Greek flavors are an easy go-to when looking to expand your child’s palate and/or your dinner repertoire. The tastes: bright, herbaceous, cheesy. The textures: soft, supple, creamy. Cram all that into burger form and you’re pretty much guaranteed a dinner winner–we’ve even crammed (literally!) a vegetable inside of it. Whatever you and your child's (food) love language is, these chicken burgers for toddlers will be all greek to both of you.
Can I make these Greek chicken burgers for toddlers ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the raw patties and keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, fully cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and gently reheated in a skillet over low heat.
What is the best way to keep ground chicken burgers for toddlers from drying out?
Ground chicken is very lean, so adding a binding fat like mayonnaise directly into the raw meat mixture makes a huge difference. Cooking the patties over medium-high heat with a rich fat like bacon grease or high-heat oil also locks in juices while building a flavor-packed crust.
How can I make this recipe if my child is sensitive to seeing green vegetables?
You can easily "hide" the spinach! Divide a single portion of the chicken mixture into two thin patties, place a small pinch of squeezed spinach in the center of one patty, place the second patty on top, and pinch the edges closed to seal the greens inside before cooking.
Can I freeze these burgers for future toddler quick meals?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken burgers for toddlers completely, allow them to cool to room temperature, and freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly in a pan over medium-low heat.
What if I don't have Greek yogurt for the feta sauce?
Plain whole-milk yogurt or sour cream works as a great substitute for Greek yogurt in the sauce. If you prefer to skip making a separate sauce entirely, you can simply crumble the feta cheese directly into the raw chicken burger mixture before cooking.
Check out all our other great dinner recipes and burger recipes!
These juicy Greek chicken burgers for toddlers are packed with hidden spinach and bright, Mediterranean flavors. Served on a toasted bun with a creamy feta sauce, they make expanding your child's palate both easy and delicious.
With a sauce already on top, there is little need for additional toppings (though we like a little lettuce below and a thin slice of tomato on top ourselves; your child may not be as thrilled). If you worry your child may resist having the yogurt sauce already spread over the burger, try serving it “fondue” style: spread the sauce all over a small plate rather on top of the burger; then, cut the burger in half and place each burger half cutside-down directly into the sauce.
You can always skip the sauce and fold feta cheese into the meat mixture. If the sight of spinach in and around the burger makes for sore eyes, you can always ‘hide’ it in the center of your child’s burger by splitting the portion of the pre-cooked meat mixture in half and making two equal sized patties; make a small indent in the center of one patty, stuff the spinach into it, and place the other patty on top, crimping at the seams of the patty to make one again. Cook as directed.
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 burger
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
