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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a wholesome, flavor-packed dish that’s both easy and refreshingly different, you’re going to love this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken blended with fresh herbs, bright lemon, and a subtle mix of spices—all crisped up to golden perfection. It’s one of those recipes I pull out when I want something satisfying but not heavy, plus it’s a hit with friends and family every time I make it. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail it on your first try!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: Fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spices create vibrant patties that are anything but bland.
  • Juicy & Tender Texture: Greek yogurt and breadcrumbs keep the chicken patties moist and perfectly tender.
  • Simple Prep with Big Impact: You don’t need hours or fancy tools to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Great as a meal with sides or stuffed into buns for easy sandwiches.
Mediterranean Chicken Patties, healthy chicken patties, easy Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken recipes, Mediterranean ground chicken - There is a black cast iron pan with six small round patties frying in oil. The patties are golden brown with some darker brown spots and have small green herb pieces mixed inside. The surface of the patties looks slightly rough with a cooked texture. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe features ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The spinach adds a fresh pop of green and nutrients, while the Greek yogurt lends creaminess that locks in moisture. The lemon juice brightens everything up, and herbs like dill and oregano give it a truly Mediterranean flair. When shopping, opt for fresh herbs if you can—they make a noticeable difference!

Mediterranean Chicken Patties, healthy chicken patties, easy Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken recipes, Mediterranean ground chicken - Flat lay of a medium diced onion, a small pile of minced garlic cloves, a handful of bright baby spinach leaves, a mound of raw ground chicken, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of fine light breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of thick creamy Greek yogurt, fresh sprigs of finely chopped dill, half a fresh lemon cut to show juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl with dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black peppercorns, whole uncracked brown eggs placed in a line next to the ingredients, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Olive oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking—use good quality for the best flavor.
  • Onion: Adds natural sweetness when sautéed, building the patties’ savory base.
  • Garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch that wakes up the dish.
  • Baby spinach: Adds moisture and a mild earthiness; finely chopped so it blends smoothly.
  • Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it’s perfect for patties that aren’t too heavy.
  • Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture together without weighing it down.
  • Greek yogurt: Keeps patties juicy and tender while adding a tangy note.
  • Fresh dill: Bright and herbaceous, dill gives a lovely Mediterranean touch.
  • Lemon juice: Just the right acidity to balance richness and elevate all the flavors.
  • Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that complements the other seasonings.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.
  • Ground cumin: Gives depth and warmth, rounding out the spices.
  • Salt & black pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak the herbs or spices to suit your mood or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment—this recipe invites personalization!

  • Variation: I sometimes swap out dill for fresh parsley or mint for a different herbal twist—both work beautifully.
  • Dietary adjustments: To keep it gluten-free, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts as a binder.
  • Adding heat: If you like a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne.
  • Vegetarian twist: You can replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas and extra spinach for a tasty meatless version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Then toss in your diced onion and minced garlic and sauté them until they’re soft and golden brown, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This is a crucial step—don’t rush it, as it builds the foundation of flavor for your patties. Once the onions are translucent and fragrant, add the chopped spinach and cook just until it wilts, about a minute. Set this vibrant mixture aside to cool for around 5 minutes; this helps it incorporate better when mixed with the chicken.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Magic

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, your sautéed onion-spinach mix, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and all the spices. I usually start stirring with a spatula until everything looks evenly distributed, then I dive in with my hands to really press the mixture together—this helps the patties hold their shape when cooking. Once mixed, shape everything into a single firm ball, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if you have the time. Chilling is key to help the flavors meld and the patties stay firm when you cook them.

Step 3: Shape and Cook Your Patties

With chilled hands, portion out about half a cup of the mixture and form into patties—aim for around 12 medium-sized ones. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. When the oil’s hot and lightly shimmering, place about 6 patties in the pan (don’t overcrowd!). Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and start browning up the edges. Flip carefully and cook the other side to an internal temperature of 165°F. I recommend using a meat thermometer to nail the timing perfectly and keep the patties juicy without overcooking. Repeat the batch for the remaining patties.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Fresh Herbs: I noticed that using fresh dill really makes the patties pop flavor-wise, compared to dried.
  • Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the mixture helps the patties keep their shape and prevents them from falling apart while cooking.
  • Cast Iron is Your Friend: Cooking these in a cast-iron skillet gave me the crispiest edges and best browning by far.
  • Check Internal Temp: I used a meat thermometer to prevent drying them out—165°F is the sweet spot for juicy, safe chicken.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Patties, healthy chicken patties, easy Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken recipes, Mediterranean ground chicken - A round white plate on a white marbled surface holds seven golden-brown patties with visible green herb bits inside, arranged in a slightly overlapping circle. At the top left of the plate, a small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs sits with a spoon inside. A lemon wedge is placed at the top right edge of the plate, adding a touch of bright yellow. Fresh green herb leaves are scattered underneath some patties for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these patties with a dollop of tzatziki or a tangy yogurt sauce to complement the herbs and spices. Fresh lemon wedges on the side add a bright squeeze of acidity right before eating. For a pop of color and crunch, some sliced cucumber or pickled red onions work beautifully.

Side Dishes

When I’m serving dinner, I usually pair these patties with fluffy rice pilaf, a crisp Greek salad, or lightly sautéed veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. They also make a killer filling for warm pita bread with some fresh greens and hummus if you’re in sandwich mode.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve arranged these Mediterranean chicken patties on a large platter with colorful roasted vegetables, lemon wedges, and small bowls of different dips like baba ganoush and tzatziki. It feels festive and lets guests customize their plates. I also tried stacking patties on mini skewers alongside cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for a fun appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the patties cool to room temperature, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they last 3 to 4 days perfectly. They keep their flavor and juiciness well, so you can enjoy them for lunches or quick dinners without any compromise.

Freezing

I love that you can make these patties ahead and freeze them raw. I wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then pop them into a labeled freezer bag. That way, I’m ready to pull out just what I need for an impromptu meal—I’ve kept them frozen up to two months with great results.

Reheating

For reheating cooked patties, I gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of olive oil, turning occasionally so they crisp back up nicely. You can also use a toaster oven or broiler if you want some extra browning. Microwave works in a pinch, but the texture isn’t quite as good.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work similarly in texture and flavor. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time since turkey can dry out quickly. Adding the Greek yogurt helps keep the patties juicy regardless of the poultry you choose.

  2. What’s the best way to prevent these patties from falling apart while cooking?

    Chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping is key. It allows the ingredients, especially the breadcrumbs and yogurt, to bind thoroughly. Also, use gentle but firm hands to shape the patties and avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking.

  3. Can I bake the Mediterranean chicken patties instead of pan-frying?

    You can! Place the patties on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out, and a light brush of olive oil helps keep them moist.

  4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use finely crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes. You might need to adjust quantities slightly to get the right binding consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, packed with fresh flavors, and so adaptable. It’s the kind of meal you feel good about serving any night of the week—whether it’s a rushed weekday dinner or a casual weekend get-together. If you’re looking to add a bit of sunshine and Mediterranean comfort to your table, give this recipe a try. I have no doubt it’ll become one of your favorites too!

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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 medium patties
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are flavorful, tender, and packed with fresh herbs and spices. Made with ground chicken, spinach, Greek yogurt, and aromatic seasonings, they make a delicious and healthy meal option perfect for serving with rice pilaf, sautéed vegetables, or in hamburger buns.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 lb. ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are tender and nicely browned, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add Spinach and Cool: Stir in chopped baby spinach and cook for 1 minute until softened. Remove from heat and set aside on a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix the Patty Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, the cooled onion and spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well with a spatula or use your hands to evenly mix and bind all ingredients together.
  4. Chill the Mixture: Shape the mixture into a firm ball to improve binding, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
  5. Form Patties: Take half a cup of the chilled mixture at a time and shape into medium-sized patties using your hands. You should get about 12 patties in total.
  6. Cook the Patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot. Place about 6 patties in the skillet without overcrowding and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until nicely seared and browning on the sides.
  7. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the patties and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F as measured with a meat thermometer, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy inside.
  8. Serve: Serve the warm Mediterranean chicken patties with your choice of sides such as rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables, or place them inside hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich.

Notes

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days after allowing them to cool to room temperature.
  • Air Fryer Instructions: Place 4 patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Freezing: Shape patties and wrap each individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months before cooking.
  • Thawing: Thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking according to instructions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 patty
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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