Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these delectable Mediterranean Chicken Patties. This healthy and easy-to-make recipe combines fresh herbs, spices, and lean ground chicken, creating tender patties that are perfect for any occasion. Whether served in pita bread, atop a refreshing salad, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces, these patties deliver a satisfying taste that will please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings—these flavorful bites are sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these patties in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: Fresh herbs and spices create a delightful taste that excites your palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them in pita bread, on salads, or as appetizers—perfect for any meal or occasion.
- Healthy Choice: Made with lean chicken and packed with vegetables, these patties offer a nutritious option for your family.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors make these patties appealing to children while keeping parents happy.
Tools and Preparation
To make Mediterranean Chicken Patties efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here are the items you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when frying your patties.
- Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps flip the patties easily without breaking them apart.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Sauté onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the sautéed onion and garlic with spinach, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
Shape the mixture into approximately eight patties (½ inch thick).
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Drain on paper towels and serve warm with garnishes as desired.
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are not just easy to make but also bring vibrant flavors to your table! Enjoy!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Serving Mediterranean Chicken Patties can be a delightful experience that brings out their vibrant flavors. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these delicious patties.
In Pita Bread
- Fill warm pita bread with Mediterranean chicken patties, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce for a quick and tasty meal.
On a Salad
- Place the cooked patties atop a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy dish.
As an Appetizer
- Serve the patties as bite-sized appetizers at parties. Pair them with various dipping sauces like hummus or tahini for added flavor.
With Yogurt Sauce
- Offer a side of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a dipping sauce. The coolness complements the spices in the patties beautifully.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. This adds color and nutrition to your meal.
How to Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Patties
To achieve the best results with your Mediterranean Chicken Patties, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill and parsley enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried herbs.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense patties.
- Chill Before Cooking: Chill the shaped patties in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your mixture before forming patties. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for ideal flavor.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Use medium heat when cooking to ensure even cooking without burning the outside.
- Double the Recipe: If you love these patties, consider making extra to freeze for quick meals later.
Best Side Dishes for Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Pairing side dishes with Mediterranean Chicken Patties can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Couscous Salad: A light salad made with couscous, diced vegetables, and lemon dressing complements the flavors well.
- Tabbouleh: This fresh herb salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon is refreshing and healthy.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs make for a deliciously hearty side.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini drizzled with olive oil enhances the taste while keeping it healthy.
- Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus flavors served with pita chips or veggie sticks provides great texture contrast.
- Mediterranean Quinoa: Quinoa tossed with olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes offers a protein-packed option.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: These savory bites filled with rice and herbs add an authentic Mediterranean touch to your meal.
- Greek Tzatziki Dip: This creamy yogurt dip made with cucumber is perfect for cooling down spicy flavors from the patties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mediterranean Chicken Patties, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the onion and garlic adds depth of flavor. Be sure to cook them until translucent before mixing with other ingredients.
- Overmixing the chicken mixture: Overmixing can lead to tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed for tender results.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect amounts can affect texture and flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Using low-quality breadcrumbs: Low-quality breadcrumbs may not bind well. Opt for fresh or high-quality breadcrumbs to ensure a good texture.
- Cooking at too high a heat: Cooking patties over high heat can cause burning on the outside while leaving them raw inside. Use medium heat for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked Mediterranean Chicken Patties in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mediterranean Chicken Patties
- For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mediterranean Chicken Patties
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake patties for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place patties on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I make Gluten-Free Mediterranean Chicken Patties?
To make these patties gluten-free, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken Patties?
These patties pair well with a variety of sides such as salads, roasted vegetables, or served in pita bread with tzatziki sauce.
How long does it take to prepare Mediterranean Chicken Patties?
The total time is about 35 minutes, with 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.
Can I customize the herbs used in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like parsley or mint for added flavor variation based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are not only flavorful but also versatile enough for any meal occasion. Their vibrant taste and healthy ingredients make them a fantastic option for family dinners or casual gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite herbs or serve them alongside various sides to suit your preferences. Enjoy making this delightful dish!
Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a delightful fusion of fresh herbs and spices, designed to tantalize your taste buds. Made with lean ground chicken and an array of vibrant ingredients like spinach, garlic, and dill, these patties are both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, they can be enjoyed in pita bread, on salads, or as appetizers with your favorite dipping sauces. Easy to prepare and kid-friendly, they offer a wholesome meal option that everyone will love. Experience the essence of the Mediterranean right at home with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté diced onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds before removing from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with chopped spinach, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into approximately eight patties (½ inch thick).
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Chill shaped patties for 30 minutes before cooking to maintain their shape. Feel free to customize the herbs according to your preference.
