These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are a deliciously light and flavorful twist on the classic burger, perfect for summer grilling or a healthy meal anytime. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, these burgers are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Paired with a zesty Greek yogurt sauce and a refreshing tomato-cucumber relish, this dish is a perfect combination of savory and fresh. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, these burgers will be a hit!
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, husks and silk removed, kernels cut from the cob
- ½ of a medium red bell pepper, chopped into small pieces
- 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 of cherry or grape tomatoes, cut into quarters
- ⅓ of a medium English cucumber, chopped into small cubes
- 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:
Prepare the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Chill:
- Cover the sauce and refrigerate it while you prepare the burgers and relish. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine the quartered cherry or grape tomatoes, finely diced cucumber, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Toss and Chill:
- Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
- Chill the relish in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
- Top of Form
- Bottom of Form
Prepare the Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers:
- Mix the Burger Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, coarsely chopped zucchini, fresh corn kernels, finely diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced green onions, lightly beaten egg, panko bread crumbs, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape them into patties, about ½ inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Sear the Burgers:
- Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Drain and Rest:
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let the patties rest for a few minutes before serving.
Assemble and Serve:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Place each burger on a plate and top with a generous spoonful of the Greek yogurt sauce. Add a spoonful of the tomato-cucumber relish on the side or on top of the burger.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Serve the burgers with additional fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, or a side salad for a complete meal. These burgers can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite bun or wrap.
Conclusion:
These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are a delightful combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Paired with a zesty Greek yogurt sauce and a refreshing tomato-cucumber relish, this dish offers a vibrant and healthy alternative to traditional burgers. Perfect for any occasion, these burgers are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfying texture of these delicious, veggie-packed burgers!