Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean without booking a plane ticket, Mediterranean Chicken Patties are exactly what you need. These juicy, flavor-packed patties bring together savory ground chicken, briny olives, tangy feta, and a medley of herbs and spices for a meal that’s as bright and satisfying as a summer afternoon. They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings, and the best part? You can serve them any way you like—inside pita bread, over a fresh salad, or simply with a side of creamy tzatziki. Mediterranean Chicken Patties are about to become your new weeknight hero!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, every component of these Mediterranean Chicken Patties serves a special purpose. From the juicy chicken base to the pops of salty feta and savory sun-dried tomatoes, each item brings flavor, color, or that perfect bit of texture to the mix.
- Ground chicken: The star of the show, offering a lean, protein-packed base that soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the patties together and keep them light and juicy. Swap for oat or almond flour for a gluten-free twist.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creamy tang and those irresistible salty pockets throughout each bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness and chewiness add Mediterranean flair and a pop of color.
- Kalamata olives: Finely chopped, they bring briny depth and a true taste of the region.
- Garlic: Two freshly minced cloves infuse every bite with robust, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the patties with freshness and a burst of green.
- Dried oregano: Just a teaspoon gives that signature Mediterranean herbal note.
- Ground cumin: A subtle, earthy warmth that rounds out the flavors without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
- Black pepper: A little bit of heat to balance the other flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking, it imparts rich flavor and helps the patties achieve a perfect golden crust.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Step 1: Mix Up the Chicken Patty Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with clean hands or a spatula. The key is not to overwork the mixture—just enough so everything’s evenly incorporated. This ensures your Mediterranean Chicken Patties stay tender, not tough!
Step 2: Shape Into Patties
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into six equal portions. Wetting your hands slightly can make this step easier and less sticky. Shape each portion into a compact patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Uniform size means they’ll cook evenly and look picture-perfect when served.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, gently add your patties. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them around too much—this helps form that delicious golden-brown crust. Check that they’re cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and maximum juiciness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a couple minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite extra flavorful. Now your Mediterranean Chicken Patties are ready to be served with all your favorite fixings!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or a crumble of more feta on top instantly elevates the patties’ look and taste. A generous dollop of cool, creamy tzatziki makes each bite even more refreshing, while a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and ties all the flavors together.
Side Dishes
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with a crisp Greek salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or lemony couscous for a complete meal. They’re also fantastic with warm pita bread and a medley of dips like hummus and baba ganoush.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, tuck the patties into pita pockets with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion for a delicious sandwich. Or, break them up over a big, vibrant salad for an easy lunch bowl. If you’re entertaining, serve bite-sized patties as flavorful appetizers with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal-prep lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
These patties are freezer-friendly! Simply arrange uncooked patties on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick lunch, but a few minutes in the oven or air fryer will help restore their crispy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will still soak up all those Mediterranean flavors. Just be sure to use ground turkey that’s not too lean to keep the patties juicy.
What’s the best way to keep the patties from falling apart?
The combination of breadcrumbs (or a gluten-free alternative) and egg-free binding from feta helps hold everything together. Make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and form compact patties for the best results.
Can I grill these Mediterranean Chicken Patties?
Yes, you can! Lightly oil your grill grates and cook the patties over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side. They’ll pick up fantastic smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
Are these patties gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs or swap in oat or almond flour, these patties are completely gluten-free, making them perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
What sauces go well with Mediterranean Chicken Patties?
Tzatziki is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with hummus, baba ganoush, or even a quick lemon-garlic yogurt sauce. Each adds its own layer of flavor to your meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Mediterranean Chicken Patties enough—they’re bursting with flavor, endlessly adaptable, and totally fuss-free. Give them a try the next time you want something fresh, vibrant, and satisfying on your table. I promise, they’ll find a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation!
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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 patties 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a flavorful and healthy main course option, combining lean ground chicken with classic Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. Perfectly pan-fried to golden perfection, they make a delicious and protein-rich meal served with tzatziki, salad, or pita bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty approximately 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the oil coats the surface evenly to prevent sticking and achieve a crispy crust.
- Cook Patties: Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping carefully once. Cook until each patty is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safely cooked through.
- Serve: Remove patties from the skillet and serve warm. These patties pair excellently with traditional tzatziki sauce, a fresh salad, or inside warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For a lighter or gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with oat flour or almond flour.
- These patties can also be grilled; preheat the grill to medium heat and cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make a double batch and freeze uncooked patties in an airtight container or freezer bag to have quick meals ready on busy weeknights.
- Ensure not to overmix the ingredients to keep the patties tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
