These fun chicken burgers are packed with juicy zucchini and sweet corn, making them a tasty twist on your usual patties. Top them with a fresh tomato and cucumber relish for an extra crunch!
I love how colorful they are on my plate! Plus, my friends always ask for the recipe after tasting them. You’ll feel like a cooking superstar with these burgers—you just can’t go wrong!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the burger! You could also use ground turkey or lean ground beef if you prefer. Ground chicken has a milder taste, which allows the other ingredients to shine.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If you don’t have zucchini, try using grated carrots or even finely chopped spinach instead.
Fresh Corn: Fresh corn is best in this recipe for its sweetness. If it’s out of season, canned corn works too—just drain it well. You can also use frozen corn; just thaw and drain it before adding.
Red Bell Pepper: For a sweeter flavor, go with red bell pepper. If you want a bit more heat, try jalapeños, or use yellow or green bell peppers for a different taste.
Breadcrumbs: I like using panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs are fine too. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Burgers Hold Together?
Creating the perfect chicken burger that holds its shape can be tricky. The key is in the binding ingredients and mixing technique. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini; too much water can make the burgers fall apart.
- Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Over-mixing can make the patties tough.
- When forming the patties, make them slightly flatter in the center. This helps them cook evenly and reduces puffing up during cooking.
- Chill the patties for about 20-30 minutes before cooking to help them firm up.
With these tips, your chicken burgers will be easy to handle and delicious every time!
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 and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or 1 can, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 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
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus around 10-12 minutes to cook the burgers. In total, you’ll spend about half an hour to make these delicious and healthy burgers, ready to enjoy with a fresh relish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Relish:
Start by mixing together the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and fresh basil in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a good mix and let it sit aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you make the burgers.
2. Make the Burgers:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, fresh corn, diced red bell pepper, green onions, and parsley. Next, add the beaten egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined—don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
3. Form the Patties:
Grab a handful of the chicken mix and shape it into burger patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place all the patties on a plate or a clean surface. This way, they’re ready to cook!
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Depending on the size of your skillet, you might need to cook them in batches. Cook each burger for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
5. Serve:
Once cooked, serve the chicken burgers warm, generously topped with the tomato cucumber relish. These tasty burgers can be enjoyed on their own or in a bun with any additional toppings you like, such as lettuce or avocado.
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, though you may want to adjust seasoning slightly if the turkey is leaner, as it can be drier.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Corn?
If fresh corn is unavailable, you can use frozen corn kernels. Just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the mixture. Canned corn is also a good option; make sure to drain it well to prevent the mixture from becoming soggy.
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead of Time?
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or heat them in the microwave. Just be cautious not to overcook them during reheating to prevent dryness!
