Juicy, flavorful, and loaded with fresh summer veggies—these burgers are a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Packed with protein and seasonal produce, they’re perfect for grilling, pan-frying, or meal prepping for the week.
🕒 Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Servings: 4 burgers
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Burger – Approximate):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- WW SmartPoints: ~4–5 (depends on cooking method)
📝 Ingredients List:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated or finely chopped (squeeze out excess moisture)
- Kernels from 1 ear of fresh corn
- ½ medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a flavor boost)
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind mixture)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs or almond flour (optional if mixture is too wet)
- Cooking oil or spray for pan
👩🍳 Instructions:
-
Prep Veggies:
Grate or finely chop the zucchini and squeeze out any excess liquid with a clean towel or paper towel. Cut corn kernels off the cob. Dice the red pepper finely. -
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, zucchini, corn, red bell pepper, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and egg (if using). Mix just until combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add breadcrumbs or almond flour a little at a time. -
Shape Patties:
Form mixture into 4 even-sized burger patties. Place on a plate or tray. -
Cook the Burgers:
- Pan-fry: Heat a nonstick skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat. Cook patties for about 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
- Grill: Grill over medium heat with a greased grate, 5–6 minutes per side.
- Bake (Optional): Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
-
Serve:
Let rest for a minute, then serve warm on buns, lettuce wraps, or over salad.
💡 Additional Notes:
- Chicken mixture is sticky—wet your hands slightly to shape patties more easily.
- These burgers freeze well before or after cooking!
🥗 Dietary Info:
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb (without bun)
- Gluten-Free (if using GF breadcrumbs or omitting)
- Dairy-Free
- Meal Prep Friendly
🧡 Brief Introduction:
These burgers are summer in patty form—juicy ground chicken paired with fresh zucchini, sweet corn, and bell pepper. They’re a refreshing change from traditional burgers, lighter but still super satisfying. Whether you serve them bunless, with a salad, or piled high with toppings, they’re a warm-weather must.
🌿 Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeño or red chili flakes for heat.
- Cheesy Option: Mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar or feta.
- Herb Boost: Try parsley, cilantro, or basil in the mix.
- Tangy Twist: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice.
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions:
- Ground Chicken: Use ground turkey or a chicken–pork blend.
- Corn: Sub with canned (drained) or frozen corn (thawed).
- Zucchini: Yellow squash also works.
- Breadcrumbs: Sub with almond flour for a low-carb option.
🍽️ Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Top With: Avocado, slaw, tzatziki, or chipotle mayo
- Serve On: Toasted whole-grain buns, lettuce wraps, or over quinoa
- Make Mini: Form into sliders or meatballs for appetizers
🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Fridge: Store cooked patties for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked patties individually wrapped, up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-shredded zucchini?
A: Yes, just make sure to squeeze out all the liquid for best texture.
Q: Are they grillable?
A: Yes, but chill the patties first so they hold their shape better on the grill.
Q: Do I need the egg and breadcrumbs?
A: Not always—zucchini adds moisture, but you can add egg/breadcrumbs if the mix feels too loose.
📝 Optional Personal Note or Story:
I love making these burgers during late summer when corn is at its sweetest. They’re always a hit at cookouts or quick weeknight dinners. I often double the batch and freeze extras—they reheat beautifully for lunch wraps or bowls!
📸 Call-to-Action:
Tried these Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers? Snap a photo and tag your version! Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, I’d love to see your take—and what toppings you chose!
