Description
Juicy Spinach Chicken Burgers with Pesto and Mozzarella are a quick and healthy meal combining lean ground chicken, fresh spinach, aromatic basil pesto, and creamy mozzarella cheese. These flavorful burgers are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, rinsed, chopped, and drained
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 soft burger buns (gluten-free if preferred)
- Tomato slices
- Lettuce leaves
- Extra basil pesto
Instructions
- Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly and chop finely. Lightly sauté or blanch the spinach to remove excess moisture, then pat dry completely to prevent soggy patties.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and pesto until well incorporated but not overmixed.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Form each portion into a round patty about ¾ inch thick, making a slight indentation in the center for even cooking.
- Heat a grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. Cook each patty for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). During the last minute, place a slice of mozzarella on each patty and cover the pan to melt the cheese perfectly.
- Lightly toast the burger buns. Spread a generous layer of pesto on the bottom buns, add the cooked patties topped with melted mozzarella, then add desired toppings like tomato and lettuce. Cover with the top buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Spinach Chicken Burgers, Pesto, Mozzarella, Healthy Burgers