Greek Style Chicken Burgers w/ Tzatziki Sauce

Serves 4

Recipe Level: Easy

These chicken burgers are amazing! I came up with them when I was craving a gyro and wanted similar flavors without all the fat and calories. The seasoning mix is what makes these...well that and the tzatziki sauce which is basically just a big word for a creamy cucumber sauce.

Burgers:
Ground Chicken - 1 lb.
Egg - 1 whole
Oregano - 1 1/2 tsp.
Dill - 1 tsp.
Parsley - 1 tsp.
Garlic Cloves - 4 cloves chopped
Pepper - 1/2 tsp.
Salt - 1 tsp.
Olive Oil - 3 tsp. (for cooking)

1. Mix the spices, garlic and egg with the ground meat in a bowl. The best tool for this is clean hands. This mixture is going to be very loose and moist because of the addition of the egg, but that is what keeps it moist and delicious when you eat it....unlike some other chicken burgers I've tried. I didn't want to add carbs by adding a binder like breadcrumbs or panko so this recipe does not lend well to grilling. You really need to cook the burgers in a skillet or I'm afraid they might fall apart. Another option is to shape them into meatballs. It also makes them easier to serve without the bun, but for tonight I was craving some carbs too.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil in the pan to help to keep the burgers from sticking. Now that the meat mixture is combined, this is also your opportunity to do a little taster burger. Just grab a small bit of the mixture and fry it up to check your seasoning. If you want more salt or pepper or garlic or whatever, now is the time to add it...before you portion and cook your burgers.

3. I portion four burgers out of a pound of meat, so each is basically a quarter pounder. So these are pretty big burgers. You can portion them up ahead of time and refrigerate until you are ready to cook them. This will probably even help them set up a little more too.

4. Cook up the burgers over the medium-high heat. You want to get some carmelization on the burgers...that equals flavor, so don't be afraid to crank the heat. Also keep in mind that chicken needs to be cooked all the way through to at least 160 degrees. If you don't have one, I suggest investing in a meat thermometer. Ours has really been a life-saver. Josh loves it when he is grilling too, no more guessing game about if it is done or not. Plus it has a simple chart on it that reminds us what temp each protein should be cooked to. It is super helpful!

Tzatziki Sauce:
Plain Greek Yogurt - 6 oz. fat-free
Lime Juice - From 1/2 a lime
Cucumber - 1/2 cucumber shredded
Dill - 1 tsp.
Cilantro or mint - 2 tbsp.
Salt & Pepper - To taste

1. Grate 1/2 cucumber on a box grater and add to Greek yogurt and lime juice. Chop herbs and add to mixture. Salt and pepper to taste.

2. I top the burgers with the tzatziki and serve a little on the side for dipping too. I slice the remaining half of the cucumber to top the burgers along with lettuce, tomato, onion, whatever else you might like on a burger or gyro.

3. I served it on a sandwich thin bun because I wanted a little bread but not too much. You could also serve on a pita or tortilla or with no bread of any kind. It is so full of flavor you don't really need the bun. I ate the leftovers for lunch the next day sans carbs and it was still just as satisfying.

All in with the sandwich thin bun, sauce, toppings and all, it still only came in at 370 calories. If you want to go the low-carb option, the burger is 208 calories on it's own and completely carb free. Both are delicious!

Nutrition Information per serving from Myfitnesspal.com
Greek Chicken Burger w/ Tzatziki on Sandwich Thin 370 Calories, 17g. fat, 25g. carbs, 33g. protein
Greek Style Chicken Burger Plain - 208  Calories, 12g. fat, 0g. carbs, 24g. protein.