There is something truly irresistible about the Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe that makes it a standout on any dinner table. This dish perfectly balances the juicy, flavorful ground chicken patties with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese and the refreshing coolness of homemade tzatziki sauce. Every bite feels like a Mediterranean vacation, with just the right blend of herbs, spices, and textures that make you want to come back for more. Whether you are cooking for a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe delivers vibrant flavors in a simple yet impressive package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and ensures those authentic Greek flavors really shine through. Each component here plays a vital role: the feta adds saltiness and creaminess, oregano brings earthiness, while garlic and red onion deliver that punch of aromatic depth.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that stays juicy when cooked just right and soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Feta cheese, crumbled: Adds tangy creaminess and a slightly salty bite that is classic to Greek cuisine.
- Red onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and a subtle crunch to the patties.
- Garlic, minced: Offers pungent warmth and depth to every mouthful.
- Dried oregano: Essential for that unmistakable Greek herbal note.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the flavors of all other ingredients.
- Olive oil: For grilling, it prevents sticking and adds a fruity richness.
- Whole wheat buns: A hearty, wholesome vessel for your burgers that adds texture and nuttiness.
- Tzatziki sauce: The creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce that cools and complements the savory patties perfectly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture
Start by combining the ground chicken, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well incorporated. This ensures that each burger has an even distribution of the rich flavors that make this dish so special.
Step 2: Shape Into Patties
Once the mixture is uniform, form it carefully into four equal-sized patties. Make sure they’re compact enough to hold together but not packed too tightly, so the burgers stay moist and tender after cooking.
Step 3: Prepare Your Grill or Skillet
Heat your grill or skillet over medium heat and brush it lightly with olive oil. This step is important to prevent sticking and give the patties a nice golden crust that seals in their juiciness.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Place the chicken patties on the grill or skillet, cooking them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature that is safe for poultry and that the exterior develops a beautiful golden-brown color.
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe
After cooking, place each patty on a whole wheat bun and generously spoon the tzatziki sauce on top. The cool, creamy tzatziki complements the savory burger perfectly and ties the whole sandwich together in delicious harmony.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like slices of ripe tomato, crisp lettuce, and thin cucumber ribbons add freshness and crunch that elevate your burger experience. A sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or mint on top of the tzatziki gives an aromatic lift, making it feel more vibrant and authentic.
Side Dishes
Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe pair beautifully with simple sides like a Greek salad, seasoned roasted potatoes, or even crispy sweet potato fries. These easy accompaniments bring extra color and texture, turning a casual meal into a feast filled with Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the burgers open-faced with extra tzatziki and a sprinkle of feta on top, or wrap them in warm pita bread instead of buns for a gyro-inspired treat. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to squeeze on a bright, zesty note that bursts with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinner fixes the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked patties individually, placing them on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together and makes it easy to thaw just what you need for a fast, flavorful meal.
Reheating
When ready to eat, gently reheat the cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their juicy texture and delicious crust. Add fresh tzatziki after reheating for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and makes a great alternative if you prefer a slightly different flavor or leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook, as turkey can dry out more quickly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The patties themselves are naturally gluten-free, but the whole wheat buns contain gluten. To make the meal gluten-free, substitute the buns with gluten-free versions or serve the patties wrapped in lettuce or gluten-free pita.
How spicy is the recipe?
The Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe is mild in spice, focusing on fresh herbs and tangy flavors. You can add a pinch of chili flakes or some cayenne pepper to the mix if you like a subtle kick.
Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance?
Yes! Tzatziki sauce actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and chilled until serving.
What if I don’t have a grill or skillet?
No worries! You can bake the patties in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking. They’ll still be juicy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is no better way to share the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean than with this Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh flavors, and bound to become a household favorite that everyone asks for again and again. So grab your ingredients, light the grill or heat the stove, and get ready for a truly joyful meal that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time.
Print
Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta and Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Greek Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional burgers. Made with ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and seasoned with oregano and garlic, they bring Mediterranean flavors to your table. Cooked on the grill or skillet and served on whole wheat buns with refreshing tzatziki sauce, these burgers make a perfect quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil for grilling or skillet
- Whole wheat buns for serving
- Tzatziki sauce for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 evenly sized patties, ensuring they are compact enough to hold together during cooking.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium heat. Brush the surface with olive oil to prevent the patties from sticking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the patties develop a golden brown crust.
- Assemble Burgers: Serve each patty on a whole wheat bun and add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Optionally, add fresh vegetables such as lettuce or tomato for extra freshness.
Notes
- Ensure ground chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute the whole wheat buns with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference and convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the patty mixture.
