Eating healthy doesn’t mean you need to compromise on flavor or satisfaction. With the rise of various dietary trends like Whole30, Paleo, and AIP (Autoimmune Protocol), there’s a growing demand for recipes that cater to these lifestyles while remaining delicious. One recipe that ticks all the boxes is Spinach Avocado Chicken Burgers. These burgers offer a nutrient-packed, low-carb meal, filled with flavor, and are incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, these chicken burgers are bound to be a hit.
The Perfect Combination of Health and Flavor
The magic of these spinach avocado chicken burgers lies in their simple yet powerful ingredient list. The combination of spinach and avocado adds a punch of essential vitamins and minerals, while ground chicken serves as a lean protein base. Not only are these burgers tasty, but they are also an excellent way to sneak more greens into your diet.
Why Spinach and Avocado?
Both spinach and avocado are nutrient powerhouses. Spinach is packed with vitamins like A, C, K1, and is rich in iron and calcium, making it an ideal addition to any healthy meal. Avocado, on the other hand, is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants, helping to support heart health and digestion. Together, they bring a creamy texture and fresh taste to the chicken burgers, ensuring each bite is satisfying and nutritious.
How to Make Spinach Avocado Chicken Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Avocado Mayo (Optional but highly recommended):
- 2 medium avocados
- 4 tbsp avocado oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
- 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp coconut flour (optional, helps with texture)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (plus more for cooking)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 small avocado, cut into cubes
- Butter lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Avocado Mayo
Avocado mayo is a creamy, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional mayonnaise. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the avocados, avocado oil, lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper (omit for AIP) until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Refrigerate: Store the mayo in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can be prepared ahead of time and used as a topping for your burgers or other meals throughout the week.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
The chicken mixture is where the flavors of garlic, onion, spinach, and cilantro truly shine. Here’s how to make it:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, cilantro, avocado oil, coconut flour (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper (optional), and lime juice.
- Add the Avocado: Gently fold in the cubed avocado, making sure not to mash it too much. The small chunks of avocado will give the burgers a creamy texture when cooked.
3. Form the Patties
To form the patties:
- Divide the Mixture: Divide the chicken mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty.
- Handle Sticky Mixtures: If the mixture is sticky, lightly oil your hands or add a bit more coconut flour to help bind the patties together.
4. Cook the Burgers
Cooking the burgers is easy:
- Heat the Oil: Heat a bit of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Patties: Cook each patty for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Grill Option: Alternatively, you can grill the burgers over medium heat for the same amount of time for that extra charred flavor.
5. Assemble and Serve
Now that your chicken patties are ready:
- Lettuce Wrap Option: For a low-carb, grain-free option, serve the burgers in butter lettuce leaves. They add a fresh, crisp element to the dish and hold the burger nicely.
- Top with Avocado Mayo: Add a generous dollop of the avocado mayo on top of each patty for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Optional Toppings: You can add sliced tomatoes, onions, or even more avocado slices for extra layers of flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of Spinach Avocado Chicken Burgers
One of the standout features of these burgers is their nutritional value. Let’s break down some of the key health benefits:
- High in Protein: With lean ground chicken as the base, these burgers provide an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocado oil and avocado chunks supply monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and provide lasting energy.
- Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: By omitting traditional burger buns and using lettuce wraps, these burgers are naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making them perfect for Paleo, Whole30, and AIP diets.
- Packed with Fiber and Vitamins: The combination of spinach and avocado ensures that these burgers are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to overall wellness.
Why These Burgers Are Perfect for Paleo, Whole30, and AIP
Whole30 Compliant
Whole30 is a 30-day reset diet that eliminates grains, dairy, and sugar. These spinach avocado chicken burgers are 100% Whole30-compliant, as they use clean, whole ingredients and avoid any processed additives.
Paleo-Friendly
For those following the Paleo diet, these burgers are a fantastic choice. They include lean meats, healthy fats, and vegetables, while avoiding grains and processed ingredients. Plus, the addition of avocado boosts the healthy fat content, keeping you full and energized.
AIP-Adaptable
AIP eliminates certain inflammatory ingredients like nuts, seeds, and nightshades. By omitting the black pepper and coconut flour (if necessary), this recipe can easily be adapted for those following an Autoimmune Protocol. The flavors remain bold and delicious, without any of the common irritants.
Conclusion
Spinach avocado chicken burgers are a delicious and healthy option for those following Whole30, Paleo, or AIP diets. These burgers are simple to make, bursting with flavor, and offer an abundance of nutrients. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving them fresh off the grill, they are sure to satisfy. Pair them with the creamy avocado mayo for an extra touch of indulgence without compromising your health goals.