These Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers are a tasty twist on your regular burger! Packed with ground chicken, fresh zucchini, and corn, they’re juicy and super flavorful.
I love pairing them with a refreshing tomato cucumber relish, which adds a nice crunch. It’s an easy dish that feels light and perfect for summer barbecues. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the burgers, offering lean protein. If you’re looking for a different flavor, ground turkey is a great substitute, or even chickpeas can be used for a plant-based option.
Zucchini: Adds moisture and nutrition. If zucchini isn’t available, finely grated carrots or yellow squash can work just as well. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture!
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but frozen corn is a fantastic alternative. You could also swap it out with diced bell peppers or chopped spinach for variation.
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs provide texture. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or try ground oats as a healthier alternative. They work well too!
Tomatoes and Cucumber: These are the stars of the relish! If cherry tomatoes aren’t in season, diced regular tomatoes will do. For cucumber, try a different type like Persian or English cucumber, which are milder and crisp.
What’s the Best Way to Keep the Burgers From Falling Apart?
Getting the right texture is key to make sure your burgers hold together well. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini. This will prevent the mixture from being too wet.
- Use a binding agent. The egg and breadcrumbs help hold the ingredients together. If you’re avoiding eggs, chia seeds mixed with water can also act as a binder.
- Don’t overmix the mixture. Just combine until everything is incorporated – overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Form the patties gently and make sure they’re evenly shaped for even cooking.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, well-formed burgers that are sure to impress! Enjoy cooking!
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers with Fresh Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Fresh Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
Start by taking a large bowl and mixing together the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, parsley, and minced garlic. This mixture is going to be the heart of your burgers!
2. Add Binding Ingredients:
Next, crack the egg into your chicken mixture, then add the breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are completely combined. If the mixture feels a bit too wet, just sprinkle in a tad more breadcrumbs until it holds together nicely.
3. Form the Patties:
Now, it’s time to shape the burgers! Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form each portion into a patty about 3 inches wide. Keep them even so they cook uniformly.
4. Cooking the Burgers:
Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through (you want them to reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Prepare the Relish:
While your burgers are cooking, whisk together the fresh flavors for your relish! In a bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped basil or mint. This will give your burgers a zesty topping!
6. Mix the Relish Ingredients:
Add in the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, a dash of honey (if desired), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir so all the ingredients marry nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your burgers are ready! Stack the warm chicken zucchini corn burgers on plates and top them off with the fresh tomato cucumber relish. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them on whole grain buns or use lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Enjoy this healthy, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will have a slightly different flavor, but it still keeps the dish light and healthy.
What If I Don’t Have Zucchini?
No worries! If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute it with finely grated carrots or shredded yellow squash. Just be sure to remove any excess moisture to prevent the patties from becoming too loose.
Can I Make the Burgers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the burger patties in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be easily reheated in a skillet or microwave. If you’re freezing them, individual wrap each patty in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months!
