If you’re looking for more fantastic recipes to enjoy on the grill or for a hearty meal, be sure to try our Italian Ring Sausage (Chevalatta), Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Sliders, or the classic Italian Sausage and Peppers. Each offers a unique flavor profile perfect for any gathering!

The Perfect Choice: Healthy Meal Prep or Summer BBQ Star

This light, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make Greek chicken burger recipe is an absolute game-changer, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. Chicken and turkey burgers, much like our popular Gorgonzola Grilled Chicken Burger, offer a healthier alternative to traditional red meat burgers without compromising on taste. In fact, with its vibrant mix of ingredients, this Greek chicken burger can easily outshine a regular beef burger any day of the week, providing a fresh and exciting culinary experience.

Greek chicken burgers truly shine when incorporated into weekly meal preps, especially during the warmer months of summer. My typical approach involves preparing a batch of about 8 burgers. I enjoy some of them immediately as satisfying sandwiches, while others are versatile enough to be cut up and tossed into a fresh salad. Alternatively, they make an excellent lunch when served alongside a simple grain like rice and a nutritious vegetable side, such as our delicious Sauteed Rapini with Garlic. Their adaptability and deliciousness make them a go-to for healthy and convenient meals.

Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Greek Chicken Burgers

Crafting the perfect Greek chicken burger involves selecting fresh, quality ingredients that truly bring out the Mediterranean essence. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful substitutions to keep in mind:

• Tabbouleh and Tzatziki: The Ultimate Toppings. These two fresh, vibrant toppings are among my absolute favorites for Greek chicken burgers. They not only complement the flavors beautifully but are also healthy and surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Homemade tzatziki, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and a touch of acid, offers a less processed and far more nutritious alternative to heavier condiments like mayonnaise or ketchup, adding a creamy, refreshing tang.
• Tabbouleh: A Healthier Green. Far from being a mere garnish, tabbouleh, predominantly made with fresh parsley, is exponentially more flavorful and packed with more nutrients than a bland piece of iceberg lettuce. It’s simple to whip up and can be conveniently stored in the fridge for several days, making it perfect for meal prep. While it won’t give you the same crunch as iceberg, its fresh, herbaceous bite is far superior. Remember to toast your burger buns to complement these fresh toppings!
• Ground Chicken (or Turkey). For these delicious patties, I typically opt for lean ground chicken. However, if you prefer or have it on hand, ground turkey is an excellent and equally healthy substitute. Both offer a light base that perfectly absorbs the Greek seasonings.
• Bulgur for Tabbouleh. While bulgur is the traditional grain for tabbouleh, I sometimes substitute quinoa if that’s what I have in my pantry. Quinoa offers a similar texture and a nutritional boost, making it a great gluten-free alternative.
• White Wine Vinegar or Lemon for Tzatziki. In our simple tzatziki recipe, white wine vinegar provides a crisp, bright acidity. If you don’t have it, fresh lemon juice is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar zesty kick that truly brightens the creamy yogurt.
• Feta Cheese & Spinach: These are non-negotiable for that authentic Greek flavor and moisture in the patty. Use good quality feta for the best taste.
• Kalamata Olives: The briny, salty punch of chopped Kalamata olives adds another layer of Mediterranean flavor that truly makes these burgers sing.
• Breadcrumbs: A small amount of breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture and ensures a tender, juicy burger.

*Please see the full recipe card below for precise measurements and detailed ingredient information.

Crafting Your Homemade Greek Chicken Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

The secret to truly sensational Greek Chicken Burgers lies in preparing your fresh toppings first. This allows them ample time to marinate and for the flavors to meld beautifully. I recommend giving your homemade tabbouleh at least 3-4 hours in the fridge to properly soak up all the delicious oil and zesty flavors, enhancing its taste and texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Bulgur (or Quinoa). Begin by boiling the bulgur according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool completely. Ensuring it’s cool before mixing is crucial for the tabbouleh’s texture.

Step 2: Drain Excess Liquid from Vegetables. This step is vital for both your tabbouleh and tzatziki. Use a cheesecloth to meticulously drain all the excess liquid from your finely chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. While a strainer or even several layers of paper towels can work, a cheesecloth offers the best results, allowing you to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This prevents your toppings from becoming watery.

Step 3: Assemble the Tabbouleh. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fresh parsley, cooled bulgur, the thoroughly drained cucumber and tomato, finely chopped red onion, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of quality olive oil. Mix all these vibrant ingredients together until they are well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to marry and deepen. This chilling time is essential for the best tabbouleh experience.

Step 4: Prepare the Simple Tzatziki. In another bowl, combine the creamy Greek yogurt, a splash of white wine vinegar (or fresh lemon juice), and the thoroughly drained chopped cucumber. Stir these ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated. While this isn’t a strictly traditional tzatziki, it’s an incredibly easy and refreshingly delicious sauce that perfectly complements these Greek chicken burgers. Cover and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Step 5: Mix the Burger Patty Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta, finely chopped fresh parsley and spinach, breadcrumbs, olive oil, chopped Kalamata olives, and your chosen spices (salt, pepper, oregano). Use your hands to gently, yet thoroughly, combine all the ingredients. The goal is an even distribution of flavors without overmixing, which can lead to tough burgers. For best flavor and texture, consider letting this mixture marinate in the fridge for 1-4 hours before forming patties.

Step 6: Form the Patties. Divide the seasoned ground chicken mixture into four equal portions. Gently, but firmly, form each portion into a burger patty, approximately ¾-inch thick. Try to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle during cooking, ensuring they cook evenly.

Step 7: Grill the Chicken Burgers to Perfection. Preheat your grill to its highest temperature, aiming for about 600℉. Once hot, clean the grill grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks. Place the formed chicken patties on the hot grill, then immediately reduce the heat to medium. Cook the burgers for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. Once done, remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger.

Step 8: Prepare the Buns. While the burgers are resting, lightly toast your burger buns. This adds texture and prevents them from getting soggy. Once toasted, generously spread a layer of your fresh, chilled tabbouleh onto the bottom half of each bun. This forms a flavorful and visually appealing base for your burger.

Step 9: Assemble and Enjoy! Place your perfectly grilled chicken burger patty on top of the tabbouleh-lined bottom bun. Then, generously dollop with your creamy, homemade tzatziki sauce. For an extra flourish, you can add a few slices of fresh tomato or a sprinkle of red onion on top. Cap it with the top bun and serve immediately. This burger is not just a meal; it’s an experience!

This Greek Chicken Burger is truly the perfect sandwich for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering! If you’re craving more delicious handheld options, be sure to try our Chimichurri Steak Tacos for a vibrant flavor explosion or our comforting Eggplant Caprese Grilled Cheese for a delightful twist on a classic. Each recipe promises a unique and satisfying culinary adventure!

Pro-Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Burgers

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: If your schedule allows, don’t skip the marinating step for the ground chicken mixture. Letting it rest in the fridge for 3-4 hours (or even overnight) before forming the patties allows the flavors to deeply infuse the meat, resulting in an even more flavorful and tender burger. This makes a noticeable difference!
2. Invest in a Cheesecloth: This humble kitchen tool is your best friend for making fresh, non-watery toppings. A good quality cheesecloth effectively drains excess liquid from vegetables like cucumber and tomato, which is absolutely crucial for perfectly textured tzatziki and tabbouleh. They are inexpensive and incredibly useful for many other recipes too.
3. Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining the burger ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense chicken patties. Gentle handling ensures a tender, juicy burger.
4. Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: For chicken burgers, ensuring they are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is paramount. An instant-read thermometer is your most reliable tool to achieve this without overcooking and drying out your patties.
5. Don’t Press the Burgers: Avoid pressing down on the patties with your spatula while they’re cooking on the grill. This presses out the valuable juices, leading to a dry burger. Let the grill do its work!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Greek Chicken Burgers

These flavorful Greek Chicken Burgers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some of our top recommendations to complete your meal:

• Refreshing Cold Pasta Salads: A light and zesty cold pasta salad always complements grilled dishes perfectly. Consider serving your burgers with our vibrant Italian Pasta Salad, packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, or try the delightful Caprese Tortellini Salad for a satisfying and easy-to-make side.
• Easy and Healthy Vegetable Sides: For a simple yet delicious addition, whip up an easy vegetable dish. Our crisp Italian Green Bean Salad offers a refreshing crunch, or opt for the hearty and wholesome Summer Farro Salad with Cannellini Beans, which brings a lovely textural contrast and added protein.
• Fresh Side Salads: A crisp side salad is always a welcome companion to any burger. Pair your Greek Chicken Burger with a classic Caesar Salad, known for its creamy dressing and croutons, or for something truly special, try our light and tropical Grilled Shrimp Salad with Mango Lime Dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Burgers

My Big Fat Greek Chicken Burger

Vincent DelGiudice