Yummy Summer Food: Mediterranean Chicken Burgers
by ChristaThere is so much information available to us, but I know for the busy Moms out there, you don’t have time to make a dud dinner. 
I cook nearly every day so I like to share with you recipes that are tried and true and winners in my home. Most of the food I make is simple and easy and can be made in 30 minutes. I use my Meal Planning Made Easy System to plan the meal and make sure I have all my ingredients.
Today’s recipe is Mediterranean Chicken Burgers. I originally found this recipe in Martha Stewarts Every Day Food Fast Cookbook; a fantastic cookbook. But the original recipe called for chicken thighs which I don’t like so I modified it a bit. Here is an outstanding chicken burger recipe that that will have your family asking for more.
Mediterranean Chicken Burgers
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger (from a peeled 2-inch piece)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- Vegetable oil, for grates
- 4 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas
- 1 cucumber (8 ounces), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced on the diagonal
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
- Cumin yogurt sauce (see recipe below)
- Watermelon slices (optional)
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, place chicken, scallions, ginger, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine. Set aside to marinate, at least 10 and up to 30 minutes.
- Gently form mixture into 3/4-inch-thick patties (about 3 tablespoons each).
- Moisten a folded paper towel with oil; grasp with tongs and rub over grates.
- Season patties with salt and pepper; grill on medium heat until opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- For the Cumin Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; season with coarse salt and ground pepper.
- Halve pitas crosswise (toast on grill, if you like). Into each pocket, place 2 chicken patties, cucumber slices, and cilantro sprigs. Serve with Cumin Yogurt Sauce and, if desired, watermelon slices.
When you bite into the burger the flavors and textures all work together and these burgers are amazing. I know you have so much on your plate. Use this recipe this weekend and impress your family and friends. Happy 4th of July weekend! Enjoy!
Have trouble getting dinner on the table? Check out our Meal Planning Made Easy System and use a system with step-by-step reminders to make meal planning and shopping easier for busy people.
Tags: Christa Patchen, Christa Patchen Wagner, Christa Wagner, Meal Planning Made Easy, Quick Dinners, Savvy Solutions