Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Patties with Feta

Feta Chicken Patties Recipe

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:8 medium patties

Ingredients:

• % lean)

Instructions:

• Finely mince the red onion and garlic. Chop the parsley. Zest and juice the lemon.
• In a large bowl, gently mix the ground chicken, minced onion, garlic, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Add the lightly beaten egg and the breadcrumbs to the bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly but gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Divide the mixture evenly into 8 portions. Gently shape each portion into a round patty, about 3/4 inch thick. Optional: Chill formed patties for 15 minutes.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Carefully place the patties into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
• Remove patties from the pan and let them rest on a wire rack or plate for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:11g

Fiber:0.5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Unlocking the Secret to Vibrant, Non-Dry Chicken Patties

There is a common misconception that ground chicken inevitably leads to a dry, crumbly dining experience. I am here to wholeheartedly dispel that myth! Creating truly succulent, flavour-packed poultry patties hinges entirely on incorporating moisture and intense, complementary seasonings before they ever meet the heat. If you are chasing that elusive combination of tenderness and robust flavour, look no further than the sunny shores of the Aegean. We are diving deep into the art of making Mediterranean Chicken Patties —a recipe so bright and satisfying, it will immediately become your favourite way to prepare lean poultry.

Your New Go-To Weeknight Flavor Bomb

This recipe, which we affectionately call the "Zesty Lemon & Herb Chicken Patties with Feta," is designed to deliver maximum impact with minimal fuss. Forget complicated marinades or long simmering times; the vibrant profile comes directly from the quality of the components mixed right into the ground meat. We are harnessing the power of fresh citrus and pungent herbs to transform everyday ground chicken into something truly spectacular.

Why These Mediterranean Chicken Patties Deserve a Spot on Your Menu

These aren't just burgers; they are versatile flavor vehicles. The combination of ingredients ensures they remain juicy even if slightly overcooked, a testament to the careful balance achieved between the fat in the chicken and the added moisture from our aromatics. They are wonderfully quick to prepare, clocking in with only 20 minutes of active prep time, making them ideal for busy schedules. Whether you plan to serve them nestled inside a pita, crumbled over a vibrant salad, or simply enjoyed plain as a protein-packed lunch, these Mediterranean Patties bring a light yet deeply satisfying element to any meal.

The Essential Flavor Components: Herbs, Citrus, and Brine

The heart of the Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe lies in its signature flavour layering. We rely heavily on fresh parsley for herbaceous freshness, sharp lemon zest for high notes, and the distinct tang of crumbled feta cheese. That feta isn't just for texture; it acts as a natural brine, holding onto moisture within the patty as it cooks. Combined with fragrant dried oregano, this blend transports your palate straight to the sun-drenched coasts, distinguishing these from any standard poultry offering.

A Quick Escape to the Aegean in Under 30 Minutes

When I set out to develop this recipe, speed and flavour integrity were paramount. The total time commitment here is remarkably low—around 45 minutes from start to finish. This efficiency makes them a perfect candidate for those seeking Healthy Chicken Patties without resorting to bland fare. You can quickly mix the ingredients, form the patties, and have them sizzling on the stovetop before you’ve even decided which side dish to tackle.

Gathering the Treasures: What Goes Into This Recipe

To create 8 perfectly sized servings, we begin with 1.5 pounds (about 680g) of ground chicken—I highly recommend aiming for at least 93% lean, which gives you a great balance of flavour without excessive grease. The aromatics are key: we need half a cup of finely chopped fresh parsley, two minced cloves of garlic, and a quarter cup of finely minced red onion. To deliver that signature citrus punch, reserve the zest of one large lemon (about 1 tablespoon) and its corresponding juice. The essential salty, creamy element comes from half a cup of crumbled feta cheese, ensuring you drain off any excess brine first. For binding and seasoning, you will need one large egg, a third of a cup of breadcrumbs (Panko works beautifully for texture), one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of kosher salt, and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Finally, two tablespoons of good quality olive oil are needed for achieving that perfect golden sear.

Tool Kit Essentials for Perfect Patty Formation

While the ingredients do the heavy lifting flavour-wise, the right approach to handling them is crucial for texture. You won't need specialized equipment, but a large mixing bowl and a reliable non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan will be your best friends here.

Selecting the Star: Ground Chicken Quality Matters

When buying your ground chicken, remember that the fat content directly impacts juiciness. While ultra-lean (99%) chicken is great for macro counting, slightly fattier ground chicken (90% to 93% lean) will yield superior Grilled Chicken Patties or pan-seared ones, as the small amount of rendered fat keeps the meat from drying out during cooking.

The Zesty Arsenal: Lemon, Oregano, and Feta Balance

These three ingredients define the Mediterranean character. The lemon zest releases potent, fragrant oils that permeate the meat mixture without adding excess liquid, which can hinder binding. The oregano provides that earthy, slightly bitter depth characteristic of Greek cooking. The feta, as mentioned, is irreplaceable; its salt content seasons the meat from within, while its creamy texture softens the otherwise lean protein.

Binding Agents and Moisture Retention Secrets

We use two primary binders here: one large, lightly beaten egg, and the breadcrumbs. The egg provides protein strands that coagulate when heated, holding everything together firmly. The breadcrumbs absorb any surface moisture released by the vegetables and chicken as they cook, preventing a soggy interior. If your mixture feels too wet after initial mixing—perhaps your feta was wetter than expected—you can always add another teaspoon of breadcrumbs until the mixture holds a shape without sticking excessively to your hands.

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Mastering the Mix: Building Flavor Without Overworking

This is where many cooks unknowingly sabotage their efforts. The goal when making How To Make Chicken Patties this tender is to integrate the ingredients just enough to combine them, but no more. Think of it as a delicate partnership, not a vigorous kneading session. Overmixing develops the proteins in the meat too much, resulting in a dense, rubbery texture reminiscent of shoe leather. Use your hands, lightly folding the ground chicken, herbs, cheese, and binders together until no streaks of egg or loose breadcrumbs remain. A light touch yields maximum tenderness.

From Prep to Sear: Cooking Your Mediterranean Masterpieces

Once your flavour base is ready, the final steps are about careful forming and temperature control to ensure a beautiful crust and a perfectly cooked interior.

Portioning and Shaping for Uniform Cooking

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Gently compress each portion into a patty shape, aiming for about 3/4 inch thickness. Uniform thickness is critical for ensuring all eight patties finish cooking simultaneously. For an extra pro tip, place the formed patties on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This optional step firms them up, dramatically reducing the risk of them breaking apart when they hit the hot oil.

Achieving That Golden Crust: Searing Techniques Explained

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke aggressively. Carefully place the Chicken Patties with Feta into the hot pan, ensuring you don't crowd the surface; cook in batches if necessary. We are looking for a significant sear here—that deep golden-brown colour is flavor! Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side to develop that crust.

Checking for Doneness: Ensuring Juiciness Every Time

Flip the patties gently and cook the second side for another 5 to 6 minutes. For absolute certainty, especially with poultry, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest patty. We are aiming for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C). Because of the feta and lemon juice, these patties retain moisture beautifully, giving you that satisfying, juicy experience every single time you prepare these Mediterranean Chicken .

Elevating Your Serving Experience: Beyond the Bun

While these work brilliantly as Air Fryer Chicken Patties (at 375° F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway), serving them is where you truly bring the full Mediterranean vibe to life.

Perfect Pairings: Sauces and Salads to Complement Your Patties

The ideal counterpoint to the rich herbs and salty feta is something cool and creamy. A classic Tzatziki sauce, made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill, cuts through the richness perfectly. Alternatively, a vibrant lemon-tahini drizzle provides a nutty, tangy finish. For a light meal, serve these Mediterranean Chicken creations over a bowl of quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion.

Keeping the Goodness Fresh: Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These patties are fantastic for meal prep, tasting just as wonderful the next day.

Freezer Fundamentals: How to Store Cooked and Uncooked Patties

To freeze the uncooked patties, form them, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and flash freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, separated by wax paper squares. Cooked patties can be stored similarly. Whether cooked or raw, they keep well in the freezer for up to three months, ready for a quick dinner reheat later.

Ingredient Swaps: Making These Patties Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free

If you need to adapt the recipe, substitutions are straightforward. For a gluten-free version, replace the standard breadcrumbs with an equal measure of almond flour or gluten-free oats—this adds richness too! To make them dairy-free, simply omit the feta. If you miss the salty tang, you can compensate by adding a touch more salt overall, or incorporate finely minced, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a different kind of Mediterranean depth.

Nutritional Snapshot: A Lighter Take on Comfort Food

These Healthy Chicken Patties offer a significant protein boost while keeping saturated fats lower than traditional beef burgers. Based on lean ground chicken, you’re looking at approximately 220 to 240 calories per patty, loaded with over 25 grams of protein. This makes them an intelligent choice when balancing flavour cravings with healthy eating goals, proving that delicious comfort food doesn't need to weigh you down.