Chicken patties are a tasty, soft, and juicy choice. They can be made from ground chicken or leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, along with simple seasonings and herbs from your pantry. Enjoy them as a main dish, tucked into sandwiches, or as burgers. They also go well with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or salads, or simply as a snack with your favorite dips.
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One of the best things about these patties is how adaptable they are. You can tweak the seasonings or add extras to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to pan-fry them to achieve a crispy outer layer or bake them for a healthier version, they’re sure to be delicious. For an added touch, include some breadcrumbs for crunch, or mix in your favorite veggies for more flavor and texture.
In this post, I’ll show you an easy way to make chicken patties by pan-frying. This method is great for family dinners, social gatherings, or a quick lunch for your kids. Below, I’ve also provided some top tips to help you make the best chicken patties every time.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients you’ll need to make these chicken patties include fresh produce and simple seasonings. Let’s take a closer look at them below.
- Ground Chicken: I typically use ground chicken for homemade patties. You can also repurpose leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken—it's a great way to use up what you have.
- Mayonnaise: Adding mayonnaise helps keep the patties moist and juicy, preventing them from drying out as they cook.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps bind all the ingredients together, keeping the patties from falling apart during cooking.
- Eggs: Eggs also help bind the ingredients and contribute to the patties' softness and moisture.
- Seasonings: I’ve added paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for flavor and a touch of heat. Feel free to use your favorite dried herbs or seasonings like Cajun or Creole for a different twist.
- Onion and Herbs: Onion adds a warm, caramelized flavor, especially when fried. Scallions and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro bring a burst of freshness and enhance the overall flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest brings a citrusy tang that balances the flavors beautifully. You can substitute a dash of lemon juice if you prefer.
How to Make Chicken Patties at Home?
Let’s make soft and juicy chicken patties together! I’ll show you how to add vibrant flavors to the ground chicken, shape the patties, and fry them to perfection. Each step comes with a photo and a detailed video to guide you through the process. So, let’s get started!
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Chicken Patties
Ingredients
- 1¼ lb Ground Chicken
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 5 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 5 tbsp Onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch Scallions, chopped
- 1 small bunch Parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Oil, for pan frying
Instructions
Preparing Patty Mix
- In a bowl, start by adding eggs, all-purpose flour, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and lemon zest.
- Mix everything well using a whisk. Whisking helps the seasonings distribute evenly, which enhances the flavor of the final dish.
- Now add the ground chicken, scallions, parsley leaves, and chopped onions to the bowl. Mix everything well with a spatula, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the ingredients to bind together and the flavors to meld, making it easier to form the patties.
Shaping Chicken Patties
- After the resting period, begin shaping the chicken mixture. If using your hands, lightly grease your palms with oil, scoop up your desired portion of the chicken mixture, and place it in your palm. Gently pat it with your other hand to form it into a patty, as shown in the picture. If you prefer not to use your hands, you can also use parchment paper or oil-greased banana leaves to help shape the patties.
- Another method to shape the patties is by using a cookie dough or ice cream scooper to portion out the chicken mixture. This technique helps you achieve evenly sized patties. Once scooped, gently pat the mixture into patty shapes with the back of a spoon or spatula after placing it in the pan. To prevent the spoon from sticking, lightly grease its back with oil.
Frying Chicken Patties
- In a pan over medium heat, add enough oil for pan-frying and let it preheat. Once hot, add the patties to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding can cause the patties to steam instead of frying, which might affect their texture.
- Fry the chicken patties for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the patties, so it’s important to monitor them closely. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the patties and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain off any excess oil. Your delicious chicken patties are now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving
- Enjoy these chicken patties on their own, with bread or buns, or paired with your favorite sides and dips. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out the serving suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Although ground chicken is typically used for making patties, feel free to use leftovers from grilled or rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to finely grind or shred them to achieve a uniform texture.
- Season Generously: Adding a mix of spices, herbs, and aromatics makes the patties extra flavorful. Don’t shy away from seasoning the mixture to bring out fresh, vibrant flavors. You can also customize the seasonings to suit your preferences.
- For Even Patties: Using a cookie dough or ice cream scooper provides evenly sized patties, which helps with even cooking. If you prefer using your hands, feel free to portion out the desired quantity to make patties. You can also grease your palms or use parchment paper or banana leaves to shape the patties.
- Size of the Patties: I used a cookie scooper to make these patties, which resulted in smaller portions. If you prefer larger patties, simply adjust the portion size to suit your needs. Larger patties work great for burgers or when you want a more substantial meal.
- For Crispier Exterior: Although I haven’t used breadcrumbs in this recipe, if you're making patties from leftover chicken, dipping them in panko breadcrumbs before frying will give a crispy exterior. I suggest using breadcrumbs only with leftover chicken since it’s already cooked, and the patties need less frying time. For ground chicken, it’s best to skip the breadcrumbs to avoid the outside burning before the inside is fully cooked.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To confirm that the chicken patties are cooked safely and perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to meet FDA cooking recommendations.
- Add a Binding Agent: If you find the mixture too wet or difficult to shape, you can add a little more flour or breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients. This can be especially helpful if you're including additional wet ingredients like grated vegetables.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare these patties in advance and freeze them. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken patties are a delicious and versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite dishes that I usually serve to my family alongside them:
- Buns and Bread: For a classic sandwich or burger, pair these chicken patties with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, pickles, and your favorite sauce. It’s a simple, satisfying combination that never fails.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you're in the mood for something lighter, skip the bread and serve the patties with roasted veggies like cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. It’s a tasty and healthy option.
- Grains: When you’re craving something hearty, accompany the patties with rice—be it white, basmati, jasmine, brown, wild, or black. Quinoa, farro, barley, or bulgur also offer a great fiber boost.
- Salads: For a refreshing touch, opt for a simple green salad, a cucumber tomato salad, or some crisp coleslaw. These provide a light contrast to the rich flavors of the patties.
- Potato Dishes: If you’re looking for classic comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, French fries, or sweet potato fries make perfect sides.
- Pasta Dishes: Slice the patties and mix them into a creamy pasta sauce or a fresh tomato basil sauce. This makes for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Asian Style: Serve the patties with a side of stir-fried vegetables and drizzle them with a teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. This adds an Asian flair and packs a punch of flavor.
- Mexican Night: Crumble the patties and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos, adding traditional toppings like salsa, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
- Corn on the Cob: In warmer months, I love serving chicken patties with freshly boiled corn on the cob. It adds a sweet and summery touch to your meals.
- Dips and Sauces: Enhance your patties with honey mustard, mayonnaise, garlic aioli, sweet and sour sauce, BBQ sauce, or classic ketchup. All pair wonderfully with these patties.
- Gravy: For an extra layer of comfort, try serving the patties with some classic brown or white gravy. It adds a creamy, delicious touch that makes the meal feel extra special.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend enjoying these chicken patties right after they come out of the pan to enjoy their fresh flavors. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave until they’re thoroughly heated through.
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