fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
What type of meat can be used for these burgers?
You can use either ground chicken or ground turkey for this recipe.
How should the frozen spinach be prepared?
The frozen spinach should be defrosted and then wrung out in a clean kitchen towel to remove all excess moisture.
Why is it important to squeeze the spinach dry?
Ensuring the spinach is dry is crucial to prevent the burger mixture from becoming too wet, which helps the patties hold their shape.
What seasonings are used in the burger patty?
The recipe uses dried oregano and McCormick's Montreal steak seasoning for a savory, aromatic flavor.
How are the garlic and onions prepared for the mixture?
They are chopped and sautéed in a skillet with olive oil and butter for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Should the sautéed vegetables be cooled before mixing?
Yes, you should allow the garlic and onion mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the ground meat and cheese.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 pound of crumbled feta cheese.
How many patties does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to form 4 equally-sized patties.
How thick should the chicken burger patties be?
The patties should be formed to approximately 1 inch in thickness.
What is the cooking time for these burgers?
Cook the patties for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the burgers are done?
They are ready when they are fully cooked through and have reached a golden brown color on the outside.
What heat setting should I use to cook the patties?
The skillet should be set to medium-high heat for cooking the burgers.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both sautéing the vegetables and adding moisture to the meat mixture.
How is the red onion used in this recipe?
Half of the red onion is sautéed and mixed into the burger, while the other half is reserved as a fresh topping.
What are the recommended burger toppings?
Suggested toppings include fresh lettuce, tomato slices, olives, and raw red onion.
Should the buns be toasted?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the patties on toasted buns for the best experience.
Can these burgers be grilled?
While the instructions specify a skillet, these burgers are also perfect for summer barbecues and can be prepared on a grill.
How much ground chicken or turkey is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/3 pounds of ground poultry, which is typically one standard package.
What kind of pan is recommended for cooking?
A large nonstick skillet is ideal for sautéing the vegetables and frying the patties.
Is butter used in the burger?
One tablespoon of butter is used to sauté the garlic and onion, adding richness to the flavor base.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What makes this burger 'Mediterranean'?
The combination of spinach, feta cheese, oregano, olives, and olive oil provides a distinct Mediterranean flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered a light meal?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and light yet filling meal.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is heating a large nonstick skillet over medium heat with olive oil and butter.
How do you add moisture to the meat mixture?
In addition to the sautéed vegetables, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is added directly to the meat mixture.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
The recipe specifies frozen spinach (10 oz), but if using fresh, it should be cooked down and squeezed dry to match the texture.
What should I serve with these burgers?
They pair well with fresh veggies, olives, or a side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Is the oregano fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
When should I serve the burgers?
They should be served immediately after assembly while the patties and buns are still warm.