Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken (preferably thigh for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 whole wheat or brioche burger buns
- For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings:
- Tomato slices
- Red onion rings
- Fresh spinach or arugula
- Feta cheese crumbles
If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, dried dill works surprisingly well in both the patties and the tzatziki sauce. And if breadcrumbs aren’t in your pantry, crushed pita chips or oats can be a good stand-in. I’ve even swapped ground turkey when chicken wasn’t available—it changes the flavor slightly but keeps the essence of the dish.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, parsley, dill, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs to the bowl, then gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the patties can become dense.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch thick. I find wetting my hands slightly helps prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outsides are golden brown.
- While the patties cook, prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Toast the burger buns lightly in the skillet or oven for added texture and warmth.
- Assemble the burgers by spreading tzatziki on the bottom bun, adding the chicken patty, and topping with your choice of tomato slices, onion rings, greens, and feta if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with your favorite sides.
One personal tip: I like to prep the patties a little in advance and chill them for 15-20 minutes before cooking. It helps them hold together better and develop deeper flavor. Plus, it gives me a moment to tidy up the kitchen or set the table—a little pause in the whirlwind of family life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International