Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with Greek Yogurt Sauce

These Mediterranean Chicken Burgers are fresh, healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavors. Topped with a creamy Greek yogurt sauce and a zesty tomato-cucumber relish, they’re perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Serve them on homemade tortillas or buns for an unforgettable taste of the Mediterranean!

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

For the Burgers:

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
• 1 ear fresh corn, kernels cut from cob
• ½ medium red bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3–4 tablespoons olive oil, for searing

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 finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Greek Yogurt Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt , grated lemon zest , fresh lemon juice , minced garlic , olive oil , and salt .
2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Cover and place the sauce in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Burgers

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) .
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken , zucchini , corn kernels , red bell pepper , green onions , egg , panko bread crumbs , cilantro , minced garlic , ground cumin , ground coriander , salt , and black pepper .
3. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Divide the mixture into 4–6 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ¾-inch thick.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers

1. Heat 3–4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat .
2. Sear the burgers for about 2 minutes per side , or until golden brown on both sides.
3. Transfer the seared burgers to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 7–10 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the burgers are cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Tomato-Cucumber Relish

1. In a medium bowl, combine the quartered tomatoes , diced cucumber , sliced green onions , chopped cilantro , minced garlic , lemon zest , fresh lemon juice , and a pinch of salt .
2. Stir gently to mix, ensuring the flavors blend without crushing the vegetables. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Serve the burgers on homemade flour tortillas or your favorite buns.
2. Top each burger with a generous dollop of the chilled Greek yogurt sauce and a spoonful of the tomato-cucumber relish .
3. Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavors!

Tips for Success

• Grate the zucchini : Use a box grater to finely shred the zucchini, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy burgers.
• Customize toppings : Add sliced avocado, feta cheese, or arugula for extra flavor and texture.
• Make ahead : Prepare the Greek yogurt sauce and tomato-cucumber relish up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these burgers with a side of tzatziki , tabbouleh , or a simple Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced mint tea to complement the flavors.

Enjoy these Mediterranean Chicken Burgers —a fresh, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!