Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with a zesty Greek Yogurt Sauce Recipe

The Juiciest Mediterranean Chicken Burgers Recipe with Zesty Sauce

Crafting delectable mediterranean chicken burgers sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Flavor-packed ingredients dance together, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Juicy ground chicken combines with aromatic herbs and spices for an unforgettable meal.

Crisp vegetables and tangy greek yogurt sauce add depth and complexity.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Light, fresh, and packed with Mediterranean charm, these burgers will become your new favorite.

Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with Zesty Greek Yogurt Sauce Highlights

Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with Zesty Greek Yogurt Sauce Highlights
  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from chicken and probiotics from Greek yogurt, these burgers offer a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
  • Quick Culinary Adventure: Mediterranean-inspired recipe brings exciting global tastes to your kitchen with minimal prep work and simple cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for casual family dinners, game nights, or weekend gatherings, these burgers appeal to both adults and kids with their zesty, fresh ingredients.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs and taste profiles.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Burgers

Main Ingredients:

Ground Chicken: This lean protein serves as the base for the flavorful Mediterranean-style burger.

Flour Tortillas: These soft, flexible wraps provide the perfect vessel for the burger.

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Breadcrumbs: These help hold the burger together and add a light, crispy texture.
  • Egg: This ingredient acts as a binding agent to keep the burger patty intact.
  • Garlic, Fresh Herbs, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings provide a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile to the chicken burger.
Sauce and Relish Components:
  • Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Dill: These ingredients create a tangy and creamy sauce with a fresh herb note.
  • Cucumber, Tomato, Red Onion: These fresh vegetables form a bright and zesty relish that complements the burger.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: This Mediterranean staple helps create a golden-brown sear on the burger patties.

Preparation Steps for Chicken Burgers with Greek Yogurt Sauce

Preparation Steps for Chicken Burgers with Greek Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up Tangy Yogurt Spread

Grab a mixing bowl and combine creamy yogurt, diced cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and a splash of olive oil.

Stir everything together until well blended.

Tuck the sauce into the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and chill.

Step 2: Create Juicy Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Shape the mixture into round, even patties.

Step 3: Sear and Bake Patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Carefully place the chicken patties into the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.

Transfer the patties to a preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare Fresh Mediterranean Salsa

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Diced ripe tomatoes
  • Finely chopped red onion
  • Sliced kalamata olives
  • Chopped fresh mint
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Gently toss the ingredients with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Warm up some pita bread or soft flatbread.

Place a chicken patty on each bread, top with the chilled yogurt spread, and spoon the fresh salsa over the top.

Garnish with extra mint leaves for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Burgers

  • Mix burger components thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and consistent texture throughout the patty.
  • Brown burgers quickly in a hot pan to create a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and adds rich flavor.
  • Use oven-baking to complete cooking, ensuring chicken reaches safe internal temperature without drying out the meat.
  • Prepare Greek yogurt sauce ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and develop a more intense, harmonious taste profile.
  • Gently mix tomato-cucumber relish to maintain fresh ingredients’ integrity and prevent crushing delicate vegetables.

Flavor Variations for Greek Yogurt Chicken Burgers

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the burger mixture to maintain binding.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with mashed chickpeas or black beans. Add extra herbs and spices to enhance flavor profile and maintain Mediterranean essence.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into burger mixture. Add hot sauce to Greek yogurt for an extra fiery sauce that complements the original recipe.
  • Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a lower-fat alternative. Maintain same seasoning and cooking techniques to preserve original recipe’s authentic taste.

Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Chicken Burgers

  • Greek Pita Pocket Paradise: Slide the juicy burger into warm pita bread, topped with crisp lettuce and the zesty yogurt sauce for a handheld Mediterranean delight.
  • Salad Bowl Sensation: Crumble the burger over a bed of mixed greens, sprinkle with feta cheese, and drizzle with the creamy Greek yogurt sauce for a light, protein-packed meal.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange burger patties on a large platter surrounded by olives, hummus, tzatziki, and the fresh tomato-cucumber relish for a stunning shared dining experience.
  • Wrap and Roll Fiesta: Use large lettuce leaves or thin lavash bread to wrap the burger, adding extra cucumber relish and a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce for a low-carb option.

Storage Advice for Greek Yogurt Chicken Burgers

  • Store leftover chicken burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Separate sauce and relish into individual containers to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual burger patties in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place burgers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add sauce and relish after reheating.
  • Place burger on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Add sauce just before serving to prevent separation.

FAQs

  • What makes these Mediterranean Chicken Burgers different from regular burgers?

These burgers are packed with Mediterranean flavors like herbs, garlic, and spices, using ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter, healthier option.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and will give you similar texture and flavor profile for the burgers.

  • Are these burgers considered a healthy meal option?

Absolutely! These burgers are lean, protein-rich, and loaded with fresh herbs and vegetables, making them a nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers.

  • How spicy are these Mediterranean Chicken Burgers?

The burgers have a mild, herb-forward flavor with just a hint of warmth from spices, not overly spicy but definitely flavorful.

Print
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Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with a zesty Greek Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with a zesty Greek Yogurt Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds in these juicy chicken burgers, blending classic Greek flavors with modern culinary flair. Fragrant herbs, tangy yogurt sauce, and crisp vegetables create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium zucchini (coarsely chopped)
  • 1 ear fresh corn (kernels cut from cob)
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Tomato-Cucumber Relish:

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (quartered)
  • 1/3 medium seedless English cucumber (finely diced)
  • 2 green onions (finely sliced)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Cooking Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 34 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Whisk Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon zest, dill, and salt in a compact mixing vessel. Refrigerate sauce to enhance flavor melding.
  2. Combine ground chicken, feta cheese, chopped herbs, red onion, breadcrumbs, and Mediterranean spices in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold ingredients until evenly distributed.
  3. Craft uniform burger patties using hands, ensuring consistent thickness for balanced cooking. Create a slight indentation in center to prevent bulging during preparation.
  4. Warm olive oil in a robust skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until shimmering. Carefully place patties into pan, searing each side for approximately 2-3 minutes until achieving golden-brown exterior.
  5. Transfer seared patties onto preheated oven sheet at 425°F. Roast for 7-9 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete chicken doneness.
  6. Dice ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber into petite, uniform cubes. Incorporate chopped herbs, red onion, and light seasoning to create vibrant relish.
  7. Present burgers nestled within warm flour tortillas, generously topped with chilled yogurt sauce and freshly prepared tomato-cucumber relish.

Notes

  • Customize patty thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Chill burger mixture for 15-30 minutes before forming patties to help them hold together better.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe chicken consumption.
  • Swap flour tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds extra crunch.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 270 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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