Chicken and feta burgers are flavorful Mediterranean-inspired patties made with ground chicken, crumbled feta, fresh oregano, garlic, and Kalamata-olive tapenade.
These juicy burgers are easy to prepare and cook on an outdoor grill in just 10 minutes, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, and casual family meals.
With a generous amount of protein and a combination of savory cheese, herbs, and olives, these chicken burgers offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef patties. Serve them with fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, or a crisp salad for a satisfying meal.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Cooking Method: Outdoor grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Ingredients for Chicken and Feta Burgers
These burgers use a handful of ingredients that work together to create a savory, herb-filled flavor. The feta adds a creamy, salty element, while garlic and oregano provide aromatic depth.
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Kalamata-olive tapenade
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 ½ tablespoons crushed garlic
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ tablespoon coarse-ground black pepper
- Olive oil, for lightly coating the grill grate
Ingredient Substitutions
You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
- Ground chicken: Ground chicken breast works well, but its low fat content can make the burgers dry. A little olive oil mixed into the meat can help maintain moisture.
- Kalamata olives: If you don’t have tapenade, replace it with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped Kalamata olives.
- Fresh oregano: Substitute 2 teaspoons of dried oregano if fresh herbs are unavailable.
- Feta cheese: Choose a block of feta and crumble it yourself for a more substantial texture. Since feta and tapenade can both be salty, taste the mixture carefully before adding extra salt.
How to Make Chicken and Feta Burgers
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture
Add the ground chicken, chopped oregano, olive tapenade, crumbled feta, and crushed garlic to a large mixing bowl. Gently combine everything with clean hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Avoid overmixing, as working the chicken too much can result in dense patties. If you’re using particularly lean ground chicken, incorporate a small amount of olive oil to help keep the mixture moist.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a uniform burger patty, keeping the thickness consistent so the burgers cook evenly.
Season the outside of each patty with kosher salt and coarse-ground black pepper. Handle the patties gently to help them retain their shape during grilling.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. Once the grill is hot, lightly brush the grate with olive oil to help prevent the chicken patties from sticking.
Make sure the grill is properly heated before adding the burgers. A hot cooking surface helps create a nicely browned exterior while allowing the patties to cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Burgers
Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side, or until the bottoms are nicely browned and release easily from the grate.
Carefully flip each burger using a spatula. Continue grilling for another 5 minutes, adjusting the heat if necessary to prevent excessive browning before the centers are cooked.
Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured with a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each patty. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the temperature of your grill.
Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. Doing so can squeeze out moisture and leave the finished burgers less juicy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer the cooked burgers to a clean plate and allow them to rest briefly before serving. If you want to serve them in buns, add your favorite toppings and sauces while the patties are still warm.
For a lighter meal, serve the burgers without buns alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
Stovetop Cooking Alternative
If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can prepare these chicken and feta burgers in a skillet.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Shape the mixture into four standard patties or divide it into 10 smaller portions for bite-sized burgers. Place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding and cook until browned on the first side.
Flip carefully and continue cooking until the centers reach 165°F (74°C). Smaller patties generally take around 4 minutes per side, although the exact time depends on their thickness and the heat of the pan.
Cook in batches if necessary, allowing enough space between the patties for even browning.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
The combination of feta, garlic, and Kalamata olives makes these burgers particularly well suited to Mediterranean-style toppings. You can also experiment with other sauces and fresh ingredients to create different flavor combinations.
Mediterranean-Style Toppings
- Tzatziki sauce: A cool, creamy yogurt and cucumber sauce complements the salty feta and savory garlic.
- Fresh tomatoes: Add sliced tomatoes for a juicy, refreshing contrast.
- Crisp lettuce: Use shredded or whole lettuce leaves to add crunch.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion contributes a sharp, fresh flavor.
- Warm pita bread: Serve the patties in pita pockets with vegetables and sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
Alternative Topping Ideas
For a different flavor combination, try sesame dressing drizzled over shredded lettuce. This creates an Asian-inspired variation that contrasts with the Mediterranean ingredients in the burgers.
You can also experiment with your favorite sandwich sauces, provided they complement the feta and olive flavors.
Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken and Feta Burgers
Pair these grilled patties with simple side dishes to make a complete meal.
- Quinoa salad: A chilled quinoa salad with chopped vegetables and a light dressing adds texture and makes a satisfying accompaniment.
- Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions can be cooked alongside the burgers for a convenient outdoor meal.
- Greek salad: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta with a light vinaigrette for a fresh Mediterranean side.
- Roasted potatoes: Crispy oven-roasted potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the lean chicken patties.
- Fresh green salad: A simple salad with leafy greens and a lemon dressing keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Burgers
- Choose the right chicken: Ground chicken with some fat generally produces juicier burgers than very lean breast meat.
- Keep the mixture cool: If the mixture becomes too soft to shape, refrigerate it briefly before forming the patties.
- Don’t overmix: Combine the ingredients just until evenly distributed to help maintain a tender texture.
- Make the patties evenly sized: Uniform thickness helps the burgers cook at a consistent rate.
- Oil the grill grate: A light coating of oil helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Use a food thermometer: Check that the thickest part of every patty reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Avoid pressing the burgers: Let the patties cook undisturbed between flips to retain their juices.
Nutrition Information
The following nutritional estimates are for one burger patty from the original four-serving recipe. Actual values may vary depending on the ground chicken, feta, and tapenade used.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 117mg |
| Sodium | 401mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 41g |
| Vitamin C | 3mg |
| Calcium | 109mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 355mg |
Final Thoughts
Chicken and feta burgers are a convenient way to bring Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fresh oregano, garlic, salty feta, and Kalamata-olive tapenade add plenty of character to lean ground chicken, while grilling gives the patties a delicious browned exterior.
With a short preparation time and flexible cooking options, this recipe works well for quick family dinners, weekend cookouts, and casual gatherings. Serve the burgers with your favorite toppings and a fresh side dish for a simple, satisfying meal.
