These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! The mix of tender chicken and fresh veggies makes for a tasty, healthier burger option that everyone will love.
And let’s not forget that colorful tomato cucumber relish on top—talk about a tasty upgrade! I love serving these burgers with a side of sweet potato fries for a fun meal everyone can enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the burgers. If you want something leaner, turkey is a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or chickpeas, mashed, to replace ground chicken.
Zucchini: Adds moisture and keeps the burgers juicy. If zucchini is unavailable, grated carrots or bell peppers can work well too, though they will alter the flavor slightly. I enjoy using zucchini for the mild sweetness it brings.
Fresh Corn: It adds sweetness and crunch. Frozen corn can be used as an alternative. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture. I love using fresh corn during summer for its delightful taste.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture. If you’re gluten-sensitive, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed oats, or even ground up seeds like flaxseeds. I often switch up with crushed crackers for an extra crunch.
Lemon Juice: This brightens up the relish wonderfully. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice is a fantastic substitute and adds its unique flavor. Fresh herbs like dill also work nicely in the relish if you don’t have parsley.
How Can You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Burgers?
Cooking chicken burgers can be tricky since chicken needs to be cooked thoroughly to be safe, yet can dry out quickly. Here’s how to ensure they’re both safe and juicy.
- Make sure your skillet is preheated over medium heat before adding the patties. This helps create a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, flip carefully to avoid breaking them. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is the safe temperature for chicken.
- Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them moist.
These tips will help you serve delicious chicken burgers that everyone will love!
Delicious Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 20 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. So, get ready for a total of 35 minutes to create these tasty burgers and relish, perfect for a healthy meal any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Burger Mixture:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the ground chicken, grated zucchini, fresh corn, finely chopped red bell pepper, chopped green onion, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed!
2. Shape the Patties:
With the mixture ready, it’s time to form your burger patties! Take a portion of the mixture and shape it into a round patty about 3 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 6 patties. Set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Now, heat up the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the burger patties to the skillet. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; you can cook them in batches if needed. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through. You want them to sizzle and smell great!
4. Prepare the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
While the burgers are cooking, let’s whip up the fresh tomato cucumber relish! In another bowl, combine the diced tomato, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together. This will add a fresh zing to your burgers!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once your burgers are golden brown and fully cooked, take them out of the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Now, you’re ready to serve! Place a burger on a plate or a bun, top it with a generous scoop of the tomato cucumber relish, and enjoy with your favorite side dish.
These chicken, zucchini, and corn burgers are not only tasty but also packed with fresh veggies, making them a fantastic meal choice. Enjoy every bite!
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. Just make sure to keep an eye on cooking times, as lean turkey can sometimes cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Corn?
If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn instead. Just thaw it first and drain excess moisture, so the burger mixture doesn’t become too wet. Canned corn works as well; just rinse it under cold water to remove excess sodium and drain well.
Can I Prep the Burgers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the burger patties in advance! Form the patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and cover them with plastic wrap. They can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for a minute or two or warm them in a skillet over low heat. They also make a great addition to salads or sandwiches!
