Craving a burger that’s bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients and vibrant flavors? These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are the answer! Made with juicy ground chicken, garden-fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and colorful vegetables, these burgers are both wholesome and deliciously satisfying. Topped with a zesty Tomato-Cucumber Relish and paired with a tangy Greek yogurt sauce, this dish is sure to become a summer favorite. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, these burgers offer a refreshing twist on the classic, without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients for the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Burgers:
– 1 lb. ground chicken
– 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
– Kernels from 1 ear of fresh corn
– ½ medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
– ½ cup panko bread crumbs
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 3-4 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
Ingredients for the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:
– 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
– ⅓ medium seedless English cucumber, finely diced
– 2 green onions, finely sliced
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Greek Yogurt Sauce:**
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the burgers, allowing the flavors to blend.
2. **Make the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:**
In another small bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, cover, and set aside. This refreshing relish will add a bright, crunchy element to your burgers.
3. **Prepare the Burger Mixture:**
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, zucchini, corn kernels, red bell pepper, green onions, egg, panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spatula, but avoid overmixing.
4. **Shape the Burgers:**
With lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into 4-6 burger patties, depending on the desired size. The patties should be about ¾ inch thick for even cooking. Let them rest on a plate for about 10 minutes to firm up.
5. **Cook the Burgers:**
Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the patties to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
6. **Serve:**
To serve, place each chicken, zucchini, and corn burger on a plate, top with a generous spoonful of the Greek yogurt sauce, and add a scoop of the Tomato-Cucumber Relish. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve on their own, or on toasted buns or lettuce wraps for a more traditional burger experience.
Conclusion:
These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating a nutritious and flavorful alternative to standard burgers. The tangy Greek yogurt sauce and crisp Tomato-Cucumber Relish complement the savory patties perfectly, making this dish a well-balanced, healthy meal. Whether for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight meal, these burgers bring the bright, fresh flavors of the season to your table. Enjoy these guilt-free, veggie-packed burgers!