Ingredients — 4 burgers
Chicken patties
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 4 burger buns or pita breads
- Lettuce
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced tomato
- Red onion
- Extra feta
Quick Tzatziki Sauce
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, paprika, cumin, lemon juice, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Mix gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the burgers dense.
- Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into thick patties.
- Refrigerate for 10–20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Check the center with a food thermometer. Ground chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let them rest for about 2 minutes.
- For the tzatziki, mix yogurt, squeezed cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Toast the buns lightly.
- Add lettuce, the chicken patty, tzatziki, cucumber, tomato, red onion and extra feta.
- Serve immediately.
Nut & Allergen Information
- Peanuts: None required.
- Tree nuts: None required.
- Dairy: Yes — feta and Greek yogurt.
- Eggs: Not required in this version.
- Wheat/gluten: Breadcrumbs and regular burger buns contain wheat/gluten.
- Soy: Check packaged breadcrumbs and buns if soy is an allergy concern.
- Nut-free: Yes, when prepared with verified nut-free ingredients.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free buns.
Approximate Nutrition
Per burger with bun and sauce:
- Calories: ~450–550 kcal
- Protein: ~32–38 g
- Carbohydrates: ~35–45 g
- Fat: ~20–25 g
- Fiber: ~2–4 g
These are estimates and depend on the bun, feta, breadcrumbs and sauce.
Q&A
Q: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
Yes. You can use a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative, or another suitable binder.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes. Ground chicken thigh usually makes a juicier patty.
Q: Can I cook them in the oven?
Yes. Bake on a lightly oiled tray at 400°F (200°C) until the center reaches 165°F/74°C.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes. Shape the uncooked patties, separate them with parchment, and freeze. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Q: What makes them Greek/Mediterranean style?
The combination of feta, oregano, dill, parsley, garlic, lemon and olive oil gives the patties their Mediterranean flavor