Get ready to fall in love with Mediterranean Chicken Patties! This recipe takes everything we adore about Mediterranean flavors—think briny feta, fragrant herbs, a citrusy punch of lemon, and juicy tender chicken—then transforms it all into golden, pan-seared patties that are simply bursting with character. Whether you tuck them into pita, pair them with a fresh salad, or just pop them straight from the skillet onto your plate, these savory, wholesome patties are about to become your weeknight obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how quickly these Mediterranean Chicken Patties come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each item is chosen to deliver maximum flavor, irresistible texture, and a sunny, vibrant color that practically begs you to dig in.
- Ground Chicken: The light, mild flavor lets all those gorgeous Mediterranean add-ins shine through, while keeping the patties juicy and tender.
- Red Onion: Adds color and a tiny pop of bite, balancing the creamy feta and mild chicken beautifully.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings irresistible creaminess and just the right hit of salty tang in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings freshness, color, and a nod to classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Garlic: Minced garlic weaves sharp, aromatic depth through the patties—don’t skip it!
- Dried Oregano: Adds that signature, earthy Mediterranean flavor that sets these patties apart.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the other flavors; adjust to your taste.
- Olive Oil: A Mediterranean classic for searing the patties and delivering golden, crisp edges.
- Lemon Juice: Half a lemon is enough to brighten the whole mix and give it that unmistakable zing.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your ground chicken, chopped red onion, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to combine everything just until mixed. Don’t be tempted to overwork the mixture—gentle mixing is the secret to that tender, juicy bite that makes Mediterranean Chicken Patties irresistible.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. With dampened hands, quickly form each portion into a patty about 3/4 inch thick. Light pressure is all you need. Don’t worry if the mix feels soft; that’s how you know the patties will be moist and flavorful when cooked.
Step 3: Sear the Patties
Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place the patties in the pan. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden crust and an internal temperature of 165°F—this signals perfectly cooked chicken. The aroma will have your kitchen smelling like a Greek taverna!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for a few minutes—this quick pause keeps all those savory juices locked inside. Get ready to serve them up while they’re hot and at their absolute best.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill, a squeeze of lemon over the top, or a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta can really make Mediterranean Chicken Patties pop. For something creamy, serve with a generous dollop of homemade or store-bought tzatziki. All these options add fresh flavor and eye-catching color that make the patties even more tempting.
Side Dishes
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are truly versatile. Pair them with warm pita, a classic Greek salad drizzled with olive oil, or a bed of fluffy couscous with roasted vegetables. They’re equally dreamy alongside garlicky sautéed greens or crispy oven potatoes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Slice the patties and tuck them into lettuce wraps for a light lunch, or break them up over a rice bowl with olives, tomatoes, and arugula. You can even serve them in a pita pocket with crunchy veggies and lots of tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich that’s fast, fun, and totally crave-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Mediterranean Chicken Patties to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making them a fantastic option for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
Freezing
These patties freeze like a dream! Once cooked and cooled, layer them with parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months, and enjoy Mediterranean flavor on demand.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat patties gently in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed through, to preserve their juicy texture. The microwave works too—cover the patties with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight for easiest, most even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic swap and works perfectly in this Mediterranean Chicken Patties recipe. Just look for a mix with a bit of fat for the juiciest results.
Is it possible to cook these patties on the grill?
Yes, grilling is a wonderful alternative to pan-cooking. Lightly oil your grill and cook the patties over medium heat, being gentle when flipping since they’re tender. You’ll get lovely grill marks and a subtle smokiness!
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
The key is not to overmix the mixture and to shape the patties gently. If you find them a bit too loose, letting the patties rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before cooking will help them firm up.
What gluten-free options work for serving?
These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are naturally gluten-free! Serve them over salad greens, in lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables to keep the whole meal gluten-free and delicious.
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken Patties ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the raw mixture or even shape the patties up to a day before you plan to cook them. Just keep them covered in the fridge until ready to use for an easy make-ahead meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, wholesome, and full of sunny Mediterranean spirit, these Mediterranean Chicken Patties truly deliver. They’re easy enough for busy weeknights but feel special every single time. Grab your favorite sides, gather your loved ones, and treat everyone to a taste of the Mediterranean at home. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
PrintMediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
These Mediterranean chicken patties are bursting with Greek flavors like feta, parsley, and oregano. Juicy and flavorful, they are perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, red onion, feta, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form Patties: Form the mixture into 4 even patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve these patties with tzatziki sauce, in pita bread, or over a Greek salad.
- You can also grill them instead of pan-frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg