Total Time: 40 minutes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
Intensity Level: Easy (Beginner-friendly with simple techniques)
A Taste of the Mediterranean in a Juicy, Flavor-Packed Burger
These aren’t your average burgers. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Greek isles, these chicken burgers are moist, herbaceous, and incredibly satisfying. Ground chicken is transformed with a blend of fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and classic Mediterranean herbs, then grilled to perfection. Served on a toasted bun with a generous slather of homemade tzatziki and a bright, lemony couscous salad on the side, this recipe brings a healthy and delicious restaurant-quality meal to your weeknight table in under 40 minutes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or summer grilling.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
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1 lb (450g) ground chicken (preferably a mix of breast and thigh)
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
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⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and finely chopped
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⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
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¼ cup red onion, finely minced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
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¼ cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
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1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried dill
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best texture)
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½ cup grated cucumber (seedless English cucumber preferred)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 small clove garlic, minced
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¼ tsp salt
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Pinch of black pepper
For the Lemon-Herb Couscous:
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1 cup dry couscous
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1 ¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth
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Zest of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
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4 whole wheat or brioche burger buns, lightly toasted
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Optional: Sliced red onion, lettuce, extra crumbled feta
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tzatziki
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Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture.
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In a small bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the meal.
Step 2: Prepare the Burger Patties
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In a large mixing bowl, gently combine all burger ingredients: ground chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, red onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, fresh and dried oregano, dill, salt, and pepper. Important: Use your hands or a fork and mix just until combined. Overmixing will make the burgers tough.
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Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each into a ¾-inch thick patty, about the diameter of your buns. Use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty—this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
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Place patties on a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Couscous
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In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Stir in the dry couscous, cover the pot, and immediately remove it from the heat.
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Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. All the liquid should be absorbed.
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Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Burgers
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high (375-400°F / 190-200°C).
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Carefully place the patties in the pan or on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. The burgers should be deeply golden brown and release easily when ready to flip.
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Tip: Avoid pressing down on the burgers with your spatula while cooking, as this will squeeze out the precious juices.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
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Lightly toast your burger buns.
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Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
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Place a warm chicken patty on top. Add optional toppings like lettuce and red onion if desired.
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Crown with the top bun. Serve immediately with a hearty scoop of the Lemon-Herb Couscous on the side.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, includes 1 burger with bun, tzatziki, and ¼ of the couscous salad)
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Calories: 585 kcal
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Total Fat: 22g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 150mg
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Sodium: 980mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 58g
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Dietary Fiber: 6g
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Sugars: 9g
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Protein: 40g