Dinner

Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers

These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are the perfect summer meal, offering a fresh twist on the traditional burger. Made with ground chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty Greek yogurt sauce, these burgers are light, flavorful, and satisfying. They can be paired with various sides like pita bread, basmati rice, or mashed potatoes, making them an ideal option for BBQs or a family dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Greek Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Burgers:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ear fresh corn, kernels cut from cob
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, for searing

For the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • ⅓ medium seedless English cucumber, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  1. Make the Greek Yogurt Sauce: Mix the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Place in the fridge to chill.
  2. Prepare the Burgers: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, zucchini, egg, garlic, corn kernels, green onions, bell pepper, cumin, salt, coriander, black pepper, and cilantro. Mix thoroughly and form into patties.
  3. Cook the Burgers: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Sear the burgers for 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the burgers to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. Prepare the Relish: Combine tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, garlic, cilantro, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently to mix.
  5. Serve: Serve the burgers with the Greek yogurt sauce and tomato-cucumber relish. Enjoy with your preferred sides like pita bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 275 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 645mg
  • Potassium: 380mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Vitamin A: 500 IU
  • Vitamin C: 10mg
  • Calcium: 50mg
  • Iron: 2mg

Why You’ll Love These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers

There are several reasons why this burger recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation:

  • Healthy and Lean Protein – Ground chicken provides a leaner alternative to beef, offering a high-protein meal with less fat. Chicken is also an excellent source of vitamin B6 and niacin, which are important for energy metabolism and immune function.
  • Packed with Veggies – These burgers aren’t just about the meat; they’re also packed with zucchini and corn, both of which contribute to the burger’s fiber content. The tomato-cucumber relish adds even more fresh vegetables, making this meal as nutritious as it is flavorful.
  • Flavorful Greek Yogurt Sauce – The Greek yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy element that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken patties. The lemon zest and garlic create a refreshing and aromatic kick that brings out the best in the other ingredients.
  • Customizable – You can easily adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste. If you like extra spice, add some chili flakes to the yogurt sauce. You can also swap the vegetables or add in spinach, avocado, or roasted red peppers for more variety.
  • Quick and Easy to Prepare – With just a little prep time and simple ingredients, these burgers come together in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking them on the stove or in the oven, they cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

The Power of Fresh Vegetables in This Burger Recipe

The combination of zucchini, corn, and bell peppers in these burgers provides a nutritional powerhouse that complements the ground chicken. Here’s why these vegetables are so beneficial:

  • Zucchini – Zucchini is a low-calorie, high-water content vegetable that helps keep the burgers moist without adding unnecessary calories. It also provides vitamin C, which is essential for immune health, and potassium, which is key for heart health and muscle function.
  • Corn – Fresh corn adds natural sweetness and crunch to the burgers. It is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. Corn is also rich in antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
  • Red Bell Pepper – Red bell peppers are a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C. These vitamins are vital for skin health, immune function, and wound healing. They also contain fiber, making them a great addition to this burger for extra crunch and nutrients.

Greek Yogurt Sauce – The Perfect Topping for These Burgers

The Greek yogurt sauce brings a tangy, creamy element that complements the flavor-packed chicken patty and fresh vegetables. Greek yogurt is a fantastic base for sauces due to its thick texture and mild flavor, which allows other ingredients to shine. Here’s why it’s the perfect addition:

  • Creamy Texture – Greek yogurt adds a rich and smooth texture to the sauce without the heaviness of mayonnaise or sour cream.
  • Probiotics – Greek yogurt contains beneficial probiotics that promote gut health and digestion.
  • Lemon Zest and Garlic – The lemon zest and garlic in the sauce provide a refreshing, aromatic kick, making the burger extra flavorful without being overpowering.
  • Healthy Fats – The addition of olive oil in the sauce brings healthy monounsaturated fats, which help support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Tomato-Cucumber Relish – A Fresh and Flavorful Topping

The tomato-cucumber relish is a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory burger patty. This relish not only adds freshness and color but also provides additional vitamins and minerals:

  • Tomatoes – Rich in vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes are known for their antioxidant properties, which help protect against oxidative stress. Lycopene also promotes heart health and can reduce the risk of certain cancers.
  • Cucumbers – Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a refreshing addition to this dish. They’re also a good source of vitamin K, which is vital for bone health.
  • Lemon Zest and Cilantro – The lemon zest and cilantro in the relish provide a burst of citrus freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and yogurt sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are incredibly versatile, so you can pair them with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

  • Pita Bread – Serve the burgers with warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. You can even wrap the burger and toppings in pita for a more portable option.
  • Basmati Rice – Light and fragrant basmati rice is the perfect side dish to soak up the Greek yogurt sauce and pair well with the burger’s fresh ingredients.
  • Mashed Potatoes – For a heartier meal, serve the burgers with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery texture pairs wonderfully with the crunchy vegetables in the burger.
  • Mixed Greens Salad – A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a light and refreshing side that complements the flavors of the burger.
  • Grilled Vegetables – Add some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are a healthy, fresh, and delicious twist on the classic burger. Combining lean chicken with fiber-rich vegetables, a creamy Greek yogurt sauce, and a refreshing tomato-cucumber relish, this meal is the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Not only are these burgers easy to make and versatile, but they also make an excellent meal for a BBQ, family dinner, or casual weeknight meal. The fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors come together to create a satisfying and delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you serve them with pita, rice, or mashed potatoes, these burgers are sure to become a favorite in your household.

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