Name: Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 cup baby spinach, chopped; 1 lb. ground chicken; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half lemon); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 8 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love quick, flavorful dinners that feel special without a ton of fuss, you’re in for a treat with this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe. These patties pack a punch of fresh herbs, spices, and juicy chicken—all wrapped up in a tender little bite. Honestly, the first time I made these, my whole kitchen smelled like a Mediterranean market, and the flavor totally blew me away. Stick with me here, because you’ll want these in your weekly rotation for sure.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavor: Combining fresh dill, lemon, and oregano gives these patties a bright, authentic Mediterranean taste that feels fresh and inviting.
Juicy and Tender Texture: The Greek yogurt mixed in keeps the patties moist, preventing dryness that sometimes happens with ground chicken.
Quick and Customizable: Ready in about an hour, you can easily double the recipe or swap herbs depending on what’s fresh.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These patties refrigerate and freeze beautifully, making them ideal for busy weeks ahead.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties, Greek chicken patties, healthy chicken patties, easy Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken burger - There is a black cast iron pan with six small round patties frying in oil. The patties are golden brown with some darker brown spots and have small green herb pieces mixed inside. The surface of the patties looks slightly rough with a cooked texture. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let’s talk about why these ingredients come together so well. The blend of fragrant herbs and citrus cuts through the richness of the chicken, while breadcrumbs and yogurt help keep everything juicy and hold the patties together perfectly.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties, Greek chicken patties, healthy chicken patties, easy Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken burger - Flat lay of a medium diced onion, a small pile of minced garlic cloves, a handful of bright baby spinach leaves, a mound of raw ground chicken, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of fine light breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of thick creamy Greek yogurt, fresh sprigs of finely chopped dill, half a fresh lemon cut to show juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl with dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black peppercorns, whole uncracked brown eggs placed in a line next to the ingredients, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic for that caramelized depth.
Onion and garlic: The savory base that gives these patties a flavorful backbone—don’t skip sautéing!
Baby spinach: Sneaks in some green goodness and moisture to the patties.
Ground chicken: Lean and healthy, it’s the main protein that takes on all those Mediterranean flavors nicely.
Breadcrumbs: Provides structure so the patties hold their shape without falling apart.
Greek yogurt: The secret weapon for tenderness and a tangy backdrop.
Fresh dill: Brings that signature herbaceous note that screams Mediterranean summer.
Lemon juice: Brightens the entire mix, balancing the spices.
Dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: These spices layer warmth and earthiness, making the flavor complex yet approachable.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe is so easy to customize! Sometimes I throw in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or swap the dill for fresh parsley depending on what I have on hand. It’s your canvas, so make it your own!

Variation: For more heat, I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño—makes a lovely kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts instead for a grain-free alternative.
Vegetable Boost: Finely grated zucchini or carrot folded into the mix adds moisture and a veggie punch.
Herb Swap: If dill isn’t your favorite, try mint or basil for a different Mediterranean vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

I start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as it’s shimmering, I add the diced onion and minced garlic. I like to cook them slowly for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and soft — this step really unlocks their flavor. Then, I toss in the spinach, letting it wilt for just a minute before transferring everything to a plate to cool down. A cool tip: don’t rush this part because caramelization is where a lot of flavor happens!

Step 2: Mix and Chill the Patties

Once your veggies are cooled, add them to a big bowl with the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and all the spices. I usually start mixing with a spatula but ultimately end up using my hands to press everything together—it helps the patties bind better and makes it easier to feel the consistency. Shape the mixture into a ball to make sure it holds tight, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this chilling step is key to a patty that holds together nicely on the pan!

Step 3: Form and Cook the Patties

After chilling, I portion out roughly ½ cup of the mixture for each patty and shape them by hand—gotta love that satisfying squish. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet till it’s nice and hot, then add 6 patties at a time. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F. Pro tip: flip only once so they get a beautiful crust and stay juicy inside.

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Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Refrigerating the mixture helps patties stay firm and makes shaping way easier—skip this, and you might end up with crumbly results.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken patties, aim for 165°F internal temp to avoid dryness or undercooking.
Cast-Iron Skillet Magic: This type of pan gives the best sear and even heat, but if you don’t have one, a heavy non-stick pan works too.
Keep It Moist: Adding Greek yogurt is a game-changer that keeps the chicken juicy—don’t swap it out without a good substitute!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Patties, Greek chicken patties, healthy chicken patties, easy Mediterranean dinner, flavorful chicken burger - A round white plate on a white marbled surface holds seven golden-brown patties with visible green herb bits inside, arranged in a slightly overlapping circle. At the top left of the plate, a small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs sits with a spoon inside. A lemon wedge is placed at the top right edge of the plate, adding a touch of bright yellow. Fresh green herb leaves are scattered underneath some patties for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my patties with a dollop of extra Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce—adds creaminess and cool contrast. A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley brightens things up, and a few lemon wedges on the side are perfect for squeezing extra zing.

Side Dishes

These patties are fantastic with fluffy rice pilaf, a crisp cucumber salad, or even roasted Mediterranean veggies like eggplant and zucchini. Sometimes I serve them in warm pita bread with a smear of hummus and fresh greens for an easy Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like assembling a small platter with the patties, olives, feta cheese, pita triangles, and a little bowl of hummus. It feels festive, colorful, and perfect for sharing over good conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let my Mediterranean chicken patties cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge—they last beautifully for up to 3-4 days. When I’m ready to eat, I find reheating gently in a skillet keeps the crispiness better than the microwave.

Freezing

If I make a big batch (which I often do), I freeze the raw patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then bag them together. They keep great for up to two months and defrost evenly overnight in the fridge—perfect for days when I want a healthy meal without starting from scratch.

Reheating

I like reheating leftover patties in a hot skillet with a little olive oil to bring back that golden crust. This method really helps maintain texture and flavor better than microwaving, which can make them a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute if you prefer its flavor or find it easier to source. Just be sure to watch cooking times since turkey can be a bit leaner and might dry out faster—using the Greek yogurt helps maintain moisture.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart while cooking?

The key is chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping. This firms up the patties and helps the ingredients bind. Also, avoid flipping too many times—just once per side to get a good crust without breaking.
Can I bake these patties instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking is a great hands-off option, though you might miss some of the crispy edges you get from skillet cooking.
Any tips to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or mashed avocado for moisture. Both work well, but expect a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe enough—it’s just one of those dishes that feels comforting and fresh at the same time, and the best part is how simple it is to pull off. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these patties deliver on flavor and texture every time. Give it a try and let me know your favorite tweaks—cooking together like this always makes the kitchen feel a little warmer.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste