Chicken Burgers with Spinach and Ricotta

We don’t eat a lot of chicken burgers but every once in awhile we need a break from a heavy traditional beef burger and this recipe is delicious. The addition of the ricotta really helps them retain moisture and makes for a great texture. You can substitute ground turkey but my family prefers the chicken. You want to get them cooked through but be careful not to overcook as it will dry out fast.

You can top them with whatever you like but I like staying with Mediterranean flavors. Mayo thinned with lemon juice, fresh or roasted tomatoes and roasted red peppers all make great additions.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. ground chicken

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup whole milk Ricotta cheese

1/2 cup chopped spinach

1 tablespoon pesto

3 tablespoons Italian seasoned bread crumbs

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking

4 hamburger buns (lightly toasted and buttered, if desired)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and set an oven rack in the middle position.

Place the ground chicken in a medium-size bowl. Add the salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, pesto and bread crumbs. Using your hands, mix until well blended. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a ball, then lightly flatten the ball with your fingertips into a 1/2 inch-thick patty.

Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet (I like using a cast iron skillet for this) over medium heat until very hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the burgers and cook over medium heat, without moving the burgers, until the bottom side of each is dark golden brown and crusted, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the burgers over; continue to cook until the bottom side is light brown but not yet crusted, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer the pan to the oven and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, or until the burgers are completely cooked (an instant-read thermometer inserted from the side of the burger into the center should register 160 degree F). Remove the burgers from the pan and serve immediately with toppings of your choice.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The uncooked burgers can be frozen for up to three months. (Freeze the burgers on a baking sheet or plate so their shape sets, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in zip-top bag.) Defrost the burgers overnight in the refrigerator prior to serving and then cook as directed.