Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

If you adore vibrant, wholesome flavors with a touch of sunshine, you are going to absolutely fall in love with these Mediterranean Chicken Patties. They bring together fresh herbs, tender ground chicken, and a medley of spices that create juicy patties bursting with taste. The perfect blend of savory, tangy, and aromatic elements makes these patties an irresistible treat for lunch, dinner, or even a delicious snack. Whether you’re craving a comforting homemade meal or something a little different to impress friends, these Mediterranean Chicken Patties deliver on every front.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in shaping the texture, flavor, and color of these delightful patties. Every element has been carefully chosen to ensure a juicy, aromatic bite that’s perfectly balanced and satisfying.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the patties beautifully for a crisp outside.
• Onion: Provides sweetness and depth, perfectly softened when sautéed.
• Garlic: Infuses each patty with warm, fragrant undertones.
• Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a subtle earthy flavor.
• Ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps these patties light yet satisfying.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties and keep them tender.
• Greek yogurt: Brings creaminess and a tang to balance the herbs and spices.
• Fresh dill: Offers a distinctive, slightly citrusy note that screams Mediterranean.
• Lemon juice: Injects brightness that lifts the whole dish.
• Dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that grounds the flavor profile.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
• Ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy complexity.
• Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the other flavors perfectly.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they turn tender and develop a lovely golden brown color, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential because it softens the onion’s sharp edges and brings out the sweet flavors that will complement the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Spinach

Next, add the chopped baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for just about a minute until it wilts down and softens. This vibrant green addition not only adds a nutritional boost, but also lends a slight earthiness and gorgeous color contrast to the patties. Once done, transfer the onion and spinach mixture to a plate and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes—this keeps everything at a perfect temperature for mixing.

Step 3: Mix the Patty Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken with the sautéed onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything thoroughly. You want the ingredients to be evenly distributed and pressed together because a uniform mixture ensures that your patties hold together well and cook evenly.

Step 4: Refrigerate the Mixture

To help the flavors meld and give the patties structure, shape the meat mixture into a firm ball and cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or, if you have the time, let it chill overnight. This resting phase is key to crafting patties that won’t fall apart during cooking and taste even better thanks to marinading the herbs and spices.

Step 5: Shape the Patties

Working with about half a cup of the chicken mixture at a time, form into patties using your hands. You should end up with roughly 12 evenly sized patties, which ensures they cook through evenly without drying out. The size is perfect for a main course or to serve in sandwiches.

Step 6: Cook the Patties

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until just sizzling. Cook the patties in batches – about six at a time – giving each patty 3 to 5 minutes per side to achieve a golden-brown crust. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring juicy, fully cooked Mediterranean Chicken Patties every time.

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Once done, these Mediterranean Chicken Patties are best served warm to fully enjoy their flavors and juiciness. Whether plated traditionally or used creatively, they are sure to impress at any meal.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh dill or a dollop of cooling tzatziki sauce enhances these patties with herbal brightness and creamy cooling notes that contrast beautifully with the spices. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to bring an extra pop of zesty freshness.

Side Dishes

These patties pair wonderfully with fluffy rice pilaf or a simple couscous salad to soak up all the flavors. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add a colorful, healthy component that complements the Mediterranean vibe. For an easy meal, serve them alongside crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing these Mediterranean Chicken Patties into warm pita bread with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and tzatziki for a handheld delight. They also work well crumbled on top of a mixed greens salad for a protein boost. For a fun twist at your next gathering, serve mini patties as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cooked Mediterranean Chicken Patties in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them great for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they’re best used within 1 month for optimum freshness. Cook from frozen by adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can dry them out—reheating slowly helps maintain the juiciness and flavor that make these Mediterranean Chicken Patties so special.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that works well with the herbs and spices in this recipe.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

You can use dried dill as a substitute, but use it sparingly since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or mint can add a nice flavor twist.

Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep them safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing texture.

How do I ensure the patties don’t fall apart?

Chilling the mixture before shaping and cooking is crucial. Also, press the mixture firmly when shaping and use enough breadcrumbs and yogurt to bind the ingredients well.

Can I bake the patties instead of frying?

Definitely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and lightly browned.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give these Mediterranean Chicken Patties a try because they have become one of my absolute favorite meals to make and share. They blend simple ingredients into something extraordinary and versatile, perfect for any occasion or craving. Enjoy the process, the aromas, and of course, the delicious results. Happy cooking!

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