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These vibrant Mediterranean chicken patties bring tangy, fresh flavors to your table in half an hour flat. Mixing ground chicken with herbs and Greek yogurt creates super juicy patties that satisfy your hunger without fancy techniques or weird ingredients you'll never use again.
I stumbled on this dish during a hectic week when I needed something quick but healthy for dinner. These patties have now replaced our regular burgers whenever we want something that won't weigh us down but still hits the spot.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Makes a juicy but lean base that won't make you feel guilty
- Baby spinach: Sneaks in some green goodness with pretty flecks throughout
- Greek yogurt: Keeps everything juicy without extra fat
- Fresh dill: Gives that zingy herbal kick that makes Mediterranean food pop
- Lemon juice: Adds zip and helps soften the meat
- Dried oregano: Brings that classic flavor punch, grab Greek oregano if you can find it
- Paprika: Adds a bit of warmth and nice color
- Ground cumin: Gives a rich earthiness to balance things out
- Breadcrumbs: Holds everything together; try panko for extra crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Cook onions and garlic with olive oil on medium-high until they get soft and slightly golden on the edges, about 2-3 minutes. Don't rush this part - these flavors set the foundation for your patties.
- Add Spinach:
- Toss in your chopped spinach and cook just until it shrinks down, around 1 minute. The spinach will release water that'll make your patties extra juicy. Let this mix cool down for 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 stir everything together. Don't overwork it or you'll end up with tough patties.
- Form Patties:
- Shape the mixture into 12 equal patties about half an inch thick. If everything feels too wet to work with, stick it in the fridge for 10 minutes first. Make sure they're all the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Chill:
- Stick the patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and keeps the patties from falling apart when cooking. You can make them a day ahead if you want.
- Cook Patties:
- Heat the rest of your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook patties for 3-5 minutes per side until they're golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F. Cook in batches so they don't get crowded and steam instead of browning.
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What makes these patties special is how the Greek yogurt and spinach work together. I found out that yogurt makes the chicken incredibly tender, keeping it moist even if you cook them a bit too long. My mother-in-law, who always turns her nose up at ground chicken, gobbled up three of these last time we had family over.
Make-Ahead Options
These tasty chicken patties work wonders for weekly meal prep. You can mix everything and shape your patties up to a day before cooking, just keep them covered in the fridge. They're perfect for those nights when you want home cooking but can't start from scratch after work.
If you need longer storage, freeze the raw patties on a baking sheet until hard, then stack them in freezer bags. They'll stay good for up to two months. Just thaw them overnight in your fridge before cooking them normally.
Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy these flexible patties lots of ways. Try them with tzatziki and a Greek salad for a classic Mediterranean dinner. They're also fantastic stuffed in pita bread with cucumber, tomato and red onion. If you're watching carbs, toss them on a bed of greens with lemon dressing.
When feeding a crowd, try making mini versions as finger food or set up a DIY Mediterranean bowl station with toppings like hummus, roasted veggies, feta, and olives.
Variation Ideas
The basic recipe can change up easily. Try throwing in some crumbled feta for a tangy kick. Chopped roasted red peppers add nice sweetness and color. Want some heat? Mix in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Ground turkey works great instead of chicken, or go for a beef and lamb combo for more traditional Mediterranean flavors. Just watch your cooking times since different meats need different heat times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I keep leftovers fresh?
Keep leftover patties in a sealed container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Heat them up in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer when you’re ready to eat.
- → Is it okay to freeze these patties?
Yes! Wrap each uncooked patty with plastic and freeze for up to two months. Leave them in the fridge overnight to thaw before cooking.
- → What pairs well with these patties?
Try serving them with fresh tzatziki, grilled veggies, a crisp salad, or rice pilaf. They’re a great match with most sides!
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free type to make them safe for gluten-free diets.
- → How do I keep them from falling apart while they cook?
Chill the patties in the fridge for at least half an hour before cooking. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- → What’s the easiest way to cook these in an air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cook the patties for around 13–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through.