These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are juicy, bright, and packed with classic Mediterranean flavors. Tender ground chicken is mixed with briny Kalamata olives, tangy feta, fresh parsley, and warm spices, then pan-seared until golden. They’re versatile enough for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a lighter twist on burger night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped Kalamata olives, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
- Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture feels cohesive, but do not overwork it.
- Divide the mixture into 8–10 equal portions. With lightly oiled hands, shape each portion into a compact patty about 2–3 inches in diameter and roughly 1/2–3/4 inch thick.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook each patty for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any excess oil while you finish the remaining batch.
- Serve the patties warm with tzatziki sauce, a crisp Mediterranean salad, or your favorite sides.
Variation
- Greek-Style Burgers: Form 4 larger patties instead of smaller ones and serve them on toasted buns or in pita bread with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and tzatziki.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap regular breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbs while keeping the patties tender.
- Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Fold in 1/4 cup very finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Cooking Notes
- Cook over medium heat rather than high to ensure the patties cook through without burning on the outside.
- Use an instant-read thermometer if possible ground chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center for safety.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook; this squeezes out juices and can make them dry.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with cool tzatziki, lemon wedges, and a simple tomato-cucumber-onion salad for a fresh Mediterranean plate.
- Tuck the patties into warm pita bread with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce for handheld wraps.
- Pair with sides like herbed rice, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables to make it a heartier meal.
Tips
- Chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before cooking if you find them too soft; this helps them firm up and hold their shape.
- Lightly oil your hands when shaping to prevent sticking and to form smooth, compact patties.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan leaving space around each patty helps them brown properly instead of steaming.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Place patties on a lightly oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F (74°C). - Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well with the same seasonings; just watch the cook time and internal temperature as directed. - Do these patties freeze well?
Yes. Freeze cooked or uncooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cooked patties can be reheated from frozen in a skillet or oven. - How long will leftovers keep?
Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a fresh, flavor-packed way to change up your chicken routine juicy, herb-laced, and dotted with briny olives and creamy feta. They’re simple to mix, quick to cook, and endlessly versatile, whether you serve them with salad, tucked into pitas, or as protein for meal prep. Light yet satisfying, they bring sunny Mediterranean vibes to any night of the week.
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Mediterranean Chicken Patties
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8–10 patties) 1x
- Diet: High-protein
Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are juicy, bright, and packed with classic Mediterranean flavors. Tender ground chicken is mixed with briny Kalamata olives, tangy feta, fresh parsley, and warm spices, then pan-seared until golden. They’re versatile enough for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a lighter twist on burger night.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, chopped Kalamata olives, parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
- Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture feels cohesive, but do not overwork it.
- Divide the mixture into 8–10 equal portions. With lightly oiled hands, shape each portion into a compact patty about 2–3 inches in diameter and roughly 1/2–3/4 inch thick.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the patties in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook each patty for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel–lined plate to absorb any excess oil while you finish the remaining batch.
- Serve the patties warm with tzatziki sauce, a crisp Mediterranean salad, or your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ground chicken can be quite soft; the breadcrumbs and egg help bind the mixture so the patties hold together well.
- Olives and feta are salty, so go light on the added salt at first you can always adjust next time if needed.
- If the mixture feels too wet to shape, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs; if it feels dry, mix in a splash of olive oil or a teaspoon of water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 2–3 patties, depending on size)
- Calories: 220 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 1 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 520 mg (approx., varies with feta and olives)
- Fat: 13 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 4 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 8–9 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 20 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 115 mg (approx.)
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken patties, feta chicken patties, healthy chicken burgers, Greek-style chicken patties, easy skillet chicken patties