Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Close your eyes and imagine the warmth of a sun-drenched Mediterranean afternoon — the scent of fresh herbs drifting through an open window, olives glistening in a clay bowl, and the sizzle of golden patties in a well-seasoned skillet. That is exactly the spirit behind these Mediterranean Chicken Patties. Succulent ground chicken is brought to life with crumbled feta, briny Kalamata olives, juicy tomatoes, and a generous handful of fresh herbs, creating a dish that is bold, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Ready in just 42 minutes and easy enough for any weeknight, these patties are your passport to the flavors of the Mediterranean without ever leaving your kitchen.

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What makes these patties truly special is the harmony of ingredients. The feta brings a creamy, salty depth that melds beautifully with the lean ground chicken, while chopped Kalamata olives add a pleasantly briny pop. Diced tomatoes keep the patties moist and tender, and a finely diced red onion rounds everything out with gentle sweetness. A brief chill in the refrigerator helps the patties hold their shape before they hit the hot skillet, where they develop an irresistibly golden crust. Whether you are cooking for a busy family dinner or preparing lunches for the week ahead, this recipe delivers every single time.

Ingredients

• For the Patties:
• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese (or substitute goat cheese)
• 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup (80 g) diced tomatoes (or sun-dried tomatoes, chopped)
• 1/4 cup (35 g) Kalamata or green olives, chopped
• 1 medium red onion, finely diced (or yellow/white onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 large egg (or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed, for vegan option)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For Serving (Optional Toppings):
• 1/4 cup extra feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped

Instructions

Step 1 — Mix the base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, crumbled feta, chopped herbs, minced garlic, and beaten egg. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 2 — Fold in the remaining ingredients

Fold in diced tomatoes, chopped olives, diced onion, and breadcrumbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3 — Shape the patties

Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape into patties about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick.

Step 4 — Chill

Place patties on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.

Step 5 — Heat the skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 6 — Cook the patties

Add chilled patties to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 7 — Rest

Remove from skillet and let rest for 2 minutes.

Step 8 — Serve

Serve warm, garnished with extra feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs as desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Damit die Patties beim Braten nicht auseinanderfallen, ist die Kühlzeit von 15 Minuten besonders wichtig — überspringen Sie diesen Schritt nicht. Vermischen Sie die Zutaten nur so lange, bis alles gerade eben verbunden ist; zu langes Kneten macht das Hackfleisch zäh. Ein Fleischthermometer ist empfehlenswert, um sicherzustellen, dass die Patties die sichere Kerntemperatur von 165°F (74°C) erreichen. Für eine besonders knusprige Kruste können Sie die geformten Patties vor dem Braten noch leicht in extra Semmelbröseln wenden.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Dieses Rezept lässt sich wunderbar anpassen: Ersetzen Sie den Feta durch Ziegenfrischkäse für ein noch würzigeres Aroma. Für eine vegane Bindung mischen Sie 1 EL gemahlene Leinsamen mit 3 EL Wasser und lassen das Gemisch kurz quellen, bevor Sie es wie ein Ei einarbeiten. Wer es glutenfrei möchte, greift einfach zu glutenfreien Semmelbröseln. Die Kräuter lassen sich je nach Verfügbarkeit variieren — Petersilie, Koriander und Minze harmonieren gleichermaßen gut mit den mediterranen Aromen. Auch die Oliven sind flexibel: Kalamata-Oliven bringen eine kräftige Würze, während grüne Oliven etwas milder schmecken.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Mediterranean Chicken Patties entfalten ihr volles Potential, wenn sie warm und frisch aus der Pfanne serviert werden. Reichen Sie sie in aufgebackenem Pittabrot mit frischen Tomatenscheiben, Gurkenscheiben und einem großzügigen Löffel Tzatziki für ein klassisches mediteranes Streetfood-Erlebnis. Alternativ lassen sie sich wunderbar auf einem Bett aus gemischtem Blattsalat mit einem Zitronen-Olivenöl-Dressing anrichten. Für ein vollständiges Dinner empfehlen sich Beilagen wie Couscous, gegrilltes Gemüse oder ein einfacher griechischer Salat. Zum Abschluss bestreuen Sie die Patties großzügig mit extra zerbröckeltem Feta und frischen Kräutern wie Petersilie oder Dill.

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These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are more than just a quick weeknight dinner — they are a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. With just 250 calories and 28 grams of protein per patty, they nourish as much as they delight. Whether you serve them tucked into warm pita, laid over a crisp salad, or simply plated with a cooling side of tzatziki, each bite carries the bright, sun-warmed spirit of the Mediterranean. Once you make them, they are sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best in these patties?

Crumbled feta adds a tangy, creamy texture, but goat cheese can be used for a milder, tangier flavor.

→ Can I make these patties gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs without altering the taste or texture significantly.

→ How should the patties be cooked for best results?

Cook them in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked inside, about 5–6 minutes per side.

→ What fresh herbs are recommended in the mixture?

Parsley, cilantro, or mint are great choices that complement the Mediterranean flavors well.

→ Can these patties be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the patties can be shaped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking to save time.