There’s something magical about the way Mediterranean flavors come together in a simple chicken patty. I first discovered this recipe during a trip to Greece, where a local taverna owner shared her secret for making the most flavorful kotleciki. Since then, it’s become my go-to weeknight dinner – the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.
The beauty of these patties lies in their simplicity. Ground chicken provides a lean protein base, while fresh herbs and aromatic spices transport you straight to sun-drenched coastal villages. What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile, working just as well tucked into warm pita bread as they do arranged on an elegant dinner plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed with Mediterranean goodness – Fresh spinach, aromatic dill, and Greek yogurt create a nutritious combination that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. These ingredients work together to keep the patties moist while adding authentic taste.
Quick and family-friendly – From start to finish, you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy these patties, thanks to their mild seasoning and familiar texture.
Meal prep champion – Whether you’re planning lunches for the week or stocking your freezer, these patties hold up beautifully. They reheat wonderfully without becoming dry or losing their flavor.
Budget-conscious choice – Ground chicken costs less than most proteins, yet these patties taste restaurant-quality. Additionally, the recipe uses everyday pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients List
Patty Base
- 450 g ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
Aromatic Herbs and Spices
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Aromatic Base
Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your chopped onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and lightly golden. The onion should soften without browning too much.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more. Watch carefully during this step – garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter instead of fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat immediately and allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding.
Creating the Patty Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled onion-garlic mixture with the chopped spinach and all remaining ingredients. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix everything together until you achieve a uniform consistency. However, avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough, dense patties rather than tender ones.
The Greek yogurt serves a dual purpose here – it adds moisture while binding everything together. Meanwhile, the breadcrumbs absorb excess liquid, ensuring your patties hold their shape during cooking.
Forming Perfect Patties
With wet hands (this prevents sticking), shape the mixture into approximately 8 patties, each about 1.2 cm thick. Consistency matters here – uniform thickness ensures all patties cook through at the same rate. If the mixture continues sticking to your hands, simply rinse them under cold water between shaping each patty.
Pro tip: Gently press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This technique prevents them from puffing up into domes during cooking, resulting in evenly flat patties.
Pan-Frying to Perfection
Using the same skillet where you cooked the onions, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot but not smoking, carefully place your patties in the pan, leaving space between each one. Crowding the pan will cause them to steam rather than develop that coveted golden crust.
Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them around. Resist the urge to flip too early – a proper crust needs time to form. After flipping, cook for another 5-6 minutes until both sides are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C. Transfer finished patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Mediterranean Platter Style
Arrange your golden patties alongside aromatic saffron rice and a selection of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Drizzle everything with cool tzatziki sauce for contrast. To finish, scatter fresh basil leaves and crumbled feta cheese over the top, adding both visual appeal and extra flavor.
Street Food Inspiration
Transform these patties into a handheld meal by stuffing warm pita bread with one or two patties, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Generously drizzle with garlic sauce or creamy hummus. For added crunch, toss in some pickled vegetables or a handful of fresh herbs.
Elegant Appetizer Presentation
Serve the patties at room temperature, sliced into rounds, alongside an array of Mediterranean dips. Tzatziki, hummus, and olive tapenade all pair beautifully. Arrange them on an attractive platter with crackers, raw vegetables, and perhaps some marinated artichoke hearts for a stunning appetizer spread.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Feta Cheese Version
For an extra indulgent twist, fold 100g of crumbled feta cheese directly into your patty mixture. The cheese creates pockets of creamy, salty goodness throughout each bite. Because feta is naturally salty, reduce the added salt in the recipe to about 1/4 teaspoon to maintain proper balance.
Sun-Dried Tomato Variation
Incorporate 3 tablespoons of finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes into your mixture. These jewel-like pieces contribute a sweet-tangy flavor while adding beautiful red flecks throughout. Furthermore, the oil from the tomatoes adds extra moisture, making the patties even more succulent.
Spicy Mediterranean Style
Heat lovers will appreciate adding red pepper flakes or half a teaspoon of hot paprika to the mix. Start conservatively with the spice level – you can always serve extra hot sauce on the side. For even more heat, consider mixing in some finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper.
Make-Ahead Tips
Weekly Meal Prep
Once cooked and cooled, store your patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. They maintain their moisture and flavor beautifully throughout the week. When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium heat, or warm them in a 180°C oven for approximately 10 minutes.
Freezing for Future Meals
Raw, uncooked patties freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. First, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to freezer-safe bags, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
Advance Mixture Preparation
You can prepare the entire patty mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it in a covered bowl. This resting time actually benefits the final product – the herbs and spices have more time to infuse the chicken with flavor. Simply shape and cook the patties when you’re ready to eat.
Important Notes
Temperature matters for safety – Always ensure your patties reach an internal temperature of 74°C to guarantee they’re fully cooked. A digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a patty provides the most accurate reading.
Don’t skip the cooling step – Allowing the onion-garlic mixture to cool before mixing prevents the heat from cooking the chicken prematurely. This simple step ensures proper texture in your finished patties.
Moisture balance is key – If your mixture seems too wet and won’t hold shape, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it’s too dry and crumbly, incorporate an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt.
Pan temperature control – Medium heat is your friend here. Too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks through. Too low, and the patties won’t develop that appetizing golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Simply pulse chicken breast in a food processor until finely minced. This gives you more control over texture – pulse less for chunkier patties or more for a finer consistency. Just remember that breast meat is leaner, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt to keep things moist.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
Regular plain yogurt works fine, though you might want to strain it first to remove excess liquid. Alternatively, sour cream provides similar moisture and tang. For a dairy-free option, try using mashed avocado or tahini, though these will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How do I prevent patties from falling apart?
The combination of breadcrumbs, yogurt, and proper mixing should hold everything together. However, if you’re having trouble, try refrigerating the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking. This firms them up considerably. Also, ensure you’re not flipping them too early – let that crust form first.
Can these be baked instead of pan-fried?
Yes, baking works wonderfully! Preheat your oven to 200°C and arrange patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as pan-fried versions, but they’re still delicious and require less hands-on attention.
Are these patties suitable for kids?
Definitely! The mild Mediterranean spices appeal to most children, while the hidden spinach adds nutrition without overwhelming taste. If your kids are particularly sensitive to new flavors, you might reduce the cumin slightly or omit the black pepper. Many parents report that serving these in pita bread makes them even more appealing to young eaters.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen cooked patties?
For best results, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat in a 180°C oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power, though this may result in slightly softer patties. Adding a splash of water to the container helps maintain moisture during microwaving.