These Mediterranean Greek Chicken Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with Greek-inspired ingredients. Tender chicken patties are seasoned with garlic, oregano, lemon, and feta cheese, then topped with creamy tzatziki, crisp cucumber, fresh tomatoes, and red onion. Every bite is fresh, savory, and delicious!
20 min
Prep time
12–15 min
Cook time
4 burgers
Servings
Ingredients
For the chicken patties
– 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
– ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
– ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
– ¼ cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
For the tzatziki sauce
– ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
– ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed to remove excess moisture
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
For assembling the burgers
– 4 burger buns, brioche or whole wheat
– 1 medium tomato, sliced
– ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
– ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
– 4 lettuce leaves
– Extra crumbled feta cheese, optional
– A few Kalamata olives, sliced, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the tzatziki sauce
1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
2. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Stir until creamy and well combined.
5. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the burgers so the flavors can develop.
Step 2: Mix the chicken patties
1. Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the crumbled feta, chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, and breadcrumbs.
3. Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the patties dense.
4. Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
5. Shape each portion into a burger patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly.
6. If the mixture feels very soft, refrigerate the shaped patties for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Cook the chicken burgers
1. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Add the patties, leaving space between them.
3. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. Turn carefully with a spatula to help the patties stay intact.
5. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer. Ground chicken must reach 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked.
6. Transfer the cooked patties to a clean plate and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Toast the burger buns
1. Slice the burger buns in half.
2. Place them cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until lightly golden.
3. You can brush the cut sides with a little olive oil for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the burgers
1. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
2. Add a lettuce leaf.
3. Place one warm Greek chicken patty on top.
4. Add tomato slices, cucumber, and red onion.
5. Sprinkle with extra feta and sliced Kalamata olives, if desired.
6. Add another spoonful of tzatziki.
7. Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Tips for the best Greek chicken burgers
– Keep the patties juicy: Ground chicken is lean, so avoid cooking it longer than necessary once it reaches a safe internal temperature.
– Don’t skip the feta: It adds a salty, tangy Mediterranean flavor.
– Remove cucumber moisture: Squeezing the grated cucumber prevents watery tzatziki.
– Chill before cooking: Refrigerating the patties briefly helps them hold their shape.
– Add more Mediterranean flavor: Try chopped Kalamata olives, fresh mint, or a pinch of lemon zest in the chicken mixture.
– Make it low-carb: Serve the cooked patties in lettuce wraps instead of burger buns.
Storage instructions
– Cooked patties: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
– Tzatziki sauce: Keep refrigerated separately and use within 3–4 days.
– Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper, or freeze cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
– Reheating: Warm cooked patties until they reach 165°F (74°C) internally. Add fresh vegetables and tzatziki after reheating.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works very well with the same Greek seasonings and feta cheese.
Q2: Can I make these burgers without breadcrumbs?
Yes. Use finely ground oats or almond flour as an alternative. The texture may differ slightly.
Q3: Can I grill the chicken patties outdoors?
Absolutely. Lightly oil the grill grates and cook over medium heat until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Handle the patties gently because ground chicken mixtures can be delicate.
Q4: What can I serve with Greek chicken burgers?
Serve them with Greek salad, lemon potatoes, roasted vegetables, pita chips, or a side of hummus.
Q5: Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the patties and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q6: What makes these burgers Mediterranean-style?
The combination of feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki gives them their Greek-inspired flavor.
Enjoy your Mediterranean Greek Chicken Burgers! Juicy chicken, tangy feta, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki make this a delicious meal for lunch, dinner, or your next family gathering.