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Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Healthy ground chicken patties seasoned with fresh dill, spinach, lemon, and Mediterranean spices for a flavorful, protein-packed dinner ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 patties
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach chopped
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Instant read thermometer
  • paper towels

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a wooden spoon just until ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep patties tender.
  3. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty approximately 1/2 inch thick. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking. For best results, refrigerate shaped patties for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
  4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, place patties in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side without moving them. Patties are done when golden brown on both sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite Mediterranean sides.

Notes

Storage: Keep cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a covered skillet with a splash of water. Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in refrigerator or cook from frozen. Substitutions: Ground turkey works equally well. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for gluten-free option. Swap dill for fresh mint or parsley. Baking Option: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a hands-off cooking method.