Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta are juicy, herb-seasoned patties filled with tangy feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Made with lean ground chicken, these burgers are a delicious option for a quick lunch or dinner.
The mixture comes together in just 15 minutes, and the patties cook in approximately 10 minutes on an outdoor grill or stovetop skillet.
This recipe makes five burgers, each containing 192 calories and 26 grams of protein. Whether served on toasted buns with a creamy yogurt sauce or alongside a fresh salad, these feta-stuffed chicken burgers bring plenty of flavor to the table.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 5 burgers
- Cooking Methods: Outdoor grill or stovetop skillet
- Main Ingredient: Lean ground chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 3 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the bread crumbs, egg, lemon juice, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Mix gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cooked burgers dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the chicken mixture into five equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a thick patty. Divide the crumbled feta cheese into five equal portions.
Place one portion of feta in the center of each patty. Carefully fold the chicken mixture around the cheese, bringing the edges together to enclose the filling.
Press the seams firmly to prevent the feta from escaping during cooking. Shape each burger into an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the Cooking Surface
For grilling, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to reduce sticking.
Alternatively, heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. A skillet is particularly useful if the chicken mixture feels too soft to handle on the grill. For easier shaping, refrigerate the assembled patties briefly before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Burgers
Place the patties on the preheated grill or in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, adjusting the cooking time according to the thickness of the burgers and the heat of the cooking surface.
Turn the patties carefully with a spatula to keep them intact and prevent the filling from leaking.
Continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the cooked burgers from the heat and allow them to rest briefly before serving. This helps the juices settle and makes the patties easier to handle.
Serve warm on toasted burger buns with your preferred toppings and sauces, or enjoy them without buns alongside a fresh vegetable salad.
Tips for Making Juicy Greek Chicken Burgers
- Keep the mixture cold: Chilling the patties briefly before cooking can make them easier to handle and help them retain their shape.
- Seal the cheese securely: Make sure the feta is completely enclosed in the chicken mixture, paying special attention to the edges and seams.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix the ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Use a thermometer: Ground chicken must reach 165°F (75°C) in the center for safe consumption. Check the thickest portion without touching the cooking surface.
- Choose the right cooking method: If the patties are delicate, use a skillet to make turning them easier and reduce the risk of breaking.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Alternative Binders
If you do not have dry bread crumbs, use finely ground oatmeal as a substitute. Add it gradually and mix until the chicken mixture holds together sufficiently for shaping.
Different Cheese Options
Feta provides a salty, tangy filling that complements the fresh herbs. Goat cheese can be used instead for a creamier flavor.
Alternatively, crumble sheep’s milk feta into the meat mixture rather than stuffing the patties if you prefer a simpler preparation method.
Additional Seasonings
For extra flavor, add finely chopped garlic, minced onion, or a small amount of dried basil. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also add a savory note.
Keep additional liquid ingredients modest so the chicken mixture remains firm enough to shape.
Serving Suggestions
These Mediterranean-inspired burgers pair well with a variety of fresh toppings and side dishes.
- Burger buns: Serve on toasted burger buns with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onion.
- Tzatziki sauce: Add a generous spoonful of homemade tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, and garlic.
- Greek yogurt dressing: Use a creamy yogurt-based sauce with fresh herbs for a cool contrast to the warm patties.
- Pretzel sliders: Make smaller patties and serve them on pretzel slider buns for parties or casual gatherings.
- Fresh salads: Pair the burgers with a pesto pasta caprese salad or a crisp Mediterranean vegetable salad.
- Spicy sauce: Add a little pepper sauce if you enjoy a hotter flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate nutritional values per burger:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 192 | — |
| Total Fat | 5g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 307mg | 13% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars | 2g | — |
| Protein | 26g | 51% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 97mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 329mg | 7% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Burgers with Feta combine lean ground chicken, aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful cheese center in an easy weeknight meal.
Their short preparation time and flexible cooking methods make them convenient for both casual family dinners and outdoor gatherings.
Serve them with fresh vegetables, toasted buns, or a creamy yogurt sauce for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
