If you’re looking for more delectable grilled recipes to ignite your summer, 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 grilling occasion.

Perfect for Meal Prep or Your Next Summer BBQ

This light and incredibly flavorful Greek chicken burger recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation, whether you’re planning for convenient lunches or hosting a lively summer gathering. Chicken and turkey burgers, much like our popular Gorgonzola Grilled Chicken Burger, are consistently among my top choices. They offer a healthier, leaner alternative to traditional beef burgers without compromising on taste or satisfaction. In fact, with its vibrant seasonings and fresh toppings, this Greek-inspired creation can easily outshine a standard burger any day of the week, bringing a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your plate.

One of the primary reasons these Greek chicken burgers have become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months, is their versatility for weekly meal preps. I typically prepare a batch of 8 burgers at once. Some are destined to be enjoyed as classic sandwiches, nestled in toasted buns with all the delicious fixings. Others I prefer to slice and incorporate into refreshing salads, providing a protein-packed and flavorful component. Alternatively, they make an excellent standalone lunch alongside a serving of fluffy rice and a vibrant vegetable side, such as our savory Sautéed Rapini with Garlic. Their adaptability means you’ll never tire of this healthy and delicious option.

Essential Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

• Tabbouleh and Tzatziki: The Perfect Toppings. These two fresh, homemade toppings are what truly elevate our Greek chicken burgers from good to extraordinary. They are not only incredibly healthy but also surprisingly simple to prepare. Tzatziki, with its creamy Greek yogurt base, fresh cucumber, and hint of garlic (optional, but recommended for more flavor), offers a wonderfully cool and tangy contrast to the warm burger. It’s a far less processed and significantly more nutritious alternative to heavier condiments like mayonnaise or sugary ketchup, packed with probiotics and fresh flavors.
• Tabbouleh: A Nutrient-Rich Herb Salad. This vibrant Middle Eastern salad is primarily made from finely chopped fresh parsley, mixed with tomatoes, mint, onion, and a bit of bulgur. It’s exponentially better tasting and far more nutritious than a bland slice of iceberg lettuce. Tabbouleh provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a lovely textural contrast. While it doesn’t offer the crisp crunch of iceberg lettuce, its zesty profile more than makes up for it. It’s easy to whip up and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for preparing ahead. Remember to toast your burger buns to add that satisfying crunch that might be missed from lettuce!
• Ground Chicken (or Turkey): The Lean Protein Base. I typically opt for lean ground chicken in this recipe for its mild flavor and health benefits, allowing the Greek seasonings to shine. However, if you prefer, it can absolutely be substituted with ground turkey. Both provide an excellent lean protein base. When selecting, aim for ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content (e.g., 90/10) if you’re concerned about dryness, or stick with extra-lean for a lighter option. The feta and other ingredients help keep the patties moist regardless.
• Bulgur: The Heart of Tabbouleh. Bulgur wheat, a staple in Mediterranean cooking, gives tabbouleh its characteristic texture and a subtle nutty flavor. It’s a quick-cooking whole grain, adding fiber and substance. If you don’t have bulgur on hand or are looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa makes an excellent substitute. Simply cook the quinoa according to package directions and let it cool before incorporating it into your tabbouleh.
• White Wine Vinegar (or Lemon Juice) for Tzatziki. The acidity in tzatziki is crucial for its signature tangy taste and ability to cut through the richness of the burger. White wine vinegar provides a crisp, bright tang. However, freshly squeezed lemon juice is a fantastic alternative and will impart a similar zesty flavor. Feel free to use whichever you have available or prefer.
• Feta Cheese: The Salty Kick. Crumbled feta cheese is integral to the burger patty, offering a delightful salty, tangy, and slightly creamy element that instantly evokes Greek flavors. Opt for good quality feta, ideally from sheep or goat’s milk, for the best taste.
• Fresh Spinach & Herbs: Bursting with Freshness. Finely chopped fresh spinach not only adds a nutritious boost to the patties but also helps maintain moisture. Combined with fresh parsley and dried oregano, these ingredients infuse the chicken with authentic Mediterranean aromatics.
• Kalamata Olives: A Briny Surprise. Chopped Kalamata olives add a wonderful briny, savory depth to the chicken patties, complementing the feta and spinach perfectly. They are a signature Greek flavor that shouldn’t be skipped!
• Breadcrumbs: The Binder. A small amount of breadcrumbs helps bind the chicken patty ingredients together, preventing them from falling apart on the grill and contributing to a tender texture. Use plain or panko breadcrumbs.

*Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for precise measurements and additional ingredient information.

How to Craft Your Delicious Greek Chicken Burgers

The secret to a truly spectacular Greek chicken burger lies in the preparation of its fresh, flavorful toppings. I highly recommend starting with making your tabbouleh and tzatziki first, allowing them ample time to chill and for their flavors to meld beautifully. Ideally, give your tabbouleh about 3-4 hours in the fridge so it can properly soak up all the olive oil and zesty seasonings, deepening its taste and texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Bulgur. Begin by boiling the bulgur according to the package instructions. This usually involves combining it with water or broth, bringing it to a boil, then simmering until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender. Once cooked, spread it out on a plate or baking sheet to cool completely. It’s crucial for the bulgur to be cold or at least at room temperature before mixing it into the tabbouleh to prevent it from wilting the fresh herbs and vegetables.

Step 2: Drain Excess Liquid from Vegetables. For both the tabbouleh and the tzatziki, finely chop your tomatoes and cucumber. This step is incredibly important: use a cheesecloth to meticulously drain all of the liquid from the chopped vegetables. While you could use a fine-mesh strainer or even several layers of paper towels, a cheesecloth will undoubtedly yield the best results, ensuring your toppings aren’t watery. Squeeze firmly to extract as much moisture as possible, as this prevents soggy tabbouleh and runny tzatziki.

Step 3: Assemble the Tabbouleh. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bulgur, finely chopped fresh parsley, cucumber, tomato, red onion, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Cover the bowl tightly and store it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 3-4 hours, to allow the flavors to truly marry.

Step 4: Prepare the Simple Tzatziki. In a separate bowl, combine the thick Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar (or lemon juice), and the previously drained, chopped cucumber. Stir well until all ingredients are smoothly integrated. While this is a simplified version of traditional tzatziki, it provides a wonderfully fresh, creamy, and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the burger. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then cover and refrigerate until serving.

Step 5: Mix the Burger Patty Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley and spinach, breadcrumbs, a drizzle of olive oil, chopped Kalamata olives, and your chosen spices (salt, pepper, oregano). Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. The goal is to ensure all ingredients are evenly spread throughout the chicken mixture.

Step 6: Form the Patties. Divide the seasoned ground chicken mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a burger patty, approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking. You can create a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle as they cook.

Step 7: Grill the Chicken Burgers to Perfection. Preheat your grill to its highest temperature. Once the grill is hot (around 600°F or higher), thoroughly clean the grates with a wire brush to prevent sticking. Carefully place the chicken patties on the hot grill, then immediately lower the heat to medium. Cook the burgers for 3-5 minutes on each side. The exact cooking time will vary based on your grill and patty thickness. Crucially, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Once cooked, remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent 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, spread a generous layer of your freshly prepared tabbouleh onto the bottom half of each bun. The tabbouleh acts as a flavorful, fresh bed for your burger.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve. Place a cooked chicken burger patty on top of the tabbouleh-covered bottom bun. Then, generously dollop a spoonful of your homemade tzatziki sauce over the burger. Add the top bun, and your magnificent Greek chicken burger is ready to be devoured! This burger is truly the perfect, satisfying sandwich for a weeknight meal or a weekend feast. For other delightful handheld meals, consider our savory Chimichurri Steak Tacos or the comforting Eggplant Caprese Grilled Cheese.

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