Close-up of Mediterranean chicken patties with parsley and lemon wedge

Mediterranean Chicken Patties – A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

When I was eight, I watched my mum cook ground chicken with garlic, lemon, and oregano, and that memory sticks with me like browned bits on a skillet. That was my first taste of what would become a lifelong love for bold Mediterranean flavors. These Mediterranean Chicken Patties bring that same vibe — easy, herby, juicy — and are perfect whether you’re doing weeknight dinner, Sunday meal prep, or planning a picnic spread. Adults devour them. Kids love ’em. And your kitchen? It’s going to smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

  • Simple prep: no crazy equipment, no fancy ingredients
  • Super flavorful: garlic, herbs, lemon, yogurt, and olive oil play well together
  • Versatile: serve ’em in pitas, over salad, or as mini bites with dips
  • Healthy: high protein, low fat, clean ingredients
  • Family-friendly: mild but flavorful — a hit with kids and adults alike

Tools & Prep: What You Need to Make Homemade Chicken Patties

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet – for browning your patties to golden perfection
  • Mixing bowl – big enough to combine everything without making a mess
  • Spatula – flip without breaking those beautiful crusts
  • Measuring cups & spoons – because seasoning isn’t guesswork

Why It Matters

  • The skillet gets you that sear. Don’t use nonstick here — we want heat.
  • The mixing bowl gives you room to fold gently — overmixing is the enemy.
  • A good spatula makes flipping safe and easy.
  • Measuring tools make sure your cumin doesn’t turn into a cumin bomb.
Stacked Greek-style chicken patties with parsley and lemon slices

Ingredients for Ground Chicken Mediterranean Recipe

Here’s what you need for the magic:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Garnish: fresh parsley, optional

Pro tip: Add a touch of crumbled feta to turn these into proper Greek Chicken Patties.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in your skillet until shimmering. Add onion, cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic, cook 1 more minute. This is your flavor base — don’t skip it.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix sautéed onion and garlic, chopped spinach, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, yogurt, lemon juice, herbs, and spices. Fold it gently. This is key. Overmixing = dense patties.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide mixture into 8 even portions. Shape into patties about 1/2-inch thick. Chill for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat the remaining olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add patties (don’t overcrowd). Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Top with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon. Serve warm.

Serving Ideas for Mediterranean-Style Chicken Patties

  • In warm pita with veggies and tzatziki
  • On a Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Topped with herbed Greek yogurt
  • As bite-sized apps with hummus or garlic sauce

They’re also perfect for lunchboxes — reheatable and still delicious.

Golden brown Mediterranean chicken patties with herbs and lemon on plate

Chef Tips for Perfect Chicken Patties Mediterranean Flavor

  • Use fresh herbs when possible — flavor’s brighter
  • Don’t overmix — really, stop when it just comes together
  • Chill the patties — helps keep their shape while cooking
  • Cook in batches — if you crowd the pan, they’ll steam not sear

Best Side Dishes to Pair With Greek Chicken Patties

Side DishWhy It Works
Couscous saladBright, lemony, and herbaceous
Roasted vegetablesSweetness and char add contrast
Hummus platterCreamy dip that plays well with herbs
TabboulehRefreshing and packed with parsley & mint
Grilled asparagusClean, crisp, and quick to cook
Stuffed grape leavesClassic Mediterranean finger food

Common Mistakes When Making Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Patties

  • Overmixing the meat: makes the patties rubbery
  • Skipping the sauté step: raw onions don’t mellow out
  • Using only dried herbs: fresh lifts the flavor
  • Cooking at low heat: you’ll steam instead of sear
  • Not draining extra oil: patties can get greasy

Storing and Reheating Greek Chicken Patties

Storage

  • Fridge: store in airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Freezer: wrap and freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating

  • Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
  • Microwave: 90 seconds on high (not my fave, but works)
  • Stovetop: warm in skillet with a splash of oil

Add a lid at the end to keep them moist!

FAQ – All About Chicken Patties Mediterranean Flavor

Can I use another meat?

Yes, ground turkey or lamb works great. Just tweak the seasoning.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use almond flour or certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What’s the best way to serve these?

In pita, over salad, or as an appetizer. Endless options.

How do I know they’re cooked through?

Internal temp of 165°F or slice open — no pink, clear juices.

Can I prep them ahead?

Absolutely. Form the patties and chill or freeze until ready to cook

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Mediterranean Chicken Dinner

These patties are everything you want in a go-to meal: healthy, flavorful, kid-approved, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re packing lunch or hosting a backyard dinner, they deliver every time.

Try this recipe, make it your own, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more Mediterranean inspo

This is the chicken I want to eat.

If you enjoyed these Mediterranean chicken patties, here are more recipes from my kitchen you might want to explore:

Go explore — your taste buds will thank you!

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Mediterranean Chicken Patties – A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Easy, juicy, and flavor-packed Mediterranean Chicken Patties infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. A healthy, protein-rich meal the whole family will love.

  • Author: Emilio
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 patties 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sautéed onion and garlic, chopped spinach, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, yogurt, lemon juice, dill, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the mixture.
  3. Form into 8 even patties, about 1/2-inch thick. Chill for 20–30 minutes to help them hold shape.
  4. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook patties 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Serve in pitas, over salad, or as mini appetizers with dips. For a Greek twist, mix in crumbled feta before forming the patties.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 patty
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: mediterranean chicken patties, healthy chicken patties, greek chicken recipe, ground chicken

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