Some recipes instantly bring back the feeling of summer by the sea. I first made these Greek Chicken Burgers after a wonderful trip to a small village in Crete. Every bite reminds me of the kindness of the people and the fresh, simple meals they shared. Bring a bit of the Mediterranean sunshine to your table tonight — it’s easier than you think!
For the Chicken Burgers:
1 lb (450g) ground chicken
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for grilling
For the Tzatziki Slaw:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup finely shredded cabbage
1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out extra water)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
Burger buns or pita bread
Sliced tomatoes
Red onion slices
Fresh spinach or arugula
Prepare the Burgers:
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, feta, dill, oregano, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4 patties.
Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a grill pan or outdoor grill. Cook the burgers for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through.
Make the Tzatziki Slaw:
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cabbage, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Assemble:
Place burgers on buns or pita. Top with a generous amount of tzatziki slaw, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and greens.
Keep It Cool:
Ground chicken can be sticky! Lightly wet your hands with water before forming the patties — it makes shaping them much easier.
Don’t Overmix:
Gently combine the ingredients. Overmixing the chicken can make the burgers tough.
Extra Flavor:
For deeper Mediterranean flavor, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the burger mix — it’s an old Greek secret!
Make Ahead:
You can make the tzatziki slaw up to a day in advance. It actually tastes even better after sitting overnight!