Summertime calls for delicious veggie burgers that pack a punch of zucchini corn burger magic into every single bite.
Packed with fresh garden produce, these patties burst with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness.
The combination of crisp zucchini and sweet corn creates a mouthwatering blend that will make your taste buds dance.
Hearty and satisfying, these burgers offer a perfect alternative to traditional meat options.
Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will appreciate the rich textures and bold seasonings.
Each patty promises a delightful culinary experience that’s both nutritious and incredibly tasty.
Let’s find out this simple recipe and savor the incredible homemade goodness waiting to be enjoyed.
Make Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers at Home
Sauce Preparation Whip up a creamy sauce in a small bowl and tuck it into the refrigerator to chill and blend flavors.
Oven Warmup Get the oven toasty hot at 425°F, creating the perfect environment for burger cooking.
Burger Mixing Gently combine chicken, zucchini, and corn in a spacious mixing bowl, lovingly shaping the mixture into hearty patties.
Sizzling Sear Bring a pan to high heat with a touch of oil, creating a golden-brown exterior on each patty by cooking for about 2 minutes per side.
Oven Finish Transfer the partially cooked patties to the preheated oven, allowing them to cook through completely for 7-10 minutes.
Fresh Relish Quickly mix a vibrant relish that adds a burst of flavor and color to the burger experience.
Serving Suggestions Nestle the juicy burgers into warm flour tortillas or soft pita bread, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like fluffy rice or crispy potatoes.
Tweak These Burgers to Your Liking
Keep burger mixture cold while forming patties to help them hold together better. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking when shaping.
Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy burgers while maintaining a juicy texture.
Fold in crumbled feta or shredded cheddar into the burger mixture for an extra flavor boost and creamy texture.
Experiment with different herbs like fresh cilantro, basil, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken and corn.
Serve Chicken Zucchini Burgers with Style
Summer Picnic Platter: Create a vibrant spread by arranging these zucchini chicken burgers on a wooden board with colorful fresh salads, pickled vegetables, and crisp greens for a perfect outdoor dining experience.
Gourmet Sandwich Twist: Transform these burgers into elegant open-faced sandwiches by serving them on toasted artisan bread, topped with the fresh corn relish and a drizzle of the homemade sauce for extra flavor complexity.
Mediterranean Mezze Style: Pair the burgers with a selection of Mediterranean sides like hummus, tabbouleh, olives, and tzatziki to create a diverse and exciting meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and bold tastes.
Quick Family Meal Hack: Make these burgers more kid-friendly by cutting them into smaller slider-sized portions, offering fun dipping sauces, and serving alongside crispy sweet potato fries for a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
Save These Burgers and Keep Them Moist
Refrigerator Ready: Store prepared burger patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain shape.
Freezer Friendly: Wrap uncooked patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Raw patties will stay fresh for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking.
Quick Meal Prep: Chop zucchini and mix burger ingredients the night before. Keeps morning cooking super smooth and saves precious time during busy weekdays.
Smart Sauce Management: Keep homemade sauce in sealed glass jars for 5-7 days. Pro tip: Always label containers with preparation date to track freshness and reduce food waste.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 250 kcal
Servings: 5
Chicken Zucchini Corn Burgers Ingredient List
For Burger Base:
Chicken: Lean protein that creates a light, tender burger patty. Choose ground chicken with 90% lean for optimal texture and healthiness.
Zucchini: Adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and extra nutrients to the burger. Select firm, bright green zucchini without soft spots.
Fresh Corn: Brings natural sweetness and delightful crunch to the burger mixture. Pick bright, plump kernels for maximum flavor.
For Fresh Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Provides vibrant color and juicy burst of freshness. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes with deep, rich color.
English Cucumber: Adds crisp texture and cool undertone to the dish. Select seedless cucumber for smoother, cleaner chopping.
Green Onions: Delivers mild, sharp onion flavor without overwhelming the burger. Pick bright green stalks with white crisp bottoms.
Fresh Cilantro: Introduces bright, herbaceous notes that complement the chicken. Choose bright green leaves without wilting.
For Seasoning and Brightness:
Garlic: Infuses deep, aromatic complexity into the burger mixture. Select firm, plump cloves without sprouts.
Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy essence that elevates the entire dish. Use fresh, vibrant lemons with smooth skin.
Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the burger's richness. Choose ripe, juicy lemons.
Salt: Enhances and balances all flavor profiles in the burger. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
Equipment for These Summer Burgers
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining burger ingredients and mixing sauces.
Small bowl: Perfect for preparing and chilling the sauce.
Baking sheet: Needed to finish cooking burgers in the oven.
Skillet or frying pan: Great for searing burger patties to golden brown.
Spatula: Helps flip burgers and transfer them between skillet and baking sheet.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
Cutting board: Useful for chopping ingredients and forming patties.
Savory zucchini corn burgers blend garden-fresh ingredients with hearty southwestern flavors. Light patties pair perfectly with crisp summer salads, offering a delightful meal you can enjoy outdoors.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound (454 g) ground chicken
1 ear fresh corn, kernels removed
1 medium zucchini, grated
½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tbsps fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
1 pint (473 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
⅓ medium seedless English cucumber, finely diced
¼ cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients in a compact vessel, refrigerate to allow flavor fusion and enhancement.
Oven Calibration: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for precise cooking environment.
Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken, zucchini, corn kernels, herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
Patty Formation and Searing: Shape mixture into uniform 3.5-4 inch patties, then sear in olive oil-heated skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side to create caramelized exterior.
Oven Finishing: Transfer seared patties to parchment-lined baking sheet, roast in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Relish Creation: Combine diced tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, lime juice, and salt to create vibrant accompaniment, gently mixing to preserve ingredient texture.
Serving: Warm tortillas or pita bread, place cooked chicken burgers inside, top with fresh relish, and serve alongside herbed rice, roasted potatoes, or light pasta salad.
Notes
Moisture Management: Grate zucchini and gently squeeze out excess liquid to prevent soggy burger texture and ensure crisp, well-formed patties.
Temperature Precision: Use instant-read meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking.
Binding Technique: Lightly mix ingredients to avoid dense, tough burgers; handle mixture gently to maintain light, tender protein structure.
Flavor Enhancement: Allow sauce to chill for minimum 30 minutes before serving to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.