These Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers are juicy and full of flavor! Packed with chicken, zucchini, and sweet corn, they make a tasty meal that feels good too.
And don’t forget the fresh tomato cucumber relish—it adds a bright and crunchy touch! I love serving these burgers on sunny days, they’re a hit with everyone! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This lean protein is perfect for moist burgers. If you want something a bit richer, ground turkey is a great alternative. For a vegetarian version, use canned chickpeas or black beans mashed up.
Zucchini: Grated zucchini keeps the burgers moist. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use grated carrots or summer squash instead. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture for better consistency.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and crunch. You can swap corn for diced bell peppers or chopped spinach for a different flavor profile.
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs are great for binding, but if you’re gluten-free, almond flour works well too. You could also use crushed rice or oats.
How Do I Avoid Soggy Burgers?
The trick to preventing soggy burgers is removing extra moisture from your ingredients. Always squeeze grated zucchini in a towel to remove water. Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture; just combine until everything is mixed well.
- Grate and squeeze zucchini to remove moisture.
- Mix ground chicken and ingredients gently; don’t overwork.
This will help ensure your burgers hold together perfectly and cook evenly!
What’s the Best Way to Cook These Burgers?
Cooking these burgers on medium heat in a skillet helps them get a nice golden brown crust while cooking through. If you want to grill them, preheat the grill well and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- For skillet cooking, use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Cook burgers for 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and fully cooked.
- If you make them thicker, just increase the cooking time a little.
They stay juicy and flavorful this way!
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
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For The Fresh Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- Whole grain burger buns or lettuce wraps
- Optional: sliced avocado, leafy greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and healthy meal option perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
First, grab your grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out any excess moisture carefully to prevent soggy burgers. Set it aside for now!
2. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn kernels, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently until it’s well combined.
3. Form the Patties:
Take the chicken mixture and shape it into 4-6 equal-sized patties, each about 3/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking!
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remember to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
5. Make the Relish:
While the burgers are cooking, mix up your fresh tomato cucumber relish. In a medium bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then give it a gentle stir.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Once the burgers are cooked, it’s time to put everything together! Place the patties on whole grain buns or lettuce wraps. Top each burger with a generous spoonful of your fresh tomato cucumber relish. If you like, add some sliced avocado or leafy greens for extra flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the burgers immediately with your favorite side. Enjoy these healthy and flavorful chicken zucchini corn burgers for a satisfying meal!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your fresh, wholesome Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers with vibrant Fresh Tomato Cucumber Relish!
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well, contributing a slightly different flavor while remaining lean and healthy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Corn?
No worries! You can use frozen corn if that’s what you have on hand—just thaw it out before mixing it into the burger mixture. Canned corn is also an option, but be sure to drain it well.
Can I Make These Burgers in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking!
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
