Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
If you’re craving bright, sunny flavors and a meal that’s both effortless and impressive, these Mediterranean Chicken Patties are just the ticket. Packed with herbs, salty feta, and a hint of citrus, every bite tastes like a vacation by the sea. They come together in under half an hour, making them perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. Whether you serve them in pillowy pita, over a crisp salad, or simply with a dollop of creamy tzatziki, Mediterranean Chicken Patties deliver all the savory satisfaction you want, without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mediterranean Chicken Patties lies in the simple yet bold ingredients. Each one plays an unmistakable role, lending texture, vibrant color, or bursts of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible patties:
- Ground Chicken: Provides a juicy, lean base that soaks up all the Mediterranean seasonings beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture, giving each patty its tender, satisfying bite. Sub in almond flour if you prefer it lighter!
- Egg: Acts as the glue to hold everything together and keeps the patties perfectly moist.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds creamy tang, pockets of saltiness, and unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Finely Chopped Red Onion: Infuses subtle crunch and a gentle, sweet sharpness.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Offers a burst of green freshness and delicate herbal notes.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Delivers a unique, aromatic brightness that’s classic to the region.
- Lemon Zest: Invigorates the patties with sunshiney zest and keeps the flavor profile lively.
- Dried Oregano: Reinforces that signature Mediterranean depth, rounding out the herb blend.
- Garlic Powder: Builds satisfying umami and savory warmth—without having to mince!
- Salt: Elevates and intensifies every flavor in the mix.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and harmonizes the savory notes.
- Olive Oil: For pan-cooking, ensuring a beautiful golden crust on the patties while keeping them juicy.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss in the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, feta, red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix until everything is evenly combined. Try not to overwork the mixture—gentle mixing will keep your Mediterranean Chicken Patties tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape into Patties
Divide the chicken mixture into six even portions. With damp hands (this prevents sticking), shape each into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. These will hold together beautifully thanks to the egg and breadcrumbs, making the shaping process a breeze.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Give the oil a minute to warm up—when it shimmers, it’s ready for the patties. This little bit of waiting means you’ll get that irresistible golden-brown crust!
Step 4: Cook the Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Carefully add the patties to your hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for deep golden color and juices running clear. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to keep things safe and delicious.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Patties warm, fresh out of the skillet. They’re divine as-is, tucked into fluffy pita, or arranged on top of a big, vibrant salad. Add your favorite sides and sauces, then dig in!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Garnishes
Garnishes add flair and flavor! A shower of fresh herbs—think parsley or dill—brings extra color and a pop of freshness. For a hint of richness, crumble a bit more feta over the top or add a thin slice of lemon for squeezing. And don’t forget a generous spoonful of cool tzatziki sauce to tie everything together.
Side Dishes
These patties pair perfectly with classic Mediterranean sides. Try serving them with warm pita bread, a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives, or a bed of fluffy rice pilaf. Roasted veggies, hummus, or lemony potatoes round out the meal, leaving everyone satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are wonderfully versatile! Slide them into pita pockets with shredded lettuce and tomato for a speedy lunch. Cut them up and scatter over a grain bowl for a healthy weeknight dinner. Or, for an elegant appetizer, serve them mini-style with toothpicks and a drizzle of yogurt sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Mediterranean Chicken Patties, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together.
Freezing
To stock up, freeze cooked patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prep or lightning-fast lunches!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave on medium, or warm them in a skillet over low heat to restore their crispness. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then gently warm until heated through.
FAQs
Can I grill these Mediterranean Chicken Patties instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grilling gives them gorgeous char marks and a bit of smoky flavor. Oil your grill grates well and cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, just as you would on the stove.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the feta?
Yes — you can use a dairy-free feta alternative or simply omit the cheese. The patties will still turn out flavorful and moist thanks to all those herbs and seasonings.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Almond flour is a great option if you want to make these gluten-free and a bit lighter. You can also try crushed gluten-free crackers, or even oats pulsed in a food processor until fine.
How do I make the patties extra juicy?
The key is not to overmix the chicken mixture, and don’t overcook the patties! Also, adding the egg and feta helps lock in moisture, so be sure to include them for the best results.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! This Mediterranean Chicken Patties recipe is easy to scale up—simply double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches. They make excellent crowd-pleasers for any get-together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s light, flavorful, and ready in no time, give these Mediterranean Chicken Patties a spot in your weeknight rotation. Packed with fresh herbs, feta, and zest, they’re sure to be a hit whether you’re serving family or friends. You might want to make a double batch—these tasty patties disappear fast!
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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are packed with flavor from feta cheese, fresh herbs, and lemon zest. Easy to make and versatile, they can be served in pita bread, with tzatziki sauce, or on a salad.
Ingredients
Chicken Patties:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, feta cheese, red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape Patties: Divide mixture into 6 portions and shape into patties.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy warm with tzatziki sauce, in pita bread, or on a salad.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- These patties also work well grilled instead of pan-fried.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
