Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

If you’re craving something flavorful yet light, let me introduce you to my favorite Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe. These patties are juicy, packed with fresh herbs, and have just the right hint of spice that’ll make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and easy enough to whip up whenever the mood strikes. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe strikes the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and aromatic ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it adds flavor, moisture, or texture. And yes, the shopping list is super simple, which makes this a recipe I reach for time and time again.

• Olive oil: Using good quality olive oil adds authentic flavor and helps with browning the patties beautifully.
• Onion: Diced onion, sautéed until golden, brings a sweet depth and a bit of crunch to the mix.
• Garlic: Minced garlic is non-negotiable for that punch of richness and aroma.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness and nutrients without overpowering the flavor.
• Ground chicken: The star protein here—lean but tender, perfect for patties.
• Breadcrumbs: They act like glue, holding everything together and absorbing moisture so patties aren’t soggy.
• Greek yogurt: Adds tang and moisture, plus a little creaminess that pairs so well with herbs.
• Fresh dill: This herb is a signature Mediterranean flavor that brightens the patties.
• Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash livens up the whole mixture and keeps it from being flat.
• Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and classic Mediterranean warmth.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth that’s a wonderful surprise.
• Ground cumin: This adds a soft spice that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to let all the flavors shine.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Sometimes I swap fresh dill for parsley or mint if I want a slightly different herbaceous twist. Feel free to adjust spices or add finely diced veggies like red bell peppers for more texture. It’s your kitchen playground!

• Variation: I sometimes mix ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option, and it still comes out super juicy and tasty.
• Dietary tweaks: To keep it gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if you love a kick.
• Make it vegan: Use mashed chickpeas instead of ground chicken and vegan yogurt substitutes, though texture will change slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onion, garlic, and spinach

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot—about 2 minutes. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic and sauté them until they become tender and beautifully browned, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma here is a total giveaway that things are going well! Add the chopped baby spinach and give it just one minute to wilt down. Once done, transfer this mixture to a plate and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This step is important because mixing warm ingredients with raw chicken can affect the texture.

Step 2: Mix the chicken and seasonings

Into a big mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, the cooled onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Now here’s a little trick: I like to start mixing with a spatula and then shift to using my hands. It helps to press everything together evenly and get a feel for the texture. The mixture should hold together without being too damp or dry. If it feels too loose, add a bit more breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Chill the chicken balls for firmer patties

Once mixed, take a handful of the mixture and shape it into a firm ball—this binds the ingredients nicely and results in patties that won’t fall apart. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, then pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or, even better, overnight. I’ve found that chilling really helps with the firmness and flavor melding, so don’t skip this step if you can avoid it.

Step 4: Form and cook the patties

After chilling, take about half a cup of the mixture at a time and form it into patties using your hands—you should get around a dozen patties. Heat the last tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering, about 2 minutes. Place the patties gently in the pan (about six at a time) and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on one side until you see a golden sear forming on the edges. Flip them carefully and cook another 3 to 5 minutes on the other side. Using a meat thermometer is key here—make sure each patty reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees safety and juicy tenderness.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a dollop of extra Greek yogurt mixed with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a little squeeze of lemon juice. It brings a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Sometimes I add a few olives or chopped cucumber for that cool crunch, keeping in tune with the Mediterranean vibe.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these patties with light sides like fluffy rice pilaf, lemony roasted potatoes, or sautéed Mediterranean veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. A simple green salad with a lemon-olive oil dressing also works beautifully if you’re going for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these Mediterranean chicken patties as sliders with mini pita buns, tzatziki sauce, and pickled red onions—everyone loved them! You could also turn them into a hearty salad topper, crumbling the patties over a bed of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs for a vibrant and healthy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, I let the patties cool completely at room temperature before airtight storing them in the fridge. They’ll keep great for 3 to 4 days, which makes them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.

Freezing

I often prepare the patties in advance and freeze them raw before cooking. Wrapping each patty tightly in plastic wrap prevents freezer burn and makes defrosting a breeze. These frozen patties keep well for up to two months, which is great for meal prepping.

Reheating

For reheating leftovers, I prefer warming them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep that crispy exterior intact. You can also pop them briefly in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to refresh the golden crust while ensuring the inside stays juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s simple, wholesome, and reliably delicious every time. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean flavors or already a fan, these patties are the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and give this a try—I promise it’ll earn a spot in your go-to dinner arsenal. And hey, don’t forget to share it with friends—they’ll thank you!

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