Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek chicken burgers are a flavorful, lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers, bringing the bold, refreshing tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. Made with juicy ground chicken, herbs, and spices, these burgers are infused with classic Greek flavors like garlic, oregano, and lemon. Instead of the usual condiments, they’re topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp cucumbers, and fresh tomatoes, making every bite vibrant and satisfying. Served on soft buns or wrapped in pita bread, these burgers are versatile and perfect for both casual dinners and summer cookouts. They’re healthier than beef burgers yet packed with protein and flavor, making them a great option for anyone seeking a balanced, delicious meal. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or cooked on a griddle, Greek chicken burgers are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress with their fresh, zesty, and savory taste.
Greek Chicken Burgers – A Mediterranean Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy Greek chicken burgers infused with Mediterranean herbs and spices, served on buns with fresh toppings and creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing twist on the classic burger.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 burger buns
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup tomato slices
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
- Form mixture into 4 equal patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Toast burger buns lightly.
- Assemble burgers: Place chicken patty on bun, top with cucumber, tomato, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate chicken mixture for 30 minutes before shaping patties.
- Serve with Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground chicken is the lean, protein-packed base for the burgers, staying juicy when seasoned properly.
Garlic brings aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean flair to the patties.
Red onion adds both sharpness and sweetness, enhancing flavor balance.
Oregano infuses the burgers with a signature Greek herbaceous note.
Lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps the chicken moist.
Breadcrumbs help bind the patties together while keeping them tender.
Egg acts as a binder, ensuring the burgers hold their shape during cooking.
Salt and pepper season the patties perfectly, enhancing all the ingredients.
Olive oil adds richness and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
Tzatziki sauce is the creamy, tangy topping that ties the whole burger together.
Cucumber and tomato slices add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.
Feta cheese brings a salty, tangy kick that complements the chicken beautifully.
Buns or pita bread serve as the base, holding all the ingredients together.
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with garlic, red onion, oregano, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make the patties dense.
Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet or preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Lightly toast buns or warm pita bread before assembling. Spread tzatziki sauce generously on the base, add the chicken patty, then top with cucumber slices, tomato, feta cheese, and additional sauce if desired. Serve immediately with a side of salad, fries, or roasted vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 burgers. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking requires an additional 10–12 minutes. Altogether, dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The uncooked patties can be shaped ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Greek Burgers
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Herb-Loaded Patties
Mix in fresh dill, parsley, or mint for an herbaceous twist.
Cheesy Stuffed Burgers
Stuff patties with feta or mozzarella for a gooey surprise inside.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the patties lettuce-wrapped instead of in buns.
Mediterranean Bowl
Skip the bun and serve the burgers over rice, quinoa, or salad.
Vegan Alternative
Use chickpeas or lentils as a base instead of chicken.
Grilled Zucchini Topping
Add grilled zucchini or eggplant slices for extra Mediterranean flair.
Garlic Aioli Swap
Replace tzatziki with garlic aioli for a creamy alternative.
Olive Lover’s Twist
Mix chopped Kalamata olives into the patty mixture.
Mini Sliders
Shape into small patties for party appetizers or kid-friendly portions.
FAQs
Can I grill these burgers?
Yes, they grill beautifully—just oil the grates to prevent sticking.
How do I keep chicken burgers juicy?
Do not overcook; pull them off the heat when they reach 165°F.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes, turkey works well with the same seasonings.
Do I need breadcrumbs?
They help bind the patties, but you can use almond flour for low-carb.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns.
What pairs best with these burgers?
Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or fries are excellent sides.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, both cooked and uncooked patties freeze well for up to 2 months.
Do I have to use feta cheese?
No, but feta adds a classic Greek touch. Try goat cheese as an alternative.
What’s the best sauce for these burgers?
Tzatziki is traditional, but hummus or tahini sauce also work.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, mix and shape patties up to 24 hours before cooking.
Conclusion
Greek chicken burgers are a refreshing Mediterranean twist on a classic comfort food. With juicy, flavorful patties and fresh toppings like tzatziki, cucumber, and feta, these burgers are lighter yet just as satisfying as traditional beef versions. Quick to prepare, customizable, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for family dinners, summer cookouts, or weeknight meals.
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