There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken patty that brings back memories of childhood dinners and satisfying comfort meals. These homemade chicken patties are tender, flavorful, and incredibly versatile – whether you’re serving them as the star of a family dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, tucking them into a sandwich for lunch, or cutting them into strips for the kids. Made with simple ingredients and packed with herbs and spices, these patties deliver restaurant-quality taste right from your own kitchen. Best of all, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Serves: 4-6 people (makes about 8 medium patties)
About This Recipe
These chicken patties combine ground chicken with aromatic seasonings and a light coating that creates a beautiful golden crust when cooked. The secret lies in the perfect balance of moisture and flavor – breadcrumbs keep them tender while eggs help bind everything together. Unlike store-bought versions, you control exactly what goes into these patties, making them a healthier and more delicious option for your family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the patties:
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
Start by placing the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. The key to tender patties is not to overwork the meat, so handle it gently throughout the process. Add the beaten eggs to the chicken – they’ll act as a binder to keep your patties from falling apart during cooking.
Next, add the fine breadcrumbs, which will absorb moisture and help create the perfect texture. Fresh breadcrumbs work best, but store-bought fine breadcrumbs are perfectly acceptable. Mix in the finely diced onion and minced garlic, which will provide aromatic flavor throughout each bite.
Sprinkle in all the seasonings: salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and onion powder. Add the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently combine all ingredients until just mixed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the patties tough.
Shaping the Patties
With slightly damp hands to prevent sticking, divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb – this prevents them from puffing up too much during cooking and helps them cook evenly.
Place the shaped patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours, which actually helps them hold together better during cooking.
Cooking Your Patties
Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of oil and butter gives you the best of both worlds – the oil prevents burning while the butter adds rich flavor and helps create that beautiful golden-brown color.
When the butter has melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary. You should hear a gentle sizzling sound when the patties hit the pan.
Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them. This allows a nice crust to form. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the edges start to look cooked and the bottom has a golden-brown color. Flip carefully using a spatula and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
Checking for Doneness
The patties are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check by cutting into the thickest part of one patty – the juices should run clear and there should be no pink color in the center.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile chicken patties pair beautifully with so many sides. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort meal. They’re also delicious with rice pilaf and roasted vegetables, or alongside a fresh garden salad for a lighter option.
For a casual meal, place them on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce. They also make excellent additions to pasta dishes or can be sliced and added to salads for extra protein.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes, or warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
For meal prep, you can shape the raw patties and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to freezer bags where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Recipe Tips for Success
Keep your hands slightly damp when shaping the patties to prevent the mixture from sticking to your fingers. Don’t press down on the patties while they’re cooking – this squeezes out the juices and can make them dry. If the patties seem to be browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly and cover the pan for a few minutes to help them cook through evenly.
For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture, or experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil. These homemade chicken patties prove that comfort food made from scratch is always worth the effort.
