Description
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are flavorful, tender, and packed with fresh herbs and spices. Made with ground chicken, sautéed spinach, and a blend of Mediterranean seasonings, these patties are perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Serve them warm on their own, alongside rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables, or in a bun for a tasty sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Patties
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 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 (from half lemon)
- 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 Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2-3 minutes until tender and nicely browned.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and sauté for 1 minute until softened. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the mixture to a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix Patty Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, sautéed onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Chill Mixture: Shape the mixture into a firm ball to bind it well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to enhance flavors and firmness.
- Form Patties: Take 1/2 cup portions of the chilled mixture and shape them into medium-sized patties by hand, making about 12 patties.
- Cook Patties on Stovetop: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 2 minutes. Place 6 patties in the skillet per batch, cooking 3-5 minutes on each side until nicely seared and browned. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean chicken patties warm, alongside rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables, or inside hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the patty mixture overnight to allow flavors to meld and to ensure the patties hold together well when cooking.
- If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a brighter flavor profile.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking patties; cook in batches if needed to achieve proper browning.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of additional lemon juice for extra zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
