Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger

Jump to Recipe

This Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger transforms ordinary ground chicken into a flavor-packed meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Middle Eastern cuisine to your dinner table. This juicy, herb-infused chicken burger topped with creamy tahini aioli delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple home preparation, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts.

Fresh Herbs Make All the Difference

What sets this chicken burger recipe apart from standard fare is its thoughtful blend of fresh herbs and aromatic spices. The ground chicken patties incorporate a vibrant mixture of chopped parsley, cilantro, and mint that infuse every bite with Mediterranean freshness. This herb trio doesn’t just add bright flavor—it delivers nutritional benefits while keeping the lean chicken moist and tender.

The herb combination creates a flavor profile that’s distinctly Mediterranean:

• Fresh parsley provides a clean, peppery foundation
• Cilantro adds citrusy notes and depth
• Mint contributes a cooling effect that balances the warm spices

Ground cumin and coriander enhance these fresh herbs with their earthy warmth, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors. These ingredients work together to transform simple ground chicken—a lean protein often criticized for blandness—into juicy patties bursting with complex flavor.

The Secret Weapon: Tahini in the Patty

The true innovation in this burger lies in incorporating tahini directly into the ground chicken mixture. This Middle Eastern sesame paste doesn’t just add its distinctive nutty flavor—it serves a crucial technical role by keeping the lean chicken patties remarkably moist during cooking.

Unlike traditional binders like breadcrumbs or eggs that can make burgers dense, tahini adds richness while maintaining the patty’s tender texture. This technique ensures you’ll never serve a dry chicken burger again, solving the most common challenge of cooking with ground chicken.

Creamy Tahini Aioli: The Perfect Finishing Touch

The homemade tahini aioli elevates this burger from good to unforgettable. This silky sauce combines the nutty depth of tahini with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and high-quality olive oil to create a Mediterranean-inspired condiment that perfectly complements the herb-packed patties.

The aioli provides:

• Rich creaminess that balances the lean chicken
• Tangy brightness from fresh lemon juice
• Subtle garlic notes that enhance the herbs in the patty
• A luxurious mouthfeel that makes each bite satisfying

This versatile sauce doesn’t just enhance your burger—it’s worth keeping extra on hand as a dip for fresh vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a dressing for grain bowls throughout the week.

Building the Perfect Mediterranean Burger

Assembling this burger is an exercise in thoughtful layering of complementary flavors and textures:

1. Start with a quality sesame bun, lightly toasted to provide structural integrity and enhance the sesame notes in the tahini
2. Spread a generous layer of tahini aioli on both bun halves
3. Place the herb-packed chicken patty on the bottom bun
4. Top with fresh slices of tomato and cucumber for juicy crispness
5. Add pickled red onions for a bright, acidic counterpoint
6. Finish with a handful of arugula or mixed greens for peppery freshness

This careful construction ensures each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors—herbal, nutty, tangy, fresh, and savory—while providing satisfying textural contrast between the tender patty, crisp vegetables, and soft bun.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your Mediterranean meal by serving these flavorful burgers with complementary sides like:

• Garlic Lemon Grilled Okra with Tahini Dressing — The perfect vegetable companion that echoes the burger’s tahini notes
• Greek-Style Roasted Potatoes — Crispy, lemony potatoes that complement the burger’s herbs
• Simple Tabbouleh Salad — A refreshing grain salad featuring many of the same herbs
• Grilled Vegetable Skewers — Seasonal vegetables with similar Mediterranean seasonings

Why This Recipe Works

This Mediterranean Herb and Tahini Chicken Burger succeeds where many chicken burgers fail by addressing the fundamental challenges of cooking with ground chicken:

• The herb mixture and tahini prevent the patties from drying out
• The balanced spice blend provides complexity without overwhelming the delicate chicken
• The tahini aioli adds necessary richness to complement the lean protein
• The thoughtful toppings create a complete flavor experience in every bite

Whether you’re looking for a healthier burger option, exploring Mediterranean flavors, or simply wanting to expand your chicken recipe repertoire, this herb-packed burger delivers an exceptional meal that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Brussels Sprouts and Sun-Dried Tomato Hash with Tahini Aioli

Looking for the perfect side? Try it with this Brussels Sprouts and Sun-Dried Tomato Hash—crispy, caramelized, and finished with a swipe of tahini aioli. It mirrors the burger’s flavors and brings that same Mediterranean energy to the plate.