Spinach Chicken Burgers (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Mix

01 - 1 egg (to hold it all together)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
03 - 1/4 tsp dried oregano
04 - 1/2 cup spinach, finely chopped (use frozen but drain it well if needed)
05 - 2 minced garlic cloves
06 - 1/4 tsp onion powder for a little more flavor
07 - Salt and pepper, to your liking
08 - 1 lb ground chicken (dark meat works best for juicy patties)
09 - 1/4 cup shredded white cheddar (save some for melting if you want)
10 - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (helps hold everything together, but optional)

→ Buns and Toppings

11 - Some lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and other toppings you love
12 - Optional: A dollop of mustard or aioli for a flavor boost
13 - 4 buns of your choice (whole wheat or gluten-free work too)

# Instructions:

01 - Toss the chicken, spinach, cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and seasonings into a big bowl. Mix it gently until everything's just combined. Don't overdo it—keeping it light helps the patties stay soft.
02 - Split the mix into 4 portions. Roll each one into a ball, then flatten into patties about a half-inch thick. Press your thumb into the middle of each one for a little dip—this helps them cook evenly without puffing.
03 - Set a skillet or grill pan on medium heat and warm up the olive oil. Lay the patties in the pan and cook each side for 5-6 minutes. Check the inside temp reaches 165°F to make sure they're done. Right near the end, pop a slice of cheese on top and cover the pan to melt it.
04 - Toast up your buns in the oven or on the pan until golden. Stack the cooked patty on a bun, add your favorite toppings and sauces, then serve them up while hot.

# Notes:

01 - If you're using frozen spinach, give it a good squeeze to get rid of any extra water. Wet spinach can ruin your patties.
02 - Sharp white cheddar melts perfectly, but you can also try pepper jack or mozzarella if you want to switch it up.
03 - Breadcrumbs add structure, but they're not a must. Swap them for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats if needed.
04 - These cook great on a grill too. Just oil the grates a bit and resist pressing down on the burgers while they're cooking.
05 - Make it fancy! Try topping with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, avocado slices, or even a fried egg.