Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a flavorful and juicy blend of ground chicken, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and feta cheese, pan-seared to golden perfection. They make a healthy and delicious meal, perfect served with tzatziki or a crisp salad and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Patty Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken (preferably a mix of lean and a little fat for moisture)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, mint, and dried oregano, mixing well to distribute all the herbs evenly.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the lemon zest, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and crumbled feta cheese if using, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated gently without overmixing.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing just enough to combine and keep the mixture tender.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick and place them on a plate, ready for cooking.
- Heat Oil: Warm a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for pan-frying the patties.
- Cook Patties: Place the chicken patties into the skillet in batches if necessary, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Avoid Crowding: Ensure patties aren’t crowded in the pan; this helps achieve a nice sear and even cooking.
- Transfer and Serve: Remove cooked patties to a serving platter. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt sauce, or accompanied by a crisp salad and warm pita bread for a truly Mediterranean experience.
Notes
- For juicier patties, do not overmix the chicken mixture as it can make the texture tough.
- Using a mix of lean and slightly fattier ground chicken adds moisture and flavor to the patties.
- Feta cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy, salty touch that complements the herbs perfectly.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure patties are fully cooked (165°F or 74°C).
- These patties can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
