Here’s a fresh and delicious recipe for Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato-Cucumber Relish! These burgers are light, full of flavor, and perfect for a healthy meal, whether on a bun or served lettuce-wrapped for a lower-carb option.
Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato-Cucumber Relish
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast (or ground turkey if preferred)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 ear of corn, or use frozen corn)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro for a different flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Tomato-Cucumber Relish:
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or cilantro)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken burger mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel), corn kernels, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and salt and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form each portion into a patty.
2. Make the tomato-cucumber relish:
- In a small bowl, combine the diced tomato, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh lemon juice.
- Stir in the fresh basil (or cilantro) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the relish aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the chicken patties:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the patties are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). If the patties are thick, you can also cover the skillet with a lid to help cook them more evenly.
4. Assemble the burgers:
- Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the patties on whole wheat buns, lettuce wraps, or on their own, topped with the tomato-cucumber relish.
Optional Add-ons:
- Cheese: Add a slice of your favorite cheese (such as Swiss, cheddar, or goat cheese) on top of the patties during the last minute of cooking for a melty, indulgent touch.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado can be a delicious addition to the burger, adding creaminess and healthy fats.
- Pickles or jalapeños: For extra flavor and crunch.
WW Points:
The points will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size, but this meal is low in points due to the use of lean chicken, veggies, and minimal oil. The chicken burgers themselves will generally be around 4-6 points per serving (without cheese or a bun), depending on the use of oil and toppings. You can adjust the points by choosing a lettuce wrap or a lighter bun option!
Tips:
- Grill option: You can also grill these burgers instead of cooking them on the stovetop for a smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Make ahead: The chicken burger mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to a day. The relish can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Add some heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a few slices of fresh jalapeño to the relish or mixing in some red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
This Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burger with Tomato-Cucumber Relish is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal that brings together fresh summer flavors. Enjoy!
