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These zesty Mediterranean chicken patties bring bright, tangy Mediterranean flavors to your table in half an hour. The mix of ground chicken, herbs, and Greek yogurt makes super juicy patties that'll fill you up without fancy cooking skills or weird ingredients you can't find.
I came up with this during one of those insanely busy weeks when I needed something healthy but fast to feed everyone at home. Now we grab these instead of burgers whenever we want something that won't weigh us down but still hits the spot.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Makes a protein-rich base that stays juicy when cooked
- Baby spinach: Sneaks in vitamins with pretty green bits throughout
- Greek yogurt: Keeps everything moist without making it fatty
- Fresh dill: Adds a pop of green flavor that fits perfectly with the Mediterranean vibe
- Lemon juice: Gives a zingy kick and helps soften the meat
- Dried oregano: Adds that classic Mediterranean taste, try to grab Greek oregano if you can
- Paprika: Brings a touch of warmth and nice color
- Ground cumin: Adds a rich, earthy background
- Breadcrumbs: Holds everything together; go for panko if you want extra crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Cook onions and garlic in olive oil on medium-high until they get soft and a bit golden on the edges, about 2-3 minutes. Don't rush this part since it builds your flavor base and brings out their sweetness.
- Add Spinach:
- Toss in your chopped spinach and cook until it just wilts down, maybe a minute tops. The spinach will let out some water, which actually helps your patties stay juicy. Let this mix cool down for about 5 minutes before moving on.
- Mix Patty Ingredients:
- Put your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, and all seasonings in a bowl. Add your cooled onion-spinach mix and gently fold it all together until barely combined. Don't overwork it or you'll end up with tough patties.
- Form Patties:
- Shape your mix into 12 even patties, about half an inch thick. If it feels too sticky, stick it in the fridge for 10 minutes first. Make sure they're all the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Chill:
- Stick your shaped patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors mingle and helps them keep their shape while cooking. You can make them a day ahead at this point if you need to.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat the rest of your olive oil in a skillet on medium-high. Cook patties for 3-5 minutes on each side until they get a nice golden crust and hit 165°F inside. Cook them in batches so you don't crowd the pan.
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The magic in these patties comes from mixing Greek yogurt with spinach. I found out that adding yogurt makes them so tender they stay juicy even if you cook them a little too long. My mother-in-law, who always says she hates ground chicken, wolfed down three of these last time we had family over.
Make-Ahead Options
These Mediterranean chicken patties work great for planning ahead. You can mix everything and shape the patties up to a day before cooking, just keep them covered in your fridge. That's perfect for those nights when you want homemade food but don't have time to start cooking from zero.
If you need them to last longer, freeze the raw patties on a baking sheet until they're hard, then toss them in freezer bags. They'll stay good for up to two months. Just thaw them overnight in your fridge before cooking them the normal way.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy these flexible patties many different ways. Try them with tzatziki sauce and Greek salad for a true Mediterranean meal. They're also awesome stuffed in pita bread with cucumber, tomato, and red onion. If you're watching carbs, put them on some leafy greens with lemon dressing.
When feeding a crowd, try making mini versions for appetizers or set up a build-your-own Mediterranean bowl station with toppings like hummus, roasted veggies, feta cheese, and olives.
Variation Ideas
This basic recipe can change up easily. Try throwing in some crumbled feta for tangy flavor. Chopped roasted red peppers add nice sweetness and bright color. Want some heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
You can swap ground turkey for the chicken or try mixing beef and lamb for a more traditional Mediterranean taste. Just remember to adjust your cooking times, since different meats need different amounts of time to cook through.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to store these patties?
Keep cooked patties sealed in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Warm them up in a pan, microwave, or air fryer when ready to eat.
- → Can you freeze uncooked patties?
Of course! Wrap each patty in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before cooking for the best texture.
- → What sides taste good with them?
Serve the patties with options like tzatziki sauce, roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or fluffy rice pilaf for a balanced plate.
- → How can I make them gluten-free?
Simple—just swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones! Everything else stays the same.
- → How do I keep them from breaking apart?
Chill the shaped patties in the fridge for at least half an hour before cooking. Refrigeration helps them stay firm.
- → How do I cook them in an air fryer?
Set the air fryer to 375°F, place the patties inside, and cook for 13–15 minutes. Flip them halfway through until they’re crisp and cooked through.