Mediterranean Chicken Patties are one of those weeknight lifesavers that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Juicy, golden, and bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors like tangy feta, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, these patties are perfect whether you’re tucking them into warm pita bread, laying them over a crisp salad, or pairing them with your favorite sides. And the best part? They’re on the table in under 30 minutes.
You’ll love how easy this is! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe makes healthy eating both effortless and delicious. It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Let’s dive into the goodness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To make these Mediterranean Chicken Patties, you’ll need:
- Ground chicken: Lean and full of protein, ground chicken is a great base for patties. Look for a mix with a little fat for best flavor and moisture.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty tang that brings the patties to life. Don’t skip it!
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These concentrated flavor bombs provide a savory, slightly sweet depth that complements the herbs beautifully.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a mild, aromatic crunch.
- Fresh parsley and dill: These herbs add freshness and a Mediterranean touch.
- Garlic powder and dried oregano: Simple spices that enhance the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: To bring everything together.
- Egg and breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the mixture and helping the patties hold their shape.
- Olive oil: Used for pan-searing the patties to golden perfection.
Optional for Serving:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Warm pita bread or soft buns
- Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion
- Mixed greens or arugula
- Lemon wedges for a burst of brightness
Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the ground chicken, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped red onion, parsley, dill, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and breadcrumbs last, then use your hands or a spoon to mix everything just until combined.
Tip: Avoid overmixing. It can make the patties tough. The mixture should hold together but still feel light.
2. Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 equal portions, depending on how big you want your patties. Shape each one into a disc about ½ inch thick. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly wet your hands to make shaping easier.
3. Preheat the Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Make sure the oil is shimmering hot before adding the patties—this helps create that irresistible golden crust.
4. Cook the Patties
Place the patties in the skillet (don’t overcrowd!) and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if your pan is small.
Tip: Resist the urge to press down on the patties while cooking—you want them juicy, not dry!
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the patties warm. They’re amazing in pita bread with tzatziki and fresh veggies, over a salad with a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing, or simply alongside rice and roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner.
This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Tips and Tricks
- Make it extra juicy: Adding a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt to the mixture can give the patties even more moisture.
- Keep them from falling apart: The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders, but if your patties are still too loose, chill them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the herbs: No parsley or dill? Try fresh basil, mint, or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Spice it up: If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili.
- Want a smoky flavor? These cook beautifully on a grill too—just brush them lightly with oil before grilling.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones.
- Dairy-Free: Simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Ground Turkey Option: Ground turkey works just as well in place of chicken. Look for a mix with at least 7% fat for best texture.
- Baked Version: Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Mini Patties: Great for appetizers or lunchboxes—just reduce the cook time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
- Mediterranean Bowl: Serve patties with couscous or quinoa, chopped veggies, olives, and a dollop of hummus or tzatziki.
- Pita Sandwiches: Stuff into pita pockets with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and a generous spoon of sauce.
- Fresh Salad Topper: Crumble a patty over a Greek salad for a protein-packed lunch.
- Rice Plate: Pair with a side of herbed rice and grilled veggies for a filling meal.
- Picnic-Ready Wraps: Wrap cooled patties in flatbread with shredded greens and sauce—perfect for on-the-go!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked patties flat on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave gently until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw first or bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until hot.
FAQs
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Can I grill these patties?
Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium and cook each side for 4–5 minutes, brushing lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
How do I get that golden-brown crust?
Make sure your pan is hot and let the patties sear without moving them too much during cooking.
What’s the best way to serve these for a dinner party?
Serve them slider-style in mini pitas or as part of a build-your-own Mediterranean platter with dips, veggies, and sauces.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, they’re fantastic! Cook a batch and portion them out with grains and veggies for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a total game changer. They’re light yet satisfying, packed with bold flavors, and versatile enough to fit into any meal plan. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or hosting friends for a casual dinner, these patties always hit the spot.
So go ahead—whip up a batch tonight and taste the sunshine-filled flavors of the Mediterranean right from your kitchen!
Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, parsley, dill, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg and breadcrumbs and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions and shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Wet hands if needed to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce, inside pita bread with fresh vegetables, or over a salad.
