Greek Chicken Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 4 whole wheat burger buns - Lettuce leaves - Sliced tomatoes - Sliced cucumbers - Olive oil for grilling Using these ingredients makes Greek chicken burgers tasty and healthy. Ground chicken keeps the burgers light. Feta cheese adds a creamy and salty flavor. Greek yogurt blends well for moisture, plus it boosts protein. The seasonings are key. Garlic gives a punch, while fresh herbs add brightness. Oregano and lemon zest create that classic Greek taste. Salt and pepper balance it all. Whole wheat buns offer a hearty base. Fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers add crunch and freshness. Olive oil is perfect for grilling. It helps the patties brown nicely and prevents sticking. {{ingredient_image_1}} Mixing the ingredients Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken. Next, mix in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Then, add 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt. Toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Don't forget to add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix all the ingredients until they blend well. You want a nice, even mixture. Shaping the patties Now, divide the mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty. Make them about 1 inch thick. This size will help them cook evenly. Preheating the grill Before cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan. Set it to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill with olive oil to keep the patties from sticking. Grilling instructions and cooking time Place the shaped patties on the grill. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The patties should be golden brown and fully cooked. Ingredients for tzatziki For the tzatziki sauce, gather these ingredients: - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 cloves of minced garlic - A pinch of salt - 1/2 cup grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out the excess water) Preparation steps In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Next, add the grated cucumber. Stir everything well until it combines nicely. This sauce will add a refreshing taste to your burgers. To make juicy Greek chicken burgers, use fresh ground chicken. When mixing, don’t overwork the meat. This helps keep the burgers tender. Add crumbled feta cheese for flavor and moisture. The feta melts and keeps the burger juicy. Shape the patties gently. Make them about one inch thick. Use your thumb to create a small indent in the center. This helps them cook evenly and hold their shape. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush it lightly with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Cook the patties for about 6-7 minutes on each side. They are done when they reach 165°F (75°C). Look for a golden brown color. If you notice sticking, use a spatula to gently lift the patty. Move it side to side before flipping. This helps release it from the grill. You can customize your tzatziki sauce for extra flavor. Try adding fresh dill or mint for a twist. A pinch of paprika adds a nice kick too. If you want to change the yogurt, Greek yogurt works best. You can use regular plain yogurt. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt. Just make sure it’s plain to keep the flavor balanced. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley will enhance the flavor of your burgers significantly compared to dried herbs. Always opt for fresh when possible. Patty Thickness: Keep your patties about 1-inch thick for even cooking. Thicker patties may require additional grilling time to cook through without drying out. Let the Patties Rest: After grilling, allow the patties to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain their juices, making for a moist and flavorful burger. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, red onion, or avocado to give your burgers a personal twist. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken for other meats. Try ground turkey for a leaner choice. Ground beef brings a rich flavor. Both options work well with the same seasonings. For a vegetarian twist, use chickpeas or lentils. You can mash them and add feta for that Greek flair. Not in the mood for a bun? Use lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option. They add crunch and a nice touch. You can also serve the burger in pita bread. This gives a fun, Mediterranean feel. Just fill the pita with your cooked patty and toppings. Want to boost the flavor? Add spices like paprika or cumin for a kick. Fresh herbs, like dill or mint, can bring a cooling effect. You can also top your burger with roasted red peppers or olives. These extras add a burst of flavor and color. Incorporating different toppings can make your burger unique each time. To store leftovers, place the chicken burgers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain freshness, wrap the burgers in plastic wrap or foil. This helps prevent them from drying out. To freeze the chicken burger patties, shape them as directed. Place the uncooked patties on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. Then, transfer the patties to a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. You can store them for up to three months. To thaw, move the patties to the fridge overnight. Reheat them on a grill or stovetop. Cook until they reach 165°F (75°C). For tzatziki sauce, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It can last for up to five days. If you want it to stay fresh, make it in small batches. This way, you can enjoy it at its best. To check if your chicken burgers are cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the patty. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This tells you the chicken is safe to eat. You can also look for visual cues. The outside should be golden brown. When you cut into the patty, the meat should look white and no longer pink. Juices should run clear. These signs mean your burgers are ready. Yes, you can make these burgers ahead of time. Prepare the chicken mixture and shape the patties. Store them in the fridge for up to one day. This makes dinner quick and easy. If you want to freeze them, place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before cooking. Many side dishes pair well with Greek chicken burgers. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also serve roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. For a tasty dip, try tzatziki sauce. The coolness of the yogurt complements the burgers. You can also add pita chips or whole wheat pita bread for a fun twist. Sliced cucumbers or tomatoes make great toppings too! This article covered how to make tasty Greek chicken burgers. We explored key ingredients like ground chicken, feta, and Greek yogurt. I shared steps for mixing and grilling the patties, plus a simple tzatziki sauce. I also included tips for perfecting your burgers and fun variations. Enjoying these burgers can be a fresh twist on dinner. They are easy to prep and very versatile. Try different meats, wraps, and toppings to make this meal your own. Happy grilling!$

Greek Chicken Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Delicious chicken burgers infused with Greek flavors, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
to taste none olive oil for grilling
4 whole wheat burger buns
to taste none lettuce leaves
to taste none sliced tomatoes
to taste none sliced cucumbers

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, about 1-inch thick.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the chicken patties on the grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and the patties are cooked through and golden brown.
While the patties are grilling, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with additional minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water). Stir until well combined.
Toast the whole wheat burger buns on the grill for about a minute or until lightly browned.
Assemble the burgers by placing a grilled chicken patty on the bottom half of the bun, topped with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Place the top half of the bun on the burger and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the patties marinate for 30 minutes before grilling.

Keyword burgers, chicken, Greek, tzatziki