I absolutely love sharing this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe because it’s the perfect way to jazz up a classic chicken burger with a savory twist. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and sharp white cheddar creates a juicy, flavorful burger that’s so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but delicious, and now it’s become a family favorite in our house.
What makes this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe truly worth trying is how easily it balances fresh veggies with rich cheese, giving you a nutritious yet indulgent meal in one bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual lunch or hosting a weekend barbecue, you’ll find that these burgers hold up beautifully, stay juicy, and have just the right amount of cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you see how simple the process is, you’ll be making these all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and Flavorful: The blend of spinach and white cheddar in the chicken mix keeps these burgers moist and packed with flavor.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Minimal ingredients and simple prep make it a fast, fuss-free meal after a busy day.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite cheese or add extra spices to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: These burgers reheat wonderfully, making leftovers just as tasty the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe plays an important role, working together to deliver that perfect blend of texture and flavor. Choosing fresh spinach and good quality white cheddar really elevates the burger to the next level.
- Ground Chicken: Keeps the burger light but juicy; make sure it’s fresh for best flavor.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a fresh, earthy flavor and moisture—don’t skip washing it thoroughly.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy, it melts beautifully right inside the patties.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together and gives the right texture.
- Minced Garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the burgers with just a quick sauté or mixed raw.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, so your burgers hold their shape perfectly when cooking.
- Onion Powder and Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the burgers, helps create a golden crust and seals in juices.
Variations
I love making this White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe my own by swapping a few ingredients here and there. Feel free to personalize these burgers to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs—you can’t go wrong!
- Cheese Swap: I sometimes try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different melt and flavor—my kids love the spicy kick of pepper jack!
- Herbs Addition: Adding fresh basil or parsley brightens the burgers and gives them a garden-fresh vibe.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for binding, and you’re good to go.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give those burgers a little heat.
How to Make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Thoroughly
Start by washing and finely chopping your fresh spinach—this ensures it blends smoothly into the burger mix without big leafy chunks. Then, shred or crumble your white cheddar so it’s ready to mix. I like to have everything measured and prepped before mixing to make the process feel smooth and easy.
Step 2: Mix the Burger Ingredients Gently
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, shredded white cheddar, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix just until everything is evenly combined—avoid over-mixing or the burgers could turn out dense. I find that gently folding the ingredients keeps the texture light and juicy.
Step 3: Shape Patties with Care
Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into neat patties about the size of your burger buns. To avoid sticking, dampen your hands slightly before shaping. Press down gently in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up on the grill or pan.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a nice golden crust. During the last minute, feel free to add a slice of white cheddar on top so it melts beautifully. I always keep an eye on them to avoid drying out—juicy is the ultimate goal here!
Pro Tips for Making White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Egg: It’s a small addition but makes your patties hold together without drying out.
- Chop Spinach Fine: I learned this the hard way—large pieces can cause burgers to fall apart during cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To nail perfect doneness without guessing, keep your burgers juicy and safe.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow patties to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps juices redistribute for max flavor.
How to Serve White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these burgers with fresh slices of tomato, crisp lettuce, and a smear of garlic aioli or honey mustard sauce. The creamy condiments complement the sharp cheddar and add a lovely balance. Sometimes a few rings of red onion or pickles go on top for extra crunch and zing—you can’t go wrong with these classic burger toppers.
Side Dishes
When I serve these White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers, I usually pair them with crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. Roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw also work beautifully, especially if you want a refreshing contrast. My family goes crazy for the sweet potato fries because they bring a cozy, comforting vibe to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special weekend dinner, I’ve layered these burgers on toasted brioche buns and served them with colorful slaw and avocado slices for a gourmet twist. Another fun idea I tried was turning them into sliders for a casual party spread—mini versions that everyone loved nibbling on. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving brightens everything up and makes the plate camera-ready.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This recipe reheats really well, so you can enjoy a quick sandwich the next day with zero hassle. Just be sure to cool the burgers completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing these burgers is a lifesaver for busy weeks. After cooking and cooling, I place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw only what you need—just pop the frozen patty into a skillet on low heat for reheating. I’ve found that freezing doesn’t compromise the cheese melt or the spinach flavor at all.
Reheating
For reheating, I recommend using a pan over medium-low heat instead of the microwave to avoid drying out the burgers. Covering the pan briefly helps the cheese re-melt perfectly and keeps the chicken moist. If you’re in a rush, wrapping the burger in a damp paper towel and microwaving for about 45 seconds works too, but the skillet method always tastes better!
FAQs
-
Can I make White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the patties a day ahead, then refrigerate them. Just cover tightly and cook the next day for fresh, juicy burgers.
-
What’s the best way to prevent chicken burgers from drying out?
Using a good balance of moist ingredients like fresh spinach and cheese, plus not overcooking, is key. Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F and letting them rest before serving keeps them juicy.
-
Can I substitute ground turkey or beef in this recipe?
Definitely! Ground turkey offers a similar lean profile, while beef will give a richer flavor. Adjust your seasoning accordingly, as beef tends to be a bit fattier and more flavorful on its own.
-
How do I know when the burgers are fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check for 165°F inside. If you don’t have one, cut into a patty to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
-
Are these burgers good for meal prepping?
Yes! They store and reheat nicely, making them perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This White Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe has definitely won a special place in my recipe rotation because it strikes that elusive balance between healthy-ish and indulgently tasty. I love how simple it is to make yet impressive enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the melty white cheddar and fresh spinach combo as much as I do, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your home too!
PrintWhite Cheddar Spinach Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders (serves 4 people)
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings or casual lunches. Tender shredded chicken slow-cooked with spices, ranch seasoning, vinegar, and tangy BBQ sauce, piled high on sweet King’s Hawaiian slider rolls with melted Colby Jack and cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a buttery ranch topping baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 TBSP ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 1 TBSP vinegar
- BBQ Sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s, enough to cover chicken, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
Sliders and Toppings
- 1 (12 pack) King’s Hawaiian Slider rolls
- Sliced Colby Jack cheese (12 slices, one per slider bottom bun)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
- 6 strips cooked bacon
Butter Ranch Topping
- 4 TBSP butter (melted)
- 1 TBSP ranch dressing seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Spray the inside of a crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add minced garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, paprika, and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning over the chicken. Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, just enough to cover it evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken, shred it with forks, then stir the shredded chicken back into the juices and BBQ sauce in the crockpot. Add more BBQ sauce if desired for moisture and flavor.
- Assemble Sliders: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place a slice of Colby Jack cheese on the bottom halves of the rolls. Top each with a generous layer of shredded BBQ chicken, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Add one strip of cooked bacon per slider.
- Prepare Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning. Brush this mixture over the tops of the slider rolls.
- Bake Sliders: Place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden and buttery.
- Serve: Place the tops on the sliders and serve warm for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This recipe makes enough shredded BBQ chicken to easily fill two 12-packs of sliders, so you can scale up for larger groups.
- Use as much BBQ sauce as desired depending on your preference for sauciness.
- Precook bacon strips until crispy for best texture when adding to sliders.
- Leftover shredded BBQ chicken can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day as a lunch or another meal.
- To save time, you can prepare the shredded chicken a day ahead and assemble sliders before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sliders
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg