Easy Chicken Patties – Looking for a quick and delicious way to use up leftover chicken? This Easy Chicken Patties recipe is perfect! With just a few simple ingredients like shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, these patties are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, ready in just about an hour, they make a great weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer.
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At first, I wasn’t sure how these chicken patties would turn out, but to my surprise, my family absolutely loved them. My husband and kids couldn’t stop complimenting the crispy golden exterior and cheesy, savory filling. They were a hit, and since then, these patties have become a go-to recipe whenever I have leftover chicken. Even better, it’s a breeze to whip up, and everyone gets excited when they see these on the table!
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Patties?
What really makes these chicken patties special is the blend of shredded chicken with mozzarella and a hint of fresh dill for an herby kick. As a result, the combination of crisp Panko crumbs and soft cheese makes each bite satisfying and delicious. The lemon zest brightens up the flavors, making these patties stand out from the usual chicken recipes.
What makes these chicken patties even better? They’re incredibly versatile. Think of them as a crispy chicken burger, just without the bun. Serve them hot with mashed potatoes and green beans for a cozy main dish. Or set out a platter with your favorite dipping sauce (tartar, ranch, or spicy mayo, take your pick!) for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next potluck. You can even tuck them into a sandwich or wrap for an easy lunch.
No matter how you serve them, the patties come out golden and crisp on the outside, while staying tender and flavorful inside. The kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whenever you need something simple, satisfying, and sure to please.
Ingredients Notes:
- Shredded Chicken: Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, saving time and giving the patties a tender texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Not only does it create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center, but it also balances perfectly with the crispy exterior.
- Dill: Fresh dill adds a burst of flavor that brightens up the patties, making them taste fresh and vibrant. This delicate herb is often used to add a light, slightly tangy note to savory dishes.
- Lemon Zest: Just a touch takes these patties to the next level, as it adds a subtle citrus note that enhances all the other flavors.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: For that perfect golden crisp, Panko is a must. It adds that irresistible crunch without being too heavy.
How To Make Chicken Patties:
- Step 1: Start by whisking together the eggs, mayo, flour, dill, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a large bowl. This creates a deliciously savory batter with a hint of brightness from the lemon zest.
- Step 2: Add in the shredded chicken and mozzarella, making sure the chicken is fully coated in the mixture. You’ll notice how the mozzarella adds a creamy texture to the patties.
- Step 3: Next, cover the bowl and let the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for making sure the patties hold their shape and makes them easier to form later.
- Step 4: After chilling, use an ice cream scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into 12-15 patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Roll each patty in Panko bread crumbs for that crispy crunch we all love.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed for the second batch.
- Step 6: Finally, once they’re off the skillet, sprinkle a little salt on top and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Pro Tip: For the crispiest chicken patties, make sure to chill the mixture before forming the patties. This not only helps them hold their shape while cooking, but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Most importantly, don’t rush when cooking them on the stove. Let the patties sear undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. And don’t forget, a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and makes these patties absolutely irresistible!
A Few More Tricks For Perfect Chicken Patties:
- Don’t crowd the skillet. Give your patties room! Work in batches of 2-3 at a time. So they’re easier to flip. And you get that even crisp on every side.
- For best results, keep the heat at medium. Resist the urge to crank it up. Too high and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked through. Medium heat gives you a crunchy exterior and juicy center.
- Check doneness. If you’ve used ground chicken, a meat thermometer is your friend. Look for an internal temp of 165°F. That’s how you know they’re perfectly cooked. According to food safety guidelines, poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F to help prevent foodborne illness.
Little details like these? They’re what take homemade chicken patties from good to “where have these been all my life?”
How Do You Safely Check If Ground Chicken Is Cooked Through?
Ground chicken patties can be a little sneaky; sometimes they look done on the outside but still need more time inside. The easiest (and most reliable) way? Grab a meat thermometer. Just insert it into the center of a patty. When it reads 165°F (74°C), you’re good to go! No guesswork needed. This ensures your patties are juicy, safe, and cooked to perfection every time.
Storage Options:
How To Store Leftover Chicken Patties?
Keeping those extra patties fresh is a breeze. After they’ve cooled, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3–4 days.
Bringing Back the Crisp: When you’re ready to enjoy them again, here’s how to keep that irresistible crunch:
- Air Fryer: For patties that taste freshly made, heat them at 350°F for 3–4 minutes per side. They’ll crisp right back up.
- Skillet: Prefer the stovetop? Sizzle your patties over low heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through.
- Oven: Lay them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
That way, you’ll still enjoy golden, satisfying chicken patties every time.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about these chicken patties is how easy they are to tweak based on what you already have in the fridge.
- Swap the herbs – Not a dill fan? Try fresh parsley, chives, or even a little green onion. Each one gives a slightly different vibe, but they’re all delicious.
- Change the cheese – Mozzarella makes the patties soft and melty, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even feta can add a stronger flavor.
- Make them gluten-free – Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free Panko crumbs. Almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers also work nicely.
- Add extra flavor – A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika can give the patties a deeper savory taste.
- Use canned chicken – In a pinch, well-drained canned chicken works surprisingly well.
- Make them spicy – Add a little chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
- Bake or air fry instead – Prefer a lighter option? Bake at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 360°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
Luckily, this recipe is very forgiving… a little experimenting usually leads to something really good.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, making the process even quicker and more flavorful.
What can I substitute for Panko bread crumbs?
You can use regular bread crumbs, or if you want a healthier option, try crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Can these patties be baked instead of fried?
Yes! You can bake them in a 375°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Can these chicken patties be made ahead and frozen?
Definitely! You can easily make a double batch, cook them as directed, then let them cool. Once cooled, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually. After they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in the oven or on a skillet—perfect for busy days or meal prep!
How Do I Reheat Chicken Patties and Keep Them Crispy?
For that just-made crunch, the air fryer is your best friend. Simply arrange the patties in a single layer. Heat them at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They’ll come out hot, perfectly crisp, and ready to enjoy, almost like you made them fresh.
No air fryer? No problem. Warm a skillet over low heat and re-crisp the patties for a few minutes per side. This keeps them from getting soggy, so every bite still has that irresistible golden crunch.
Avoid the microwave, if possible; it zaps away the crispy magic.
Can I make these chicken patties in an air fryer?
Definitely! The air fryer is a great option if you want that crispy finish without using extra oil. Simply preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Arrange the patties in a single layer; don’t crowd the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crisp on the outside. You’ll still get that irresistible crunch, just a little lighter.
Craving More Savory Patties and Fritters?
If you’re loving the crispy, golden vibes of these chicken patties, you’re in for a treat. Here are more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes that follow that same irresistible formula, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfect as an appetizer, side, or main. Mix up your menu with:
- The Easiest Crab Cakes – Sweet crab, a touch of spice, and a quick pan-fry to golden perfection. Ready in 15 minutes.
- Corn Fritters – Fresh corn kernels folded into a light batter, fried until crisp. The ultimate summer side in just 15 minutes.
- Southern Hush Puppies – Golden, fluffy cornmeal bites that pair perfectly with just about anything. Only 20 minutes to make.
- Cheesy Zucchini Fritters – Shredded zucchini, gooey cheese, and herbs, pan-fried until perfectly crisp. Ready in 25 minutes.
Try one (or all!) of these next time you need something quick, savory, and sure to please.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Easy Chicken Patties
Ingredients
- 4 c shredded chicken from two large chicken breasts, weighing about 16 ounces
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 c mayonnaise
- 1/3 c all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped (or substitute with 1 tablespoon parsley)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt or adjusted to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus lemon wedges for serving
- 1 1/3 c shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 1 c Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, flour, dill, salt, pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese, mixing until the chicken is fully coated in the mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to form the patties. Once chilled, use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture into 12-15 cakes and shape them into 1/2-inch thick patties. Coat each patty in Panko crumbs on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add half of the patties to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown, adding more oil as necessary. Repeat with the remaining patties.
- After removing the patties from the heat, sprinkle with a little extra salt and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
