Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with Yogurt Sauce and Fresh Relish

These Mediterranean Chicken Burgers with Yogurt Sauce and Fresh Relish are a flavorful twist on the classic burger. The chicken patties are infused with Mediterranean spices like garlic, oregano, and cumin, giving them a savory depth. Topped with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce and a crisp, refreshing relish of cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, these burgers offer a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they’re a delicious way to bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate!

Ingredients:

For the Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 teaspoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken Burgers:

1 pound ground chicken

1 medium zucchini, chopped finely

Kernels from 1 fresh ear of corn

1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely diced

3 green onions, thinly sliced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3–4 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered

1/3 medium seedless English cucumber, diced

2 green onions, finely sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.

2. Make the Burgers:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, zucchini, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, egg, bread crumbs, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Blend until evenly combined.

Shape the mixture into burger patties.

3. Cook the Burgers:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the patties for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

4. Prepare the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:

In a medium bowl, gently toss together the tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.

5. Assemble and Serve:

Serve the chicken burgers on warm tortillas or buns.