Nothing says summer simplicity like a plate piled high with juicy, flavorful burgers that don’t weigh you down. These Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish are exactly the kind of recipe you want tucked into your weeknight rotation. We’re talking lean ground chicken mingling with grated zucchini and sweet kernels of fresh corn — a trifecta of textures and tastes that dance on your taste buds. The patties stay wonderfully moist thanks to the grated veggies, while the fresh corn adds little pops of sweetness in every bite. And let’s not forget the zesty tomato cucumber relish, which brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness, making each mouthful a refreshing, balanced experience.
What makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser is how effortlessly it combines healthy grilling with vibrant summer ingredients. No more heavy, greasy burger regrets—these patties are light enough for lunch and hearty enough for dinner. They’re perfect paired with a crisp green salad or tucked into a whole-grain bun for a satisfying sandwich. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout, packing lunches for busy school days, or simply craving a wholesome meal, these burgers deliver on every front. Get ready to fire up your skillet or grill and enjoy how easy it is to elevate ground chicken into something truly mouthwatering and memorable.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN, ZUCCHINI, AND FRESH CORN BURGERS WITH TOMATO CUCUMBER RELISH
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s break down the star ingredients that make these burgers shine and the relish sing.
- Ground chicken: A lean protein base that keeps the patties light and tender, allowing bright flavors like corn and zucchini to stand out.
- Zucchini: Added for moisture, nutrition, and a subtle vegetal sweetness, grated zucchini helps create a juicy burger without extra fat.
- Fresh corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor and a pleasant snap add contrast to the soft chicken and zucchini mixture.
- Bread crumbs: A gentle binder that absorbs excess moisture and helps the patties hold their shape.
- Egg: Works alongside bread crumbs as a natural binder, giving the patties structure and stability.
- Garlic: Provides savory depth and a mild pungency, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors in the burger mixture.
- Black pepper: Delivers a warm, spicy note that complements the mild chicken.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the patties, adding a light fruity richness and ensuring a golden-brown crust.
For the Tomato Cucumber Relish:
- Cherry tomatoes: Offer juicy acidity and bright color to the relish, creating a refreshing topping.
- Cucumber: Brings crisp, cooling crunch that balances the tomatoes’ acidity.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp bite and slight sweetness once finely chopped.
- Lime juice: Injects zesty tang, keeping the relish lively and vibrant.
- Cilantro: Herbaceous bursts of flavor that tie the relish together.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, ensuring the relish complements the burgers perfectly.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN, ZUCCHINI, AND FRESH CORN BURGERS WITH TOMATO CUCUMBER RELISH
Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform these fresh ingredients into mouthwatering burgers. Follow each step closely to ensure perfect texture, flavor, and juiciness.
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, fresh corn kernels, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use a gentle folding motion to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated—overmixing can lead to dense patties, so keep it light and even.
2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, then shape each portion into a thick patty about one inch high. Press lightly in the center to create a slight indentation, which helps them cook evenly.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken patties carefully, leaving space between each one. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. While the patties are cooking, prepare the tomato cucumber relish. In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir gently.
5. Once the chicken patties are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for a few minutes. Resting locks in juices and ensures a tender bite.
6. Serve each burger topped with a generous scoop of tomato cucumber relish. For extra flair, nestle the patty in a burger bun, add avocado slices, or sprinkle with additional cilantro.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN, ZUCCHINI, AND FRESH CORN BURGERS WITH TOMATO CUCUMBER RELISH
Elevating your meal goes beyond cooking—it’s about the presentation and pairing. Whether you’re feeding kids, entertaining friends, or enjoying a cozy dinner for two, these serving ideas will make your burgers unforgettable. Think about contrasting textures, colors, and complementary flavors to create a balanced plate that feels as good as it tastes. Fresh summer ingredients deserve thoughtful pairings, so let’s explore options that highlight the vibrant relish and tender patties, while adding visual appeal and extra nutrition to your meal.
- Serve the burgers on toasted whole-grain buns brushed with a swipe of garlic butter. The slight crisp of the toast and the savory butter echo the garlic in the patties, making every bite layered and rich.
- For a low-carb twist, skip the buns and nestle the patties on a bed of mixed greens or torn lettuce leaves. Top with the relish for a vibrant burger bowl that’s both satisfying and light.
- Turn this into a flavorful spread alongside sweet potato fries or grilled zucchini ribbons. The natural sweetness of the fries and the char of grilled veggies provide the perfect accompaniment to the savory patties.
- Amp up the creaminess by adding ripe avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lime zest. The silky textures and tangy notes will balance the relish’s brightness and boost the burger’s richness.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN, ZUCCHINI, AND FRESH CORN BURGERS WITH TOMATO CUCUMBER RELISH
Planning ahead or saving leftovers can be a game-changer for busy weeks. Proper storage ensures your burgers and relish stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy on demand. Whether you want to prep patties in advance or stash away extra relish, following these guidelines will help maintain the ideal textures and tastes. Keep components separate when necessary to avoid sogginess, and always use airtight containers to protect against freezer burn and unwanted odors. Here are some tried-and-true methods to lock in maximum freshness.
- Refrigeration: Place cooked burgers and separate relish in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure each component cools to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freezing Patties: Lay raw or cooked patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash-freeze until firm. Transfer to a sealed freezer bag with parchment layers between patties. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Relish Storage: Keep the tomato cucumber relish in a small, airtight jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2–3 days, as the fresh vegetables will start to release liquid over time. Give it a quick stir before serving.
- Make-Ahead Prep: Combine and shape your burger mixture into patties, then place parchment paper between each. Store in a sealed container or freezer bag in the fridge for 24 hours, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
CONCLUSION
From the very first chop of zucchini to the final dollop of tomato cucumber relish, these Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers bring together a medley of flavors that celebrate the best of summer meals. You’ve learned about the lean protein of ground chicken, the moisture-locking magic of grated zucchini, and the sweet pops of fresh corn, all coming together in a tender burger patty. Then there’s the tangy relish—cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro—that takes each bite to the next level. With easy-to-follow steps and simple, accessible ingredients, this recipe sits squarely in the beginner-friendly category but yields results that anyone would rave about. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or cooking on the stovetop, you can whip up these burgers in just 20 minutes of prep and around 12 minutes of cooking, then let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. At approximately 350 calories per serving, they make a guilt-free addition to lunch or dinner, satisfying cravings without weighing you down.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use, or tuck it into your digital recipe box. You can also find a FAQ below that will help answer any lingering questions about substitutions, grilling tips, or flavor tweaks. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your cooking wins, ask any questions you have, or leave feedback on tweaks you made—whether it’s a spice substitution, a novel side dish pairing, or an epic garnish idea. Your experiences and tips help our community grow, so don’t hesitate to comment or reach out if you need a hand bringing these tasty burgers to life. Happy cooking!
Chicken, Zucchini, and Fresh Corn Burgers with Tomato Cucumber Relish
Description
These tasty burgers combine lean ground chicken with grated zucchini and sweet corn, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite, complemented by a zesty tomato cucumber relish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, corn kernels, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
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Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken patties. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the patties are golden brown.
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While the patties are cooking, prepare the tomato cucumber relish. In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Once the chicken patties are cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
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Serve the burgers topped with the tomato cucumber relish. You can also add your choice of burger buns, avocado slices, or extra cilantro if desired.
Note
- These burgers are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
- You can substitute canned corn for fresh corn if needed.
- Mixing the ingredients gently will help keep the burgers tender.
- If you find the mixture too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs to help bind the patties.
- Grilled versions of these burgers taste exceptional if you prefer a smokier flavor.
