These chicken burgers are a tasty treat, packed with fresh zucchini and sweet corn. They’re juicy and fun to eat with a refreshing tomato cucumber relish on top!
I love how colorful these burgers look on the plate. Plus, they’re perfect for summer grilling! You can enjoy them at a picnic or just on a cozy evening at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of your burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use ground turkey or even ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Zucchini: Grating zucchini adds moisture and veggies. If you don’t have zucchini, shredded carrots or even finely chopped spinach can make a great substitute.
Fresh Corn: I love using fresh corn for its sweetness, but frozen corn works just as well. Just thaw it before mixing in.
Bread Crumbs: You can use regular bread crumbs, panko, or even gluten-free bread crumbs. For a different flavor, try crushed crackers.
Red Bell Pepper: It brings a nice crunch and sweetness. If you want, use yellow or green bell peppers or even finely chopped jalapeño for a kick.
How Can I Avoid Overmixing the Burger Mixture?
When making burgers, the texture is key, and overmixing can lead to tough patties. Here’s how to mix gently:
- Combine the ingredients slowly, using your hands or a spatula to fold, rather than stirring vigorously.
- Mix just until you no longer see dry ingredients. Small lumps of chicken are okay!
Preserving the mixture’s tenderness will give you juicy burgers, so resist the urge to mix it too much!
Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes to prep and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the relish and another 15 minutes mixing, forming, and cooking the burgers.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Relish:
Start by making the tomato cucumber relish. In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently and set it aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the burgers. This will add a fresh, tasty twist to your meal!
2. Make the Burgers:
Now, let’s move on to the burgers. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, fresh corn kernels, breadcrumbs, finely chopped red bell pepper, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough!
3. Form the Patties:
Next, shape the burger mixture into patties. Aim to make them about 1/2 inch thick. You should end up with approximately 6 burger patties. This is the fun part, so get your hands a little messy!
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the burger patties to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through (you’ll want to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety).
5. Serve:
Once the burgers are cooked, serve them warm on their own or on buns if you prefer. Top them generously with the fresh tomato cucumber relish. Enjoy these tasty chicken burgers that are bursting with flavor and freshness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will give you a similar flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook it to the same internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Corn? Can I Use Frozen Corn?
Yes, frozen corn works well too! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to your mixture to keep your burgers from getting soggy.
How Can I Add More Flavor to My Burgers?
If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even a splash of hot sauce for a kick. You can also experiment with different spices like cumin or chili powder!
How to 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 medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months—just place parchment paper between each patty for easy separation!
