Ingredients
For the Patties
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add spinach: Stir in the chopped baby spinach, cooking for an additional 1 minute until wilted and soft. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes on a plate.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, sautéed onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Chill mixture: Shape the mixture into a firm ball to help with binding, then cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the flavors meld and the mixture firm up.
- Form patties: Take about 1/2 cup of the chilled mixture at a time and shape into individual patties with your hands. This recipe makes about 12 patties.
- Cook patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Place about 6 patties per batch in the skillet. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until nicely seared and browned on the edges, flipping once. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Patties warm alongside rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables, or place them inside hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich.
Notes
- For best texture, chill the chicken mixture before forming patties to help them hold together during cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if desired.
- If gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or ground oats.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to your taste preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties are safely cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
