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Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

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4.3 from 51 reviews

These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a flavorful and healthy dish combining ground chicken with aromatic herbs, spices, and fresh spinach. Pan-seared to perfection in olive oil, they are juicy inside with a crisp, golden crust outside. Perfect as a main course served alongside rice pilaf, vegetables, or nestled in hamburger buns for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired 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
  • 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. Sauté Aromatics and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until it is sizzling hot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they are tender and nicely browned, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chopped baby spinach and cook for an additional 1 minute until the spinach softens. Remove the mixture from heat and transfer to a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, finely chopped fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or use your hands to press the ingredients together to ensure an even mix.
  3. Chill the Mixture: Shape the combined mixture into a firm ball to help it bind well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up for easier shaping.
  4. Form Patties: Remove the mixture from the refrigerator. Using your hands, shape about ½ cup of the mixture at a time into individual patties. You should be able to make approximately 12 patties.
  5. Cook Patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Place about 6 patties in the skillet, ensuring they have enough space. Cook the patties for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side until nicely seared and browning along the edges. Flip the patties and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), confirmed with a meat thermometer.
  6. Serve: Remove the patties from the skillet and serve warm. They pair wonderfully with rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables or can be served in hamburger buns for a Mediterranean flavored sandwich.

Notes

  • Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape and enhances flavor melding.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot before adding patties for a good sear and crispy edges.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
  • Feel free to add crumbled feta cheese or chopped olives into the mixture for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • To keep the patties moist, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.