These Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers are juicy and full of flavor! With tasty chicken, crunchy zucchini, and sweet corn, they make a great meal any day.
They’re super easy to make. I love how they add veggies to my dinner without me even noticing! You can cook them on the grill or in a pan. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Using ground chicken breast keeps these burgers lean. If you’re looking for a different flavor, ground turkey or even lean beef is a good substitute. Just remember that the fat content will change the texture!
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If zucchini is hard to find, try grated carrot or sweet potato for a different twist. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture!
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and delicious, but frozen corn works great too and saves prep time. If corn is not your thing, diced bell peppers or chopped spinach can add a nice texture.
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber. For a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or almond flour. I like to make my own breadcrumbs from leftover bread for extra freshness!
How Can I Ensure My Burgers Stay Juicy?
To keep these burgers juicy, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Just combine everything until mixed; this helps keep the texture tender.
- When mixing, use your hands or a spoon gently.
- Shaping the patties evenly allows for consistent cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is done. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-12 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’re looking at a delicious homemade meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn kernels, red bell pepper, green onions, and parsley. This colorful mix is not only tasty but packed with nutrients too!
2. Add Flavor and Bind:
Add the breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! We want these burgers to stay nice and tender.
3. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 6 equal parts and shape each into a patty, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them even for consistent cooking.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures they get a lovely golden crust!
5. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Cook each patty for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they’re sticky, give them a little more time on that side.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve your delicious burgers warm on whole grain buns or lettuce wraps. Top with your favorite healthy toppings, like avocado, tomatoes, and a yogurt-based sauce or mustard for extra flavor.
Enjoy these flavorful, nutrient-packed chicken zucchini corn burgers as a wholesome meal!
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield similar results. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the lean content.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze These Burgers?
Yes, these burgers freeze well! Shape the patties and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
What can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If zucchini isn’t available, you can use grated carrots or finely chopped mushrooms instead. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent sogginess!
