This Hidden Veggie Burger recipe is exactly what you need when you want a juicy burger but want to get some veggies in, too! Each burger patty is packed with so much flavor and extra veggies! These are perfect for meal prep and picky eater-approved.

Why You’ll Love This Hidden Veggie Burger Recipe

Easy to make – All you have to do is combine the ingredients, shape the patties, and cook. Your burgers will be ready to eat in 20 minutes or less!
Packed with veggies – Every burger patty is packed with extra veggies but the patties are so flavorful and juicy you’d never guess!
Crowd-pleasing – These burgers may are incredibly flavorful and sure to be a hit with everyone. They’re perfect to throw on the grill when you’re feeding a crowd!

Burger Ingredients

Veggies: we’re using zucchini and whole carrots for this recipe. Be sure to grate them finely before you begin.

Ground Chicken: for the juiciest, most flavorful burgers, I prefer to use dark meat chicken. However, you can use white meat if that’s what you prefer. Just know that you’ll likely need to cook the burger patties for less time.

Seasonings: we’re using onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Avocado Oil: I prefer to use avocado oil for this recipe, but olive oil will also work.

Cheese: a slice of yellow sharp cheddar cheese is the perfect finishing touch on any good burger. Not a fan of cheddar? Feel free to use your favorite kind of cheese to top the burgers!

Helpful Kitchen Tools

burger patties on parchment lined sheet pan

How to Make These Veggie-Packed Burgers

Step One: Add the grated zucchini to a cheesecloth or paper towel, and squeeze out any excess water.

Step Two: Next, add the grated zucchini, grated carrot, ground chicken, and spices to a large mixing bowl. Use your fingers to gently mix everything together, being careful not to overmix.

Step Three: Divide the ground chicken mixture into four 5-ounce patties roughly ¾ inches thick and 4 inches wide.

Step Four: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Then, add the veggie burger patties, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip the burgers, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step Five: Once the burgers are fully cooked, turn off the heat, and add 1 slice of cheese to the top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt.

Step Six: Remove the patties from the pan, and assemble your burgers. Enjoy!

Side Dish Suggestions

Every burger needs a good side so here a few options:

Tips and Tricks for the Best Juicy Burgers

Make sure to wring out all excess moisture from the veggies. Too much water will prevent the patties from holding together and will cause your burgers to become soggy.
Use your hands to mix the burgers and prevent over-mixing. Wet your fingers to help prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your hands.
Avoid pressing the burgers down while they are cooking. This will ensure you get super juicy delicious burgers every time.
Use a meat thermometer to cook the burgers perfectly, and prevent over or under-cooking them. They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toast those buns! don’t forget to toast your burger buns a bit before assembling your burgers. If you like you can brush a little melted butter on them for extra flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these burgers on the grill?

Absolutely! Grill the patties over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until cooked through. I like to add the cheese slices a few minutes before removing the patties from the grill.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Sure! You can combine the ingredients, and shape the burger patties up to a day in advance. Store the patties in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Or, cook the burgers, and reheat them in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through. If you do cook the patties ahead of time, I recommend omitting the cheese until just before serving.

Can I freeze these burgers?

Yes! I often prep a double batch of patties and freeze them before cooking. To do so, combine the ingredients, shape the patties, and flash-freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag, place parchment paper between each patty, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To cook, remove a few patties from the freezer, and let them thaw in the fridge. Once the patties have thawed, follow the recipe as usual, cooking the patties and assembling the burgers.

Topping Ideas

The best part of making burgers is adding all the best toppings! Feel free to use whatever you like best. However, if you’re looking for ideas, my favorite topping options for these hidden veggie burgers include:

Burger Sauce
Red Onion
Lettuce Leaves
Sliced Tomato
Sliced Pickles

Hidden Veggie Burgers

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Author: Ashlea Carver
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Hidden Veggie Burger recipe is exactly what you need when you want a juicy burger but want to get some veggies in, too! Each burger patty is packed with so much flavor and extra veggies! These are perfect for meal prep and picky eater-approved.

Ingredients

Scale

1 small zucchini, grated
1 large carrot, grated
1.5 pounds ground chicken (dark meat)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon avocado oil
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (yellow)

For Serving

4 brioche buns, toasted
thinly sliced red onion
lettuce leaves
sliced tomato
sliced pickles
burger sauce

Instructions

Add the grated zucchini to a cheesecloth or paper towel and squeeze out any excess water.
Add the grated zucchini, grated carrot, ground chicken, spices, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl.
Use your fingers to gently mix everything together being careful not to over mix.
Divide the ground chicken mixture into four approximately 5 ounce patties that around 3/4 inch thick and 4 inches wide.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of oil and then add the patties. Cook for 5-6 minutes and then flip the burgers and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the burgers are fully cooked turn off the heat, add 1 slice of cheese to the top of each patty and cover the pan with a lid to help the cheese melt. The residual heat in the pan should help the cheese melt.
Remove the patties from the pan and assemble your burgers on toasted brioche buns, and all your favorite toppings.