Chicken burger mixed with classic Greek ingredients, served with Lemon-Turmeric Rice and topped with a homemade Greek Salsa.
Why is this Chicken Burger special?
I know what you’re thinking Cindy (or is it Kathy?). You’re thinking, “Why would I want to make a dry, flavorless chicken burger?” Well I’m glad you asked, Linda. This bunless burger patty is anything but dry, and is basically a flavor explosion in your mouth!
The combination of the chicken, 4 different kinds of veggies and feta cheese yields one of the best Mediterranean meals you will ever put in your mouth, especially when combined with the Lemon-Turmeric Rice and Greek Salsa! Feel free to experiment with each of the 3 primary components of the recipe (burger, rice and salsa) in other dishes as well.
How Do I Make It?
The only cooking equipment you will need is a large skillet and a saucepan. You will also need a cutting board, chef’s knife, zester, and a couple of large mixing bowls.
As I said earlier, this dish is 3 recipes meshed into one. The order you do these in is ultimately up to you. For optimal timing, I made the brown rice first due to the 45 minute cook. Then I made the patties, stored them in the fridge until ready for use, and then prepared the salsa.
Look out for a post in the near future about the types of knives I recommend. A great all-purpose chef’s knife can save you time in the kitchen, as well as possibly a finger! In summary, seeing as healthy eating will involve quite a bit of chopping, make sure you have a sharp knife that feels comfortable in your hand.
Is it healthy?
The Mediterranean Diet is one of the healthiest ways to eat, if not THE healthiest (depending on who you ask). It is heavily “Plant Forward”, meaning that vegetables will be heavily involved in the dish.
This particular Chicken Burger recipe includes 7 different colorful vegetables! Of these, the three most nutrient dense are ginger, turmeric (in spice form) and spinach.
- Both ginger and turmeric have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years! Some of their benefits include (but are not limited to) reducing inflammation, strengthening your immune system, as well as improving arthritic pain.
- Dark leafy greens, not just spinach, are nutritional powerhouses. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, folic acid and calcium. They are also abundant in various antioxidants, which are linked to decreases in cancer, as well as improvements in eye and heart health!
My Favorite Chicken Burger Recipe
Ingredients
Lemon-Turmeric Rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Brown Rice dry; rinsed until water runs clear
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger minced
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Burger and Salsa
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Red Bell Pepper diced and divided
- 1/2 cup Red Onion diced and divided
- 4 cups Baby Spinach
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 lb Ground Chicken
- 1/2 cup Black Olives chopped and divided
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese crumbled and divided
- 1/2 Cucumber diced
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Lemon-Turmeric Rice
- Combine rice with turmeric and sea salt in a pot. Stir in the water, garlic, ginger and lemon juice. Bring rice to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let rice simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Greek Salsa
- Combine 1/2 of the red pepper, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup black olives, 1/4 cup feta cheese and the cucumber. Drizzle with a splash of extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Chicken Burgers
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the remaining red pepper and onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Add baby spinach and stir just until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Add flour, chicken, and the remaining black olives and feta cheese to the mixing bowl. Add in sautéed vegetables and mix well. Form the mixture into even patties and place on a baking sheet. Transfer to the fridge until ready to use.
- Preheat sauté pan over medium heat. Transfer burgers into pan and cook for 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature of burger reaches 165°F. Remove from pan.
- Serve chicken burgers on a bed of lemon-turmeric rice. Then top with Greek salsa, as well as a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Added Touch
Serve with a side of Tzatziki Sauce.Lower Carb & Gluten Free
Use Almond Flour or Oat Flour. (Note: may need to add additional almond flour if using.Leftovers
Refrigerate in airtight container for 3-4 days.More Flavor
Stir chopped cilantro, parsley or lemon zest into the rice.Nutrition
