Chicken Patties Recipe

Coincidentally, you’re likely searching for chicken patties just as home cooks everywhere are rediscovering this fundamental protein preparation technique. You’ll need precisely measured ratios of ground chicken to binding agents, plus controlled moisture levels to achieve the ideal 165°F internal temperature without compromising texture. The key lies in understanding how fat content affects both flavor development and structural integrity during the cooking process. Master these technical variables, and you’ll transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality results that solve your weeknight dinner challenges.

Overview

• Combine 1 pound ground chicken with egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, diced onion, and seasonings for flavorful patties.
• Mix dry and wet ingredients separately before combining to ensure even distribution and proper texture.
• Form mixture into even patties and chill before cooking to prevent falling apart during preparation.
• Cook patties in olive oil until golden brown, using instant-read thermometer to verify safe internal temperature.
• Handle gently and maintain proper temperature control throughout preparation to achieve moist interior with crispy exterior.

Recipe

Chicken patties are a versatile and satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep sessions. These tender, flavorful patties combine ground chicken with aromatic seasonings and binding ingredients to create a protein-rich dish that appeals to both adults and children. The key to exceptional chicken patties lies in achieving the perfect balance of moisture and flavor while maintaining a golden, crispy exterior.

Unlike traditional beef patties, chicken patties require careful attention to prevent them from becoming dry or falling apart during cooking. The lean nature of ground chicken means that proper seasoning and the addition of moisture-retaining ingredients are essential for creating patties that are both juicy and structurally sound. When prepared correctly, these patties can be served as burgers, alongside vegetables, or incorporated into various dishes throughout the week.

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Steps

You’ll achieve consistently tender chicken patties by following a systematic preparation sequence that guarantees ideal texture and flavor distribution. Begin by combining your dry seasonings and breadcrumbs in one bowl, then incorporate the wet ingredients separately before gradually mixing them with the ground chicken using minimal handling techniques.

Form the mixture into uniform 4-ounce portions, chill for 15-20 minutes to stabilize the protein structure, then cook each patty for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 1. Combine All Dry Ingredients

Before incorporating any wet ingredients, gather the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme in a small bowl and whisk them together until evenly distributed. This preliminary step verifies uniform seasoning throughout your patties, preventing concentrated pockets of spice that can overpower individual bites. Balancing seasoning at this stage allows you to make precise adjustments before committing to the final mixture.

You’ll want to break up any clumped herbs with your whisk, creating a homogeneous blend that’ll integrate seamlessly with the ground chicken. This technique eliminates guesswork and certifies consistent flavor in every patty. Professional chefs understand that pre-mixing seasonings creates superior results compared to adding them individually. When adjusting moisture later, you’ll appreciate having this foundation already perfected, allowing you to focus solely on texture refinements.

Step 2. Mix Wet Ingredients Separately

With your seasoning blend ready, crack the large egg into a separate medium bowl and beat it thoroughly until the yolk and white are completely incorporated. You’ll notice the mixture becomes smooth and uniform, creating the essential binding agent for your patties.

Next, add the finely diced onion and chopped fresh parsley to this beaten egg mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly. This wet ingredient combination will add moisture to your chicken patties while providing aromatic depth.

Before proceeding to the next step, test consistency by observing how the ingredients cling together—the mixture should appear cohesive without excess liquid pooling at the bottom. This separate preparation verifies even distribution when you combine wet and dry components.

Step 3. Form Into Even Patties

Divide the combined chicken mixture into four equal portions, weighing approximately 4 ounces each to verify uniform cooking times and consistent results. Making uniform patties requires gentle handling and precise technique to maintain the mixture’s delicate structure.

Shape each portion into a round patty about 3/4-inch thick, confirming even shape and size across all pieces. Create a shallow indentation in the center of each patty using your thumb—this prevents the patties from puffing up and becoming dome-shaped during cooking. Keep your hands slightly damp while forming to prevent sticking.

Place the shaped patties on a parchment-lined plate, maintaining space between each one. This methodical approach guarantees you’ll achieve professional-quality results that cook evenly and present beautifully on the plate.

Step 4. Chill Patties Before Cooking

Place your formed patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up their structure and guarantee cooking performance. This chilling step allows the proteins and binding agents to set properly, creating a more cohesive patty that won’t crumble when you flip it.

When you refrigerate patties, the cold temperature helps solidify the fats and moisture, making them easier to handle during the cooking process.

The improved patty texture you’ll achieve through chilling secures even cooking and better shape retention. You’ll notice your patties hold together beautifully in the pan, developing that perfect golden crust while maintaining their intended form. This professional technique separates successful home cooks from those who struggle with falling-apart patties, giving you restaurant-quality results every time.

Step 5. Cook Until Golden Brown

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers and moves freely across the pan’s surface. Carefully place your chilled patties into the hot oil, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. This pan fry technique allows each patty proper space for even browning.

Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, resisting the urge to flip prematurely—you’ll know they’re ready when edges start firming and bottoms release easily from the surface. The goal is achieving that coveted crispy exterior that fellow home cooks recognize as the hallmark of perfectly executed chicken patties. Flip once using a wide spatula, then cook another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Top Tips

The most critical factor in achieving restaurant-quality chicken patties lies in temperature control throughout the preparation process. You’ll want to keep your ground chicken chilled until mixing, then refrigerate formed patties before cooking. This prevents bacterial growth and maintains structural integrity during searing.

For seasoning variations, consider Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil, or Asian-inspired ginger and soy sauce combinations. Each variation may require cook time adjustments—denser seasonings need slightly longer cooking periods. Always test internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer rather than relying solely on visual cues.

When you master these fundamentals, you’ll join the ranks of home cooks who consistently produce professional-quality results. Remember: gentle handling, proper chilling, and precise temperature monitoring separate exceptional patties from ordinary ones.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Per Patty (1/4 recipe)	Per 100g
Servings	4-6 patties	–
Calories	185	154
Total Fat	8g	6.7g
Carbohydrates	6g	5g
Protein	22g	18.3g
Fiber	1g	0.8g
Sodium	520mg	433mg
Cholesterol	95mg	79mg

These chicken patties provide an excellent source of lean protein while remaining relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. The high protein content supports muscle maintenance and satiety, making them ideal for weight management and active lifestyles. The moderate fat content comes primarily from the olive oil used for cooking and the natural fats in chicken, contributing to flavor and nutrient absorption. The addition of breadcrumbs and vegetables adds minimal carbohydrates while providing fiber and essential micronutrients.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used, cooking methods, and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, calculate based on the exact products and quantities used in your preparation.

Final Thoughts

Consistently mastering chicken patties requires understanding that texture, flavor, and food safety form the foundation of this deceptively simple dish. You’ll achieve ideal texture balance by maintaining proper moisture ratios and avoiding overworking your mixture.

Effective flavor development occurs through strategic seasoning distribution and allowing ingredients to meld before cooking. Your success depends on precise temperature control—165°F internal temperature guarantees safety without compromising juiciness. You’re part of a community that values technique over shortcuts, understanding that chilling patties prevents structural breakdown and proper binding creates cohesion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Chicken in This Recipe?

Why wouldn’t you explore alternatives? You’ll find ground turkey’s texture closely mimics ground chicken’s lean characteristics. The flavor profile remains similarly mild, requiring identical seasoning ratios and binding techniques for ideal patty formation success.

How Long Can Cooked Chicken Patties Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

You’ll maintain proper storage time for cooked patties at refrigerator temperature requirements below 40°F for 3-4 days maximum. We food safety professionals recommend airtight containers and reheating to 165°F before serving.

Can These Patties Be Frozen Before or After Cooking?

You can freeze these patties both ways. Storing uncooked patties offers better texture—freeze individually on parchment, then transfer to containers. Preparing patty mixture in advance allows three-month storage versus one month for cooked patties.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Chicken Patties?

You’ll achieve ideal results using convection oven reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on low power (50%) for 60-90 seconds, flipping halfway through. Both methods preserve moisture while restoring that coveted crispy exterior we all crave.

Can I Bake These Patties Instead of Pan-Frying Them?

Baking brings better convenience! You’ll want to bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This oven temperature guarantees proper cooking time while achieving golden results. We all appreciate hands-off techniques that deliver consistent, delicious patties every time.