If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and succulent juiciness, I cannot recommend the Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe enough. These patties are an absolute delight, combining the fresh zest of lemon, fragrant herbs like parsley and dill, and the creamy tang of feta cheese all wrapped in tender ground chicken. Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes that transport your taste buds straight to the sun-dappled Mediterranean coast. What’s truly amazing about this recipe is how effortlessly these simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly special yet so easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe plays a key role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the creamy feta adding a salty tang to the fresh herbs bringing brightness and the lemon zest lending zesty freshness, each element is essential to achieve patties that taste as amazing as they look.
- 500 g ground chicken: The lean protein base offering moistness and a tender bite.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy salty tang that elevates the patties’ flavor.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the patties and ensures they stay juicy yet hold their shape.
- 1 small onion, finely grated: Brings subtle sweetness and moisture to the mix.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the patties with warm, aromatic depth.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh herbaceous note and vibrant green flecks.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped: Offers a slightly tangy, anise-like flavor signature to Mediterranean cuisine.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Lifts the entire dish with a bright and refreshing zing.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder, giving the patties structure and tenderness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for cooking: Provides a rich, fruity base for browning the patties beautifully.
- Optional: Lemon wedges, fresh herbs, Greek yogurt or tzatziki: Perfect accompaniments to brighten and complete the dish.
How to Make Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing the ground chicken in a large bowl, then add the crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley and dill, lemon zest, and the lightly beaten egg. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Gently mix all these components until just combined—overmixing can make the patties tough, so keep it light and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Once your mixture is perfectly blended, divide it into eight equal portions. Form each portion into a round, flat patty that’s about 2 centimeters thick. Getting them uniform in size is key to ensure even cooking time and that golden crust we all love.
Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil
Place a large skillet on medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm up and shimmer but not smoke, so it’s ready to sizzle your patties instantly upon contact. This step is crucial to achieving that irresistible golden-brown color.
Step 4: Cook the Patties
Carefully add the patties to the hot skillet, giving them enough space to breathe. Cook each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are impeccably browned on the outside and cooked through inside. Resist the urge to flip too often; patience here rewards you with a perfect crust and juicy interior.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your cooked patties to a serving plate and immediately garnish them with fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of herbs. The final touch could be a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side, adding a creamy coolness that contrasts beautifully with the zesty patties.
How to Serve Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon wedges are my go-to garnish. A squeeze right before you take a bite amps up the zesty brightness, balancing out the rich feta and savory chicken. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or dill adds a pop of green and fresh aroma, making each bite even more delightful. Greek yogurt or tzatziki isn’t just an option, it’s the perfect creamy accompaniment that cools and complements the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
These patties pair stunningly well with simple Mediterranean sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Roasted vegetables, fluffy couscous, or even a warm pita bread can round out the meal perfectly. The key is keeping sides fresh and light to let the lovely flavors of the patties shine through.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little adventurous? Turn these patties into sliders with mini buns and tzatziki sauce for a party-ready treat. Alternatively, crumble them over a bed of greens to make a hearty salad or enjoy them stuffed into pita pockets with crisp veggies. The Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe is incredibly versatile and welcoming to your culinary creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard!), place the patties in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days without compromising flavor or texture, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
These chicken patties freeze wonderfully. Lay them out on a baking tray spaced apart and freeze until firm before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together. You can keep them frozen for up to 2 months – just the thing for a quick, homemade Mediterranean meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated patties, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring the exterior stays crispy. Alternatively, use an oven or air fryer preheated to 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely golden crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes! You can finely chop chicken breast or pulse it in a food processor until it resembles ground chicken. Keep in mind that breast meat can be leaner, so adding a small amount of olive oil or a bit more feta can help maintain juiciness in your patties.
What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have any?
Dried herbs can work, but fresh parsley and dill give the best flavor and color. If using dried, reduce the quantity to about one-third and sprinkle them into the mixture to avoid overpowering the patties.
Are these patties spicy?
No, this Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe focuses on fresh, bright, and savory flavors rather than heat. However, if you love a bit of spice, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Definitely! Baking at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, will give a healthier result with a nicely browned exterior. Though pan-frying in olive oil delivers the classic golden crust and slight crispiness that makes them irresistible.
Are these patties gluten-free?
The recipe uses breadcrumbs, which typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The flavor and texture will remain just as delightful.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give the Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—fresh, flavorful, and just downright satisfying. Once you taste these patties, I’m confident they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too. Happy cooking and enjoy every juicy, herby, zesty bite!
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Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties – Juicy, Herby & Zesty Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 patties)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties are juicy, herby, and zesty, combining ground chicken with fragrant herbs, tangy feta cheese, and lemon zest. Perfectly pan-fried to a golden brown, they make a delicious and wholesome meal that pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g ground chicken
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs
- Greek yogurt or tzatziki
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, lemon zest, lightly beaten egg, salt, and black pepper until just combined.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat thoroughly.
- Cook Patties: Cook the patties in the hot skillet for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching a safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked patties to a plate, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, and serve alongside Greek yogurt or tzatziki for added zest and creaminess.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the chicken mixture to keep patties tender.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor profile.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- These patties can also be baked at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes as an alternative to frying.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
