If you love bold flavors and a touch of the Mediterranean sunshine on your plate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe. These patties are juicy and packed with savory delights like tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs that make every bite an incredible journey. Quick to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for any meal, this recipe perfectly balances simplicity with exciting flavors that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to making these patties an unforgettable dish. Each component adds its own magic, whether it’s the moisture from the ground chicken, the crumbly saltiness of feta, or the aromatic parsley that brings brightness to every bite.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein base that’s tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the patties and giving them a satisfying texture.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds creamy, salty bursts that elevate the flavor profile instantly.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped: These olives bring a wonderful briny depth that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and balance out richer ingredients.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers that classic savory note without overpowering the other spices.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the patties.
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin: A warm spice that introduces complexity and a hint of earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch to season your patties perfectly.
- Olive oil for frying: The ideal fat for cooking to golden perfection with a slight fruity richness.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Begin by placing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently fold everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. This step is where all those vibrant Mediterranean flavors start mingling beautifully.
Step 2: Form Patties
Once you have a uniform mixture, shape it into patties about the size of your palm. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a rustic shape adds to their charm and evenness in cooking. The breadcrumbs ensure they hold their shape without crumbling apart.
Step 3: Cook Patties
Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the patties in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until each patty is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes to lock in all the juicy flavor. Now they’re ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring an extra layer of freshness and color. Think chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta on top. A dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce alongside these patties perfectly complements their salty, savory depth.
Side Dishes
These patties pair beautifully with simple Mediterranean sides like a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Warm pita bread or roasted vegetables add heartiness for a satisfying meal that feels like a little trip to the coast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these patties into sandwiches stuffed inside pita pockets with some tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce. You can also serve them over a bed of couscous or quinoa for a nourishing bowl meal that looks stunning and tastes fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes a great quick lunch or dinner option for busy days when you still want a flavorful meal without much effort.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe ahead of time, you can freeze them before cooking. Shape the patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw refrigerated patties gently in the fridge overnight and warm them in a skillet over low heat with a little olive oil until heated through and crisp again. For frozen patties, cook them straight from frozen in a pan or the oven, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works very well as a substitute and will give you a slightly different but still delicious flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make these patties gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour to keep the patties moist and bound without gluten.
Can I bake these chicken patties instead of frying?
Yes, bake the patties at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, to get a golden crust with less oil.
What’s a good dipping sauce for these patties?
Tzatziki is the classic choice, but hummus, a lemony yogurt sauce, or even a mild harissa mayo are wonderful companions to this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe.
How can I make these patties spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture before forming the patties to give them a bit of heat that wakes up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe are a delightful blend of simple ingredients and bold flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe ticks every box. Give it a try and let these savory patties bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining ground chicken with traditional Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried until golden brown, they make a delicious main course that pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, or pita bread for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Patty Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped Kalamata olives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into evenly sized patties, making sure they hold together well but are not too compact to remain tender during cooking.
- Cook Patties: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest briefly. Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, a fresh Mediterranean salad, or pita bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- Ensure the patties are not too thick to allow even cooking through.
- If preferred, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options for a gluten-free version.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- For added moisture, you can mix in a tablespoon of olive oil or a beaten egg before forming the patties.
