Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that is bursting with bright flavors, loaded with herbs, and comes together in under half an hour, Mediterranean Chicken Patties are about to become your new obsession. Juicy chicken is laced with salty feta, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, then pan-fried to golden perfection. These patties are a perfect answer to busy weeknights and make a knockout main course that feels just a little bit special. Whether you tuck them into pita bread, serve them over a big Greek salad, or simply enjoy them straight from the skillet, Mediterranean Chicken Patties deliver sunshine on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mediterranean Chicken Patties lies in their simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, contributing flavor, color, or texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make each component shine.
- Ground Chicken: Go for lean ground chicken for a lighter patty that still stays juicy.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings salty, creamy pops in every bite.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds sweetness and crunch to the mix.
- Fresh Parsley: This herb brightens up the patties and gives them a fresh, green look.
- Dill (Fresh or Dried): Dill makes these patties unmistakably Mediterranean—fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Oregano lends a classic Mediterranean earthiness to each patty.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every ingredient without overpowering the feta.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens the flavors and keeps the patties moist.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying the patties to a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Step 1: Mix the Patty Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and add in your ground chicken, crumbled feta, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix everything just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the goal is to keep the patties tender, not dense.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, depending on how large you want your Mediterranean Chicken Patties. With damp hands, gently shape each portion into a round patty about 1 inch thick. Try to keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Cook Until Golden and Juicy
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Let them sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid pressing down on them with your spatula—you want to lock in all those flavorful juices!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Transfer your Mediterranean Chicken Patties to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is as succulent as possible.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or dill over the top adds a fresh, vibrant finish. A few crumbles of feta or a wedge of lemon on the side give each plate a restaurant-worthy touch and invite everyone to customize their patties.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are delicious alongside classic sides like cool, creamy tzatziki, crisp cucumber salad, or a simple Greek salad full of tomatoes, olives, and red onion. For a heartier meal, tuck them into warm pita with lettuce and tomato, or serve them atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve bite-sized patties as party appetizers with toothpicks and a bowl of tzatziki for dipping. Or, try stacking patties in pita pockets for a flavor-packed sandwich. You can even slice them up and scatter over a big Mediterranean grain bowl for an easy, healthy lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Patties keep beautifully in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days—they’re just as tasty the next day, whether cold or reheated.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked or uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and make for a quick meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat, or pop them in a 350°F oven until heated through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be swapped in for ground chicken with great results. Just make sure to use a variety with enough fat to keep the patties moist and flavorful.
What’s the best way to keep Mediterranean Chicken Patties from sticking to the pan?
A nonstick skillet and a little olive oil are your best friends here. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the patties, and avoid moving them around too much while they cook.
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Patties in advance?
Yes! You can shape the raw patties and refrigerate them, covered, for up to a day ahead of time. That way, you can cook them fresh right before serving.
Are these patties gluten-free?
They sure are! Mediterranean Chicken Patties contain no breadcrumbs or flour, making them naturally gluten-free and perfect for a variety of diets.
Can I grill these instead of pan-frying?
Definitely. Brush the patties with a little olive oil and grill over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Just be gentle when flipping, as they’re a bit more delicate than beef burgers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, satisfying, and downright delicious, I can’t recommend Mediterranean Chicken Patties enough. They’re easy to make, endlessly versatile, and full of sunshine-bright flavors that never fail to impress. Give them a try and watch them become a new staple on your table!
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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Patties made with ground chicken, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and spices. These flavorful patties are perfect for a quick stovetop meal and can be served with tzatziki, cucumber salad, or in pita bread for a satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, crumbled feta, red onion, parsley, dill, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Use your hands or a spoon to gently combine the mixture without overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 4 to 6 equal-sized patties, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Heat Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, preparing the pan to cook the patties thoroughly and prevent sticking.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- Rest: Remove the patties from heat and let them rest for a few minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute for moist and flavorful results before serving.
Notes
- Serve these patties with tzatziki sauce, a fresh cucumber salad, or tucked inside pita bread with lettuce and tomato for a complete meal.
- You can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate the raw mixture for up to 1 day before cooking to save time.
- Using fresh herbs when possible enhances the flavor, but dried dill works well as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
