The Best Greek Chicken Burgers – Juicy, Herby & Mediterranean-Inspired

These Greek Chicken Burgers are bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor — packed with garlic, oregano, lemon, and studded with creamy feta cheese and chopped spinach. Juicy, flavorful, and anything but bland, they’re a lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers but just as satisfying.

Perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or air frying, these chicken burgers are a weeknight favorite that also feel special enough for weekend cookouts. Serve them in warm pita, burger buns, or lettuce wraps, topped with tzatziki, cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes for a fresh and vibrant meal.

They’re high in protein, easy to make, and pair beautifully with roasted potatoes, a Greek salad, or grilled veggies.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that bring these burgers to life and how to get the best out of them.

Ground Chicken

• Lean Ground Chicken (93% lean): Moist and flavorful. Avoid 99% lean breast-only ground chicken — it’s too dry.

• Tip: If using extra lean meat, add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or an egg yolk to prevent dryness.

Greek-Inspired Add-Ins

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled right into the mix for pockets of salty creaminess.

• Fresh Baby Spinach: Chopped finely — adds moisture, color, and nutrients without overpowering.

• Garlic & Onion: Finely grated or minced for a punch of flavor.

• Fresh Dill or Parsley: Brings brightness and traditional Mediterranean notes.

• Lemon Zest: Adds citrusy freshness and elevates the overall taste.

• Oregano: Essential Greek herb — use dried or fresh.

Binders & Texture

• Breadcrumbs: Help hold everything together without making the burgers heavy.

• Egg (Optional): If the mixture feels too loose, adding one egg helps bind without drying.

Burger Assembly

• Pita Bread or Buns: Soft brioche, whole wheat, or pita pockets all work beautifully.

• Tzatziki Sauce: Cool, creamy, and the perfect topping — homemade or store-bought.

• Fresh Toppings: Sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, arugula, or lettuce add crunch and balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe makes 4 large or 5 medium patties.

1. Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ½ cup finely chopped fresh spinach

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 2 tbsp finely grated onion

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 2–3 tbsp breadcrumbs

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Mix gently with your hands or a fork until evenly combined. Do not overmix — this can make the burgers tough.

Optional: Add 1 egg if mixture feels very soft or wet.

2. Form the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4–5 equal portions and shape into patties about ½ inch thick.

Tip: Wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking. Place patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm up (optional but helpful).

3. Cook the Burgers

Pan-Fry Method
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Grill Method
Preheat a grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill patties for 5–6 minutes per side, using a spatula to flip gently.

Air Fryer Method
Spray patties with a little oil. Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Assemble and Serve

Serve burgers in:

• Toasted buns or pita bread

• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb version

Top with:

• Tzatziki sauce

• Sliced cucumber

• Tomato

• Red onion

• Crumbled feta

• Fresh arugula or greens

Optional: Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon juice for extra zing.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Grate the Onion: Grated onion melts into the meat and helps keep burgers moist without large chunks.

• Use Damp Hands: Prevent the chicken mixture from sticking while shaping patties.

• Rest Before Cooking: Chilling helps firm up patties and makes flipping easier.

Variations

• Stuffed Greek Chicken Burgers: Add a chunk of feta or herbed cream cheese in the center before shaping for a gooey surprise.

• Spicy Greek Burgers: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

• Greek Turkey Burgers: Substitute ground turkey for chicken — follow the same method.

Substitutions

• No Feta? Use goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.

• No Spinach? Use finely chopped kale or parsley.

• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These burgers are incredibly versatile — great for casual dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.

Pair with:

• Greek Orzo Salad

• Roasted Lemon Potatoes

• Simple Cucumber-Tomato Salad

• Air-Fried Zucchini or Eggplant Fries

Perfect for:

• Summer BBQs

• Weeknight Dinners

• Picnics & Lunches (serve cold or warm)

• Meal Prep (reheat well in skillet or microwave)

Serve with sparkling water, iced tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutritional & Health Notes

These Greek chicken burgers offer lean protein and Mediterranean flavor in a balanced, wholesome package:

• High Protein: ~25–30g per patty

• Lower Fat: Especially when made with lean ground chicken

• Calcium & Iron: From spinach and feta

• Fresh Herbs & Lemon: Add antioxidants and brightness without calories

To make them even lighter:

• Use lettuce wraps instead of buns

• Choose low-fat feta or reduce the cheese amount

• Add extra veggies as toppings or into the mix

FAQs

Q1: How do I keep chicken burgers from drying out?

A1: Use 93% lean ground chicken (not breast-only), and mix in moisture-adding ingredients like onion, spinach, and feta. Avoid overcooking — check for 165°F internal temperature.

Q2: Can I freeze Greek chicken burgers?

A2: Yes! Freeze raw patties on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight before cooking.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

A3: Not for this recipe — ground raw chicken is needed for shaping patties and binding ingredients together.

Q4: What can I use instead of feta?

A4: Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or omit entirely. You can also add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for flavor.

Q5: Can I bake these instead?

A5: Yes. Bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for browning.

Q6: Are these burgers gluten-free?

A6: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make them gluten-free.

Q7: How long do leftovers last?

A7: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

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