These fun burgers are made with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet corn, giving them a unique twist. Topped with a refreshing tomato cucumber relish, they are full of flavor!
Who knew burgers could be healthy and delicious at the same time? I love how easy they are to grill up, making them perfect for a sunny day. Get ready for a tasty bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: A lean protein that keeps the burgers juicy. If you prefer, turkey or lean beef can be substituted, but be mindful of their different cooking times and moisture levels.
Zucchini: Adding moisture and flavor, grated zucchini is key. If you can’t find zucchini, shredded carrots or even finely chopped spinach will work, but they may change the burger’s taste slightly.
Fresh Corn: Sweet corn is a great addition. If fresh isn’t available, use frozen corn. It’s convenient and still delicious—no need to thaw before adding it to the mix!
Breadcrumbs: I love using whole wheat for extra fiber. If gluten-free is a must, simply opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for a healthier alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they really shine in the relish. Grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes can also be a good choice if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Stay Moist?
Keeping chicken burgers moist can be tricky, but it’s all about balancing ingredients and cooking them right. Since ground chicken is lean, adding grated zucchini and fresh corn helps maintain moisture while adding flavor. Make sure to press out excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing; otherwise, the burgers could become too soggy.
- Mix all the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the patties dense and chewy.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or an extra egg to bind it without drying out.
- Cook the patties on medium heat to prevent burning on the outside while keeping them juicy inside. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is the goal!
Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and drained
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and healthy meal option totaling approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Burgers:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, add the ground chicken, grated zucchini (make sure to squeeze out any extra moisture!), fresh corn kernels, finely chopped red bell pepper, green onions, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Gently mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Form the Patties:
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into equal portions (about 4-6, depending on how big you want your burgers). Shape each portion into a burger patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or tray and get ready to cook!
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through, so make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Enjoy the lovely sizzle as they cook!
4. Prepare the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
While the burgers are cooking, you can whip up the relish. In a separate medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, then give it a gentle stir to mix all those fresh flavors together.
5. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your creation! Serve the chicken burgers warm with a generous scoop of the refreshing tomato cucumber relish on top or on the side. They go great on your favorite burger buns, or you can serve them alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken, but remember to thaw it completely before mixing your ingredients! The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight, but if you’re in a hurry, you can place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Make sure to drain off any excess moisture before combining with the other ingredients.
Can I Substitute the Zucchini?
Absolutely! If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can use grated carrots, chopped spinach, or even finely chopped mushrooms as substitutes. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture from these vegetables to maintain the right patty consistency.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through, or microwave for about 1-2 minutes. They can also be frozen; wrap them well and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I Make the Relish Ahead of Time?
Yes! The tomato cucumber relish can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If the relish seems a bit watery from the cucumbers, simply drain some of the excess liquid before serving.
