These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers are light, tasty, and full of flavors! The mix of juicy chicken, crunchy zucchini, and sweet corn makes each bite delightful.
And let’s not forget the fresh tomato and cucumber relish on top. It gives a nice, cool crunch! I love serving these burgers at summer cookouts—everyone loves them, and they’re super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the burgers. If you want a leaner option, turkey works well too. Alternatively, you could use ground beef or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If you’re out of zucchini, shredded carrots or even finely chopped spinach can be good substitutes for a veggie boost.
Fresh Corn: Sweet corn brings a nice crunch and sweetness. Canned corn can be a handy substitute—just be sure to drain it well. Frozen corn is also a great option; just thaw it before adding.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the burger mixture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For added flavor, try using seasoned breadcrumbs.
How Do You Ensure The Burgers Hold Together And Cook Properly?
The mixture can be tricky to work with. To keep your burgers from falling apart, be sure to mix the ingredients well, but don’t over-mix, as that can toughen the meat. If your mixture feels too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs until it’s moldable.
- Form your patties about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
- Make sure your skillet is preheated with olive oil before adding the patties; this helps create a nice crust.
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to achieve that golden color.
- Resting the burgers for a few minutes after cooking helps keep them juicy!
How to Make Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or 1 can, drained)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 20 minutes of preparation and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
In a medium bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together and set aside. This will let all those yummy flavors combine while you prepare the burgers.
2. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, place the ground chicken, grated zucchini, fresh corn, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. If you find the mixture too wet, you can stir in a bit more breadcrumbs to help it hold together better.
3. Form and Cook the Burgers:
With clean hands, form the chicken mixture into patties, making them about 1/2 inch thick. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet, cooking for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through. Make sure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the burgers to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the warm chicken burgers topped generously with the fresh tomato cucumber relish. Enjoy your tasty and healthy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. If you’re short on time, you can defrost it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing. Always pat it dry with paper towels before mixing to avoid excess moisture in the burger mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Corn?
No worries! You can substitute fresh corn with canned corn. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture. Alternatively, frozen corn can also work—just thaw and drain it before using!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Leftover chicken burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the uncooked patties between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat cooked burgers, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the patties a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. If making the relish ahead, it’s best to wait to add the olive oil and vinegar until just before serving for the freshest flavor!
