These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are a delightful twist on the traditional burger, offering a burst of fresh flavors and textures. Combined with a zesty Greek yogurt sauce and a vibrant tomato-cucumber relish, these burgers make for a delicious and healthy meal. Here’s how you can create this mouthwatering dish at home.
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
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kernels from 1 ear of fresh corn
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 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
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Greek Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:
- In a medium bowl, combine the quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced cucumber, sliced green onions, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir well to combine and set aside.
- Prepare the Burger Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, panko bread crumbs, coarsely chopped zucchini, beaten egg, minced garlic, corn kernels, sliced green onions, diced red bell pepper, ground cumin, salt, ground coriander, black pepper, and chopped cilantro.
- Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more panko bread crumbs.
- Form the Burgers:
- Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each into a patty.
- Cook the Burgers:
- Heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is heated, place the chicken patties in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Place each burger on a bun or a lettuce wrap.
- Top with a generous spoonful of the Greek yogurt sauce.
- Add a dollop of the tomato-cucumber relish on top.
- Serve:
- Serve the burgers immediately, with extra Greek yogurt sauce and tomato-cucumber relish on the side if desired.
Conclusion:
These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are a delightful departure from the typical beef burger, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option. The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors that are elevated by the tangy Greek yogurt sauce and refreshing tomato-cucumber relish. Perfect for a summer meal or any time you crave something fresh and healthy, these burgers are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of these flavorful burgers with your family and friends!