Chicken veggie burgers are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic burger. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers, these burgers are a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal while still satisfying your craving for a hearty sandwich. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or serve up something different at your next BBQ, these homemade chicken veggie burgers are sure to be a hit. The combination of ground chicken and veggies creates a flavorful patty that’s juicy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.

Not only are these burgers delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or condiments, and they’re a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. This recipe is simple to prepare and provides a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, making it perfect for anyone looking for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Plus, they’re easily adaptable to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-carb options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Veggies

The addition of zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers adds a boost of vitamins and fiber to each burger, making it a healthier option compared to traditional beef burgers.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these chicken veggie burgers come together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

3. Customizable

These burgers are highly adaptable. You can add different veggies, spices, or toppings to suit your tastes. It’s a great way to experiment with flavors.

4. Lean Protein

Ground chicken provides lean protein, making this burger a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing flavor or texture.

5. Ideal for Meal Prep

These burgers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prepping and having a healthy meal on hand all week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Veggie Patties:

Ground chicken breast or thighs
Finely grated zucchini (squeeze out excess water)
Finely grated carrot
Finely chopped red bell pepper
Finely chopped onion
Breadcrumbs (or use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Egg
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper

For Serving:

Whole wheat or regular burger buns
Lettuce, tomato, and other desired toppings (optional)

Variations

Use Different Veggies: Feel free to swap in different vegetables, such as finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or corn, depending on what you have available.
Spicy Version: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patty mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the patties in lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Grate the zucchini and carrot using a fine grater. Squeeze out any excess water from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Finely chop the red bell pepper and onion.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped red bell pepper, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Using your hands, form each portion into a round patty, making them slightly larger than the burger buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the patties should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Toast the Buns (Optional)

While the patties are cooking, you can toast the burger buns on a separate pan or grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, if desired.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Once the patties are cooked, place them on the buns. Add your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, or any other favorite condiments.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Make Uniform Patties: To ensure even cooking, try to make the patties as uniform in size as possible.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking multiple batches, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the patties in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Use Ground Thigh Meat: Ground chicken breast is lean, but using ground chicken thighs can provide extra juiciness and flavor, resulting in a more tender patty.
Rest the Patties: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices.

How to Serve

These chicken veggie burgers are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with your favorite sides such as sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Add a side of homemade coleslaw or even a dipping sauce like aioli or ketchup for extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken veggie patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet.

Freezing

These burgers freeze well. After cooking, allow the patties to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe for a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I make these burgers without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use almond meal or oat flour as a substitute for breadcrumbs if you’re looking for a gluten-free or grain-free option.

3. How do I prevent the burgers from falling apart?

Be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini and handle the patties gently when forming them to prevent them from becoming too loose.

4. Can I bake the chicken veggie burgers instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version of this recipe.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen vegetables if needed. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the mixture.

6. Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes, you can use a flax egg or chia egg as a replacement for the regular egg if you’re looking for a vegan or egg-free alternative.

7. How can I add more flavor to the patties?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like fresh basil, thyme, or even chili flakes for a more dynamic flavor.

8. Can I serve these burgers on lettuce wraps instead of buns?

Yes, using lettuce wraps is a great low-carb and gluten-free alternative to burger buns.

9. How do I know when the burgers are done?

Check the internal temperature of the burgers with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

10. Can I grill these chicken veggie burgers?

Yes, you can grill the patties on medium heat. Be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

These chicken veggie burgers are the perfect combination of healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make. The mix of ground chicken and fresh vegetables makes for a juicy, satisfying burger, while the added spices and seasonings bring everything together. Whether you’re enjoying them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a weekend barbecue, these burgers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings and served with a variety of sides. Try them today for a light, tasty meal that’s packed with nutrition!