These Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! The mix of chicken, fresh zucchini, and sweet corn make a tasty patty that’s fun to eat.
Pair them with a refreshing tomato cucumber relish, and you’ve got a meal that’s both good for you and yummy. I love how simple they are to make—perfect for a sunny day BBQ!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is lean and perfect for making juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a different flavor or want to make it a bit richer, turkey or lean beef can be great substitutes.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini keeps the burgers moist. If you’re not a fan, shredded carrots or even finely chopped bell peppers can work instead, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and texture. If corn isn’t available, try canned corn (rinsed) or even diced bell peppers for a similar crunch.
Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: These help bind the burgers together. You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed whole grain crackers if you need a gluten-free option.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you prefer a vegan option, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) can work well!
How Do I Get My Patties to Hold Together During Cooking?
It can be tricky to keep chicken burgers from crumbling. Here’s how to ensure you get firm, flavorful patties:
- Make sure to squeeze as much moisture out of the grated zucchini as you can. This step is key!
- Avoid overmixing the ingredients; just combine them until they are all mixed. This keeps the texture tender.
- If the mixture feels too wet when shaping, simply add a bit more breadcrumbs to help with binding.
- Cook on medium heat to create a nice crust without burning them. This also helps them hold together.
With these tips, your chicken zucchini corn burgers will be delicious and (most importantly) stay intact while 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 breast
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Fresh Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- Whole wheat burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Optional: sliced avocado or leafy greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. So, you can have delicious, healthy burgers ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid soggy patties. This step is super important to keep your burgers from falling apart!
2. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, parsley, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix as that can make the patties tough.
3. Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into patties about 3/4-inch thick. If the mixture seems too wet, feel free to add a little more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
5. Prepare the Relish:
While the burgers are cooking, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cilantro (or parsley), lemon/lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir gently to mix everything together, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Place each cooked burger on a whole wheat bun or lettuce wrap. Top generously with the fresh tomato cucumber relish and any optional toppings you like, such as sliced avocado or leafy greens.
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately with a side salad or your favorite light side dish. These burgers are packed with flavor and freshness—perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner!
Enjoy your healthy meal creation! 🎉
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe and will give you a slightly different flavor while still being healthy. Just be sure to check the fat content—you want to use lean turkey to keep the burgers moist.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can use shredded carrots or finely chopped bell peppers as alternatives. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep the patties from becoming soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Burgers Before Cooking?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. Just cook them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
