Juicy, flavorful chicken burgers packed with Greek herbs, garlic, feta, and fresh vegetables, served with a creamy tzatziki-style sauce. Perfect for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Burgers
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, if needed for binding
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup finely grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 4 burger buns or whole-grain buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced cucumber
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Crumbled feta
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the burger mixture:
Add the ground chicken, feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil to a large bowl. - Mix gently:
Combine everything with clean hands or a fork until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the burgers dense. If the mixture feels too soft, add the breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon at a time. - Shape the patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties slightly larger than your buns. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly. - Chill:
Place the patties in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking. - Cook the burgers:
Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the patties for approximately 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through. Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Make the tzatziki:
Mix Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until creamy. - Toast the buns:
Lightly toast the cut sides of the buns in a skillet until golden and slightly crisp. - Assemble:
Spread tzatziki over the bottom bun. Add lettuce, a cooked chicken patty, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a little extra feta. Add another spoonful of tzatziki and place the top bun over it. - Serve:
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy potatoes.
Helpful Tips
- Squeeze the cucumber very well before adding it to the tzatziki so the sauce doesn’t become watery.
- Don’t press down on the burgers while they cook; this can release their juices.
- For extra Mediterranean flavor, add a little grated lemon zest to the chicken mixture.
- You can prepare the patties several hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Q&A
Can I make these burgers without breadcrumbs?
Yes. The feta and other ingredients can help bind the mixture, although breadcrumbs make the patties easier to handle.
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, chicken breast can be ground or finely minced before mixing with the other ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Freeze uncooked patties separately, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
What makes these Greek-style?
The combination of feta, oregano, dill, garlic, lemon, cucumber, and tzatziki gives the burgers their Mediterranean Greek-inspired flavor.