1. Ingredients
For the chicken patties
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground chicken | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Feta cheese, crumbled | ½ cup (75 g) |
| Red onion, finely diced | ¼ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Fresh dill, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Breadcrumbs | ⅓ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp, plus more for cooking |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp, or to taste |
Tip: Feta and breadcrumbs can contain varying amounts of salt, so season lightly at first.
For the optional tzatziki sauce
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt
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½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
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1 tsp olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional burger toppings
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4 burger buns or pita breads
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Lettuce leaves
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Sliced tomatoes
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Cucumber slices
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Red onion rings
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Extra feta cheese
2. Full cooking instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the aromatics
Finely dice the red onion, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley and dill. Zest and juice the lemon.
For a milder onion flavor, briefly sauté the diced onion in a little olive oil and let it cool before mixing.
Step 2 — Mix the chicken patties
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties dense.
Step 3 — Shape the burgers
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a thick patty about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
If the mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping. Keep raw chicken refrigerated until ready to cook.
Step 4 — Heat the skillet
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
When the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.
Step 5 — Cook until golden
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes on the first side, until deeply golden. Carefully flip and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
Because ground chicken can vary in thickness, use a food thermometer to ensure the center reaches 165°F (74°C). If the patties brown too quickly, lower the heat and continue cooking until fully done.
Step 6 — Make the tzatziki sauce
While the patties cook, combine the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
Step 7 — Rest and assemble
Let the cooked patties rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve on toasted burger buns or warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
For a lighter meal, serve the patties over a Greek salad instead of using buns.
3. Nutrition information
Estimated per chicken patty, without bun or sauce
Approximately 300 calories
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
9 g
Total fat
15 g
Fiber
1 g
Saturated fat
4–5 g
Sodium
450–650 mg
Estimates vary with chicken fat content, feta brand, breadcrumbs, and cooking oil. Buns and sauce add extra calories.
Approximate nutrition for the full batch
| Nutrient | Total |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1,200 kcal |
| Protein | 120 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Total fat | 60 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
4. Nut and allergen information
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Nuts: This recipe contains no nuts in the listed ingredients.
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Dairy: Feta and Greek yogurt contain milk.
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Egg: The patties contain egg.
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Gluten: Regular breadcrumbs and burger buns contain wheat. Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and buns if needed.
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Allergy precautions: Check labels on feta, yogurt, breadcrumbs, and seasonings for nut cross-contact warnings if cooking for someone with a nut allergy.
5. Tips for juicy, flavorful burgers
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Use ground chicken with some fat rather than an extremely lean mixture.
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Do not overmix the ingredients.
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Chill the patties briefly before cooking to help them hold their shape.
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Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook, which releases moisture.
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Use a thermometer instead of relying only on color to check doneness.
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For a smoky grilled flavor, cook on a well-oiled grill over medium heat until the centers reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Storage and reheating
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Refrigerate cooked patties within 2 hours in an airtight container.
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Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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Freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months for best quality.
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Reheat until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water to the covered pan if needed to keep the patties moist.
Serving suggestion: Pair these Greek chicken burgers with lemon-roasted potatoes, cucumber-tomato salad, and homemade tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean-style dinner.
