Let’s talk about these Mediterranean Chicken Patties! You know those days when you want something packed with flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Well, this recipe is here to save the day. These little patties are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors like garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon. Imagine sinking your teeth into these tender bites with a side of creamy tzatziki—pure magic, right? Trust me, you’re going to love this one, whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or bringing it to your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Chicken Patties
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these chicken patties—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. Tender chicken breasts form the base of these patties. Ground up, they become juicy and flavorful.
Garlic: A key ingredient that adds that bold, aromatic punch. Fresh garlic brings a little zing to the patties.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley, oregano, and dill add a burst of freshness and elevate the Mediterranean vibe.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture together and gives the patties a nice crispy crust when fried.
Lemon Zest: This little bit of lemon adds a zingy freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping everything together and ensuring your patties don’t fall apart.
Olive Oil: For frying and for that extra richness.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning. Always essential to bring out the flavors!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Patties:
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Make sure not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the patties.
Shape Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties. About the size of a golf ball is perfect! You can make them a bit smaller or larger depending on your preference.
Prepare the Pan: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking—this ensures your patties will get that perfect crispy golden exterior.
Cook the Patties: Carefully add the patties to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
Finishing Touches: Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these patties warm with a side of tzatziki sauce, a fresh salad, or wrapped in pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
These chicken patties are so versatile! Here are a few ideas to serve them up and make your meal even more delicious:
Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp Greek salad or a simple cucumber-tomato salad with feta cheese for a refreshing contrast.
Pita or Flatbreads: Wrap the patties in warm pita bread or flatbreads, drizzle with tzatziki, and top with lettuce, tomato, and red onion for a handheld Mediterranean meal.
Creamy Accompaniments: Serve with a side of creamy hummus or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make a fantastic pairing to balance out the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes these patties are so flavorful on their own that they don’t need much else. Just a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you’re good to go!
Presentation Tips: A platter of golden, crispy chicken patties with a side of bright, fresh sides is both delicious and visually stunning. Make it pop with a garnish of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Prep the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to give the patties an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives or ground almonds.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the skillet or oven for best results.
Double the Batch: These patties freeze really well! Make a double batch, freeze the extras, and you’ve got an easy meal ready to go for busy nights.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just as well in this recipe. It may be a bit leaner, but still delicious.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the patties ahead and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove for best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these patties?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked patties. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A5: Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the patties?
A6: Absolutely! Chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or finely diced bell peppers would be great additions to the patty mix.
Q7: How do I make the patties crispy?
A7: Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the patties, and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
Q8: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of frying?
A8: Yes! You can bake the patties at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q9: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
A9: Absolutely! Store-bought tzatziki is a great time-saver, but if you’ve got the time, homemade tzatziki takes it to the next level.
Q10: How do I make these patties spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the patty mixture for an extra spicy kick.
Conclusion
There you have it—Mediterranean Chicken Patties that will leave you craving more! Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or something to impress your guests, these patties are a winner. They’re simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy these delicious little bites of heaven!
PrintMediterranean Chicken Patties
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Bursting with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, these Mediterranean Chicken Patties are flavorful, juicy, and perfect for any meal! Serve them on buns, wraps, or salads for a quick and delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, parsley, dill, garlic, feta cheese, olives, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Form patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
- Cook patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy the patties warm, served on buns, in wraps, or over a fresh salad.
Notes
- Add veggies: Mix in chopped spinach, onions, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture.
- Grilling option: For a smoky flavor, grill the patties over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make ahead: Form the patties in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg