These chicken, zucchini, and fresh corn burgers are a tasty twist on the classic. With juicy chicken and crunchy veggies mixed in, every bite is filled with flavor and fun!
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a burger that packs in some veggies? I love serving these with a fresh tomato cucumber relish—it’s like a party on a plate! 🍔🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the burger, but you can swap it for ground turkey for a lighter option. If you want something vegetarian, try using black beans or chickpeas, mashed well.
Zucchini: Freshness is key here, so use grated zucchini to add moisture. If you can’t find zucchini, yellow squash works just as well, giving a similar texture.
Fresh Corn: The sweetness of fresh corn is hard to beat, but you can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it and pat dry before using. Canned corn could also work in a pinch.
Breadcrumbs: I like using whole wheat for added texture and flavor, but gluten-free breadcrumbs make a good substitute if needed. You can even blend up oats for a healthy alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes add sweetness, any small tomato variety will do. You can also use regular tomatoes, just seed and chop them up.
How Can I Ensure My Burgers Stay Tender?
The key to tender burgers is to avoid over-mixing the ground chicken and other ingredients. Here’s how to achieve the best texture:
- Combine all ingredients until just mixed. When you can still see some chunks, stop mixing!
- Use your hands to gently form the patties; this keeps air in and helps them stay light.
- Be careful when flipping them. Use a spatula to support the burger and avoid breaking them apart.
Cooking them in batches gives you better control and helps them brown beautifully, enhancing the flavor.
Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 35 minutes. You’ll have fresh and tasty burgers ready to enjoy in just over half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Relish:
Start by making the fresh tomato cucumber relish. In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything gently together to combine, and set it aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the burgers.
2. Make the Burger Mixture:
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn kernels, finely chopped red bell pepper, green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to over-mix, as this will keep your burgers nice and tender!
3. Form the Burgers:
Take a handful of the burger mixture and shape it into patties about 3 inches in diameter. You should end up with roughly 6 to 8 patties, depending on how big you like them.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches so they aren’t crowded). Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Check that they’re done by ensuring no pink remains inside!
5. Serve:
Once the burgers are cooked, take them off the heat and serve them hot. Top each burger with the fresh tomato cucumber relish. You can enjoy these delicious burgers on their own, in a burger bun, or with a lovely side salad.
6. Enjoy:
These burgers are fantastic served warm and make great leftovers too—perfect for lunch the next day!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work just as well in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as ground turkey can sometimes be leaner and may cook a bit faster.
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
To make these burgers gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats as a substitute. Additionally, check that your Worcestershire sauce (if using) is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I Prepare the Burger Mixture in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the burger mixture a day ahead! Just mix everything together, form the patties, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just heat your skillet and cook the patties as directed. This makes it great for meal prep!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If they seem a bit dry upon reheating, a drizzle of olive oil or a light spray of water can help keep them moist.
