Greek Chicken Burgers with Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Burgers with Tzatziki offer a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic burger. Juicy chicken patties are paired with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce that brightens every bite. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend cookout.

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber
• Coarse sea salt
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 green onion (for garnish)
• 2 cups strained yogurt
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and grate the cucumber using a box grater or food processor. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt and let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Step 2: After resting, gently squeeze the grated cucumber over the sink to remove excess liquid. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Mash the garlic cloves into a paste using the side of a knife or a mortar and pestle.
4. Step 4: Mince the green onion finely to use later as a garnish.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together the strained yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh dill, and mashed garlic until well combined.
6. Step 6: Fold the squeezed cucumber into the yogurt mixture. Add additional sea salt to taste.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Step 8: Garnish with the minced green onion before serving alongside your grilled chicken burgers.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve a thicker and creamier tzatziki sauce.
• For an extra fresh flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
• If you prefer, substitute fresh dill with fresh mint for a different herbal note.
• To save time, prepare the tzatziki a day ahead to deepen the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir to recombine as separation may occur. It can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of strained yogurt?

Regular yogurt can be used, but the sauce may be thinner. To prevent this, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth for a couple of hours to remove excess liquid and achieve the creamy texture typical of tzatziki.

How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?

Tzatziki will keep fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, its fresh flavor and texture may decline.

Greek Chicken Burgers with Tzatziki Recipe

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4.4 from 108 reviews

These Greek Chicken Burgers with homemade tzatziki sauce offer a flavorful and refreshing twist on classic chicken patties. Juicy chicken is paired perfectly with a creamy, garlicky cucumber tzatziki, making a delicious meal ideal for grilling, stovetop cooking, or a backyard barbecue.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 large English cucumber
• Coarse sea salt (to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 green onion (for garnish)
• 2 cups strained yogurt
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill

For the Greek Chicken Burgers (Estimated Ingredients)

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• 4 burger buns or pita bread
• Lettuce and tomato slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Peel and grate the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor with the grater blade. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then squeeze the grated cucumber over the sink to remove excess liquid.
2. Mash the Garlic and Mince Green Onion: Mash garlic cloves into a paste and finely mince the green onion for garnish.
3. Mix Tzatziki Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together strained yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh dill until well combined. Fold in the shredded and drained cucumber. Season with salt to taste and garnish with minced green onions. Refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Chicken Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
5. Form Patties: Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than your burger buns.
6. Cook the Burgers: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet or on a grill over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the burgers are golden brown.
7. Assemble the Burgers: Place cooked chicken patties on the buns or pita bread. Add lettuce and tomato slices if desired, then top generously with chilled tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Make sure to thoroughly squeeze the cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki.
• Allow the tzatziki to chill for at least 2-3 hours to fully develop flavors.
• Use ground chicken breast for a leaner option or mix with dark meat for juicier patties.
• These burgers can also be grilled outdoors for an authentic smoky flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute burger buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns.

Keywords: Greek chicken burgers, tzatziki sauce, healthy chicken patties, Mediterranean recipe, grilled chicken burgers