These delicious chicken burgers are packed with zucchini and fresh corn, making them juicy and yummy! Plus, the tomato cucumber relish adds a refreshing twist to each bite.
Making these burgers is so much fun—who knew you could sneak veggies into a burger? I love serving them with a side of sweet potato fries for a perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the burgers, giving them a mild flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey for a similar taste, or even ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or finely chopped spinach work well for a veggie boost.
Fresh Corn: Using fresh corn kernels enhances sweetness and texture. If fresh corn isn’t available, canned or frozen corn can be used. Just make sure to drain or thaw them first.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds a nice crunch and sweetness. Feel free to swap it out for any bell pepper of your choice or even chopped jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the burger mixture. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. I like using Panko for extra crunch!
How Can You Make Perfect Chicken Burgers Without Them Falling Apart?
Keeping these chicken burgers intact is all about the mixture’s consistency. Start with the right amount of binding ingredients. Adding breadcrumbs is crucial, especially if your mixture feels wet. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine your ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the mixture too dense.
- Shape patties about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
- If the mixture is too loose, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time until you reach a good consistency.
- Cook in a hot, but not too hot, skillet to avoid burning while ensuring the inside is cooked through.
With these tips, your chicken burgers should hold their shape nicely and be deliciously juicy! Enjoy experimenting with the recipe!
How to Make 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
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or more if needed for binding)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 30 minutes. You’ll whip up the refreshing relish and burger mixture in no time, making it perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Relish:
Start by making the tomato cucumber relish. In a medium bowl, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro or parsley. Then, drizzle the mixture with olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, and mix everything well. Set the relish aside for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.
2. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, fresh corn kernels, chopped red bell pepper, green onion, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the burgers tough.
3. Form the Patties:
With your hands, shape the burger mixture into patties that are about 1/2-inch thick. If the mixture is a bit too wet or sticky, feel free to add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind the patties together. You’ll want them to hold their shape while cooking!
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the burger patties in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown on the outside and thoroughly cooked inside. You can check if they’re done by cutting one open—it should be white, not pink!
5. Serve:
Once the burgers are cooked, serve them warm with the tasty tomato cucumber relish on top or on the side. You can enjoy these burgers in your favorite burger buns or even wrapped in lettuce for a lighter option. Customize them with any extra herbs or spices if you like, and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before preparing the burgers. The best methods are to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or to place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, pat it dry to prevent excess moisture in your burger mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Chicken?
If you don’t have ground chicken, try using ground turkey or even ground beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or black beans can be substituted; however, they may need additional binding agents like breadcrumbs or an extra egg to hold the mixture together.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If you freeze them, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-lock bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Make the Relish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the tomato cucumber relish a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Let the relish come to room temperature before serving; this will enhance the flavors!
