Easy Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers (freezer friendly!)
These Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers are the perfect easy summer dinner. What I love about this 30 Minute Dinner is that you can easily prep these juicy, flavorful chicken burgers for now or freeze them for later.
I’ve been making these for years when I want something healthier than a traditional burger but still super satisfying and they make amazing leftovers. The feta keeps the burgers flavorful and tender, while the spinach & parsley adds extra greens without much effort.
If you like this dish, you should try my Southwest Turkey Burgers, BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad, or Garlicky Kale Steak and Couscous Salad.
Why You Will Love This Dinner
Easy cooking
Simple ingredients and easy prep make these great for busy nights.
Healthy ingredients
Packed with lean protein, greens, and fresh herbs.
Versatile meal
Serve on buns, lettuce wraps, or over salads.
Ingredients
Ground chicken – A lean, high-protein base for the burgers.
Spinach – Adds extra greens and moisture.
Feta cheese – Brings salty, creamy flavor throughout the burgers.
Lemon zest – Brightens all the flavors.
Breadcrumbs – Help bind the burgers and keep them tender.
Fresh Parsley – Add fresh flavor and a summery feel.
Egg – Helps hold everything together.
Garlic powder – Adds savory flavor.
Kosher salt & black pepper – Enhance all the flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
Use turkey instead:
Ground turkey works great too.
Make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
Swap the herbs:
basil or dill also work well.
Make it spicy:
Add crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve low-carb:
Use lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Instructions
- Prep spinach: Finely chop spinach and parsley and pat dry if needed to remove excess moisture.
- Mix burgers: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, feta, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Form patties: Divide mixture into 4 patties slightly larger than your buns.
- Chill: Place patties on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This helps them stay together during cooking.
- Cook burgers: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Spray burgers lightly with cooking spray and cook about 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toast buns: Toast buns until lightly golden.
- Assemble burgers: Spread mayo or tzatziki on buns, add burgers, and top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips and Notes
- Chilling the patties helps them stay together while cooking.
- Don’t overmix the chicken mixture or the burgers can become dense.
- Spray the burgers lightly with cooking spray before grilling for the best texture.
- Feta adds saltiness, so taste carefully before adding extra salt.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! You can prep the patties up to 48 hours ahead.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely, freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Can I cook these on the stovetop?
Yes, a skillet works great if you don’t want to grill.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted potatoes or fries
- Pair with a watermelon feta salad
- Add avocado or cucumber for freshness
- Serve over greens for a burger bowl
Freezer Instructions
1. Cool completely.
Never freeze hot food. Let it cool completely first (you can even refrigerate it overnight). Before sealing, wipe away any condensation inside the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Portion it for real life.
Freeze the amount you'll actually use. If your family won't eat a whole casserole in one night, divide it into smaller portions instead. Smaller portions also thaw much faster.
3. Leave a little room.
Don't fill containers all the way to the top, foods expand slightly as they freeze.
4. Label everything.
Write the recipe name and the date on each container so you know exactly what's waiting in your freezer.
5. Freeze.
I love freezing meals in 2-cup silicone freezer cubes. They're the perfect size for lunches or small dinners, stack beautifully, and thaw much faster than one giant frozen block.
How to Reheat
For best results, transfer your meal to the refrigerator the night before.
If it's still a little frozen in the center, microwave on the Defrost setting in 5-minute intervals until it can be broken apart easily.
Then simply reheat like you would any leftovers:
- Bake casseroles in the oven.
- Warm soups, pasta, and skillet meals on the stovetop.
- Use the microwave for quick meals.
- The air fryer works great for foods that should stay crispy.
My favorite freezer rule: Reheat food the same way you originally cooked it whenever possible. It almost always gives you the best texture.
Storage Tip: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy freezer meals within about 3 months.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.
Tips:
Add a little extra lemon juice or sauce before serving leftovers to freshen the flavor.
I hope you are Over the Spoon for this recipe!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a review or a star rating below
Chicken Feta Spinach Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- ⅓ cup panko or Italian breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Finely chop spinach and pat dry if needed.
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, herbs, egg yolk, garlic powder, pepper, and feta.
- Form into 4 burger patties.
- Refrigerate patties for at least 20 minutes.
- Grill or cook burgers for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Toast buns if desired.
- Assemble burgers with favorite toppings and serve.
These were so good!! Will be making on repeat