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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
