Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are flavorful and tender, made with ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a blend of spices. Sautéed onions, garlic, and spinach are mixed into the patty base along with Greek yogurt and breadcrumbs for moisture and binding. They are pan-fried until golden and cooked through, perfect served with rice pilaf, sautéed vegetables, or in hamburger buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half lemon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until tender and browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add spinach and cool: Stir in chopped baby spinach and sauté for 1 minute until softened. Transfer the mixture to a plate and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Combine patty ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, the cooled onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine, pressing the mixture together for even binding.
- Chill mixture: Shape the mixture into a firm ball, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to help the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
- Shape patties: Using ½ cup portions, form the mixture into 12 evenly sized patties by hand.
- Cook patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 2 minutes. Place 6 patties in the skillet and cook each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- Serve: Serve the patties warm alongside rice pilaf, sautéed vegetables, or in hamburger buns as desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after cooling to room temperature.
- Air fryer alternative: Cook 4 patties per batch at 375 F for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked to 165 F internal temperature.
- Freeze raw patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in freezer-safe bags; good for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen patties, refrigerate overnight before cooking as per instructions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
