These chicken burgers are a fun twist on the classic! Made with fresh zucchini and sweet corn, they bring a tasty crunch to each bite. Topped with a refreshing tomato cucumber relish, they’re just perfect for summer!
My favorite part? These burgers are super easy to grill up, and they make a great meal for family or friends. I like to serve them with a side of crispy fries for a little extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken keeps these burgers light and juicy. If you prefer red meat, you can use ground turkey or lean beef instead. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or black beans work well; just mash them and add more breadcrumbs to hold everything together.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini provides moisture and flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, you can substitute with finely grated carrots or yellow squash. They will add a nice touch to the flavor and texture of the burgers.
Fresh Corn: Frozen corn can easily replace fresh corn if it’s out of season. It’s convenient and just as tasty. If you’re in a pinch, canned corn works too; just drain it well to avoid extra moisture.
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs give extra fiber and a slight nuttiness. If you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers could work too. For a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free cereal or ground oats.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of flavor. Instead, you can use fresh cilantro or oregano if that’s what you have on hand. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but remember to use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Burgers to Hold Together?
Getting the burgers to stay intact during cooking can be tricky. Here are some key tips to help keep your chicken burgers from falling apart:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Chill the Mixture: After forming the patties, chill them in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before cooking.
- Heat the Pan Properly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the patties. This will help create a nice crust and hold them together better.
- Flip Gently: Use a wide spatula and flip them carefully to keep the patties intact.
By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked burgers that hold their shape and deliver great flavor!
Delicious Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes, which makes it a quick and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn kernels, red bell pepper, green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley if you’re using it. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s well blended. Don’t worry about being too precise; just make sure it’s even!
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the mixture into equal portions—aim for about 6 to 8 patties. With your hands, shape each portion into a nice round patty. Place them on a plate or baking sheet so they’re ready to cook. This part is fun, and you can even make them as thick or thin as you like!
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat up a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through; the internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Prepare the Relish:
While the burgers are cooking, let’s whip up the tomato cucumber relish! In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and then add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently to combine the flavors nicely.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the burgers are cooked to perfection, serve them hot with a generous topping of the tomato cucumber relish. Feel free to garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Enjoy your meal with your favorite sides—these burgers are juicy, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for a light summer feast!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using it. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry to prevent excess moisture when making the burgers.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, rolled oats, or even cooked quinoa as a substitute. Adjust the quantity as needed, but aim for a similar consistency to help bind the burger mixture together!
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cooked patties. Wrap each burger tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep for about 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Can I Make the Relish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The tomato cucumber relish can be made a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Give it a good stir before serving, as some liquid may accumulate.
