These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are juicy, flavorful, and packed with vibrant herbs, bright lemon, and savory spices — all the hallmarks of Mediterranean cuisine in a simple, weeknight-friendly dish. Ground chicken forms the tender base, while fresh parsley, fragrant oregano, tangy lemon zest, and a hint of garlic elevate every bite. When seared until golden and served with your favorite sides or sauces, they become a versatile option for lunches, dinners, or gatherings alike. Whether you’re following a lighter eating style or just love bold, fresh flavors, this recipe combines easy prep with impressive results that taste like they came straight from a seaside taverna.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light yet juicy chicken patties with big Mediterranean flavor
- Fresh herbs and citrus zest for brightness
- Quick to prepare and cook in one skillet
- Perfect for wraps, salads, or standalone main plates
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
Ingredients
- 500 g ground chicken
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 60 g finely grated onion (about half a medium)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 g fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 15 g fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 60 g crumbled feta cheese
- 30 g plain breadcrumbs
- 5 ml extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 15 ml olive oil (for frying)
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties
- Add ground chicken, beaten egg, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, lemon zest, crumbled feta, and breadcrumbs into a large mixing bowl
- Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture
- Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix all ingredients until combined — avoid overmixing to keep patties tender
- Shape the chicken mixture into evenly sized patties (about 8–10 pieces, depending on preferred size)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering
- Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F)
- Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil
- Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite sides, salads, or sauces
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (8–10 patties)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Course: Main Dish / Protein
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Herbaceous & fresh from parsley and oregano
- Bright citrus from lemon zest
- Savory richness from feta cheese
- Warm spices from cumin and paprika
- Juicy and tender from ground chicken
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use lean ground chicken but not ultra-lean — a little fat adds juiciness
- Chop herbs finely so they disperse evenly in every bite
- Let patties rest 10 minutes after shaping for better binding
- Avoid pressing patties down while cooking — it squeezes out moisture
- Test one patty first to check seasoning before shaping the entire batch
Variations & Substitutions
- Replace feta with goat cheese for a tangier profile
- Add finely minced sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-savory twist
- Swap oregano for basil or dill for alternate herb notes
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Serve with tzatziki, hummus, or chimichurri sauces for extra flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat mixture — results in tough patties
- Using high heat only — cook on medium to ensure even doneness
- Skipping lemon zest — it adds essential brightness
- Crowding the pan — gives uneven browning
Serving Suggestions
Pair these Mediterranean Chicken Patties with warm pita, Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or place them on a bed of couscous drizzled with tzatziki or olive oil.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in a slow skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes or warm in a 175°C (350°F) oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 265 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Ingredients
Method
- Add ground chicken, beaten egg, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, lemon zest, crumbled feta, and breadcrumbs into a large mixing bowl
- Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the mixture
- Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix all ingredients until combined — avoid overmixing to keep patties tender
- Shape the chicken mixture into evenly sized patties (about 8–10 pieces, depending on preferred size)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering
- Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C / 165°F)
- Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil
- Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite sides, salads, or sauces
Notes
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Patties are a delicious, versatile way to bring bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors to your table without fuss. They’re easy enough for weeknight dinners yet flavorful enough for entertaining. With a crisp outside, juicy inside, and vibrant aromatics, this recipe is one to revisit time and again.
FAQs
Can I bake these patties instead of frying?
Yes — place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and cooked through.
Are these patties freezer-friendly?
You can freeze uncooked shaped patties on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag; cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and shaped gently; chilling the formed patties for 10–15 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes — ground turkey works well, though you may need slightly more oil when cooking for moisture.
What sauces pair best with these patties?
Tzatziki, garlicky yogurt dip, hummus, or lemon-infused olive oil work beautifully with their Mediterranean profile.
