Juicy Greek Chicken Burgers – Easy Dinner With Creamy Tzatziki

Make Juicy Greek Chicken Burgers With Amazing Tzatziki Sauce

These juicy Greek chicken burgers bring all the bright, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean into a handheld, satisfying meal. Infused with garlic, lemon, oregano, and fresh parsley, the chicken patties stay moist and tender thanks to a few simple tricks—and when topped with a creamy, cool tzatziki sauce, every bite is a burst of freshness and flavor.

Unlike traditional beef burgers, these Greek-inspired chicken burgers feel lighter but still deliver the savory satisfaction of a hearty sandwich. Ground chicken takes on flavor beautifully and forms a juicy patty that’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Whether tucked into a toasted bun or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option, they’re an easy way to shake up your dinner routine with something vibrant and crowd-pleasing.

Best of all, these come together quickly, making them ideal for weeknight meals or casual summer cookouts. The real star here is the homemade tzatziki—made with tangy Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, and fresh dill—which adds a creamy contrast to the spiced meat and brings everything into perfect harmony.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this burger and sauce duo plays a specific role in building bold, balanced flavor while maintaining moisture and texture.

Ground Chicken – Lean but flavorful, ground chicken is a great base for these burgers. Thigh meat works best for juiciness, but lean breast meat is fine if paired with olive oil and moisture-adding mix-ins.

Red Onion – Finely minced red onion adds both sweetness and sharpness. It also releases moisture into the patties, keeping them tender.

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives these burgers their signature savory depth. It’s essential to both the patties and the tzatziki.

Fresh Parsley and Oregano – These herbs provide the unmistakable Greek aroma and flavor. If using dried oregano, reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the mix.

Lemon Zest and Juice – Lemon brightens the entire dish. The zest brings fragrance, while the juice tenderizes the meat and adds tang to the tzatziki.

Breadcrumbs – A small amount of breadcrumbs helps bind the patties and retain their moisture without making them heavy.

Feta Cheese – Crumbled into the patty mix, feta melts slightly as the burgers cook, adding pockets of salty, creamy goodness.

Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the savory elements and balance the acid from the lemon.

Greek Yogurt (Full-Fat Preferred) – The base of the tzatziki sauce, yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang.

Cucumber – Grated and squeezed of excess moisture, cucumber adds crunch and a refreshing coolness to the sauce.

Fresh Dill – The defining herb of tzatziki. Its clean, grassy flavor lifts the entire sauce.

Olive Oil – Used in both the burgers and the sauce for richness and silkiness.

Buns or Lettuce Wraps – Choose a soft, toasted bun or go bun-less with large romaine or iceberg leaves for a low-carb version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Tzatziki Sauce First
   Grate ½ a medium cucumber, place it in a clean towel, and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of full-fat Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and chill until serving.
2. Prepare the Chicken Patty Mix
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ pounds of ground chicken, ¼ cup finely minced red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ⅓ cup crumbled feta, ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
3. Shape and Chill the Patties
   Divide the mixture into 4 to 5 equal portions and form into burger patties about ¾-inch thick. Place them on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
4. Cook the Burgers
   Heat a grill or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface. Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the patties as they cook to keep the juices inside.
5. Toast the Buns
   If using buns, lightly toast them on the grill or in a pan for added texture and flavor.
6. Assemble the Burgers
   Spread tzatziki sauce on both sides of the bun. Place the chicken patty on the bottom bun and top with sliced tomato, red onion, lettuce, or cucumber as desired. Add more tzatziki and top with the bun or wrap in lettuce.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Keep It Juicy – Avoid overmixing the ground chicken, as it can lead to dense burgers. Chill the formed patties before cooking to help them hold their shape.

Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of harissa paste to the burger mixture for a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Dairy-Free Swap – Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki and skip the feta in the patties.

Grill-Friendly – These burgers hold up well on a grill. Just make sure the grates are well-oiled, and use medium heat to prevent sticking.

Make-Ahead Tip – The patties and tzatziki can both be made in advance and refrigerated. Burgers can also be frozen raw and cooked straight from the freezer with a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These Greek chicken burgers are perfect for casual dinners, summer BBQs, or weekday meal prep. Serve them with:

• Crispy sweet potato fries or roasted potatoes
• A simple Greek salad with tomatoes, olives, and red onion
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant
• A refreshing watermelon-feta salad
• Sparkling water with cucumber and mint or a chilled rosé

They’re easy to plate up beautifully and feel like a special meal without needing extra time in the kitchen.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Greek chicken burgers are a leaner alternative to beef, and when paired with a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce, they offer a protein-rich, lower-fat meal. Some tips to make them even more balanced:

• Use lean chicken or mix with ground turkey
• Opt for whole-wheat buns or lettuce wraps
• Add extra grated vegetables to the patties for more fiber
• Serve with veggie-based sides like salad or grilled greens

Tzatziki adds probiotics and freshness without heavy calories, making this meal feel indulgent but still light and nutritious.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe and behaves similarly to ground chicken. Use dark meat turkey for a juicier burger.

How do I stop the burgers from falling apart?
Be sure to chill the patties before cooking, and don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They help bind the mixture. Also, handle the patties gently and flip only once during cooking.

Can I make these on the grill?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat on a clean, oiled grill for about 5–6 minutes per side. A grill pan also works well indoors.

Is tzatziki sauce spicy?
No, it’s cool and refreshing. Tzatziki is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill—perfect for balancing out any spice from the burger.

Can I freeze the patties?
Yes. Shape the raw patties and freeze them between parchment paper. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the total time.

What can I use instead of feta?
You can use goat cheese or leave it out entirely. For a non-dairy option, use dairy-free cheese or chopped olives for saltiness.

How long does homemade tzatziki last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, tzatziki lasts for up to 4 days. It may release a little liquid, so just stir before using.

Print