Chicken Patties

Preparation and Cook Time

One of the best parts about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have these chicken patties on the table in about 30 minutes. That includes forming the patties, coating them in Panko, and pan-frying them to a crisp golden brown. If you’re short on time or looking for a meal you can prepare in advance, you can also form and chill the patties ahead of time. This not only helps them hold their shape better when cooking but also makes dinner prep a breeze when you’re ready to fry. In just half an hour, you get a comforting, homemade dish that tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen.

Yield and Serving

This recipe makes approximately 14 patties, each about 3 inches wide—perfect for serving a crowd or for storing leftovers. You can serve two or three per person for a complete meal, especially if paired with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a more casual approach, tuck them into slider buns with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce for a delicious chicken burger experience. They’re also fantastic cold, making them ideal for lunchboxes or as a protein-packed snack. If you’re serving at a party, you can even make them smaller and serve as bite-sized appetizers with dipping sauces.

Cuisine Type

While these chicken patties don’t belong to any specific cultural cuisine, they take inspiration from comfort food classics and global street food fare. Their crispy exterior and cheesy, herb-packed interior make them feel familiar and homey, similar to croquettes or fritters. At the same time, the inclusion of dill, mustard, and lemon zest gives them a fresh, almost Mediterranean flavor profile. These patties perfectly blend elements of traditional American comfort food with modern flavor twists, making them a versatile base for endless variations and a reliable go-to recipe for everyday cooking.

Nutritional Information

Each patty contains about 277 calories, making it a substantial yet manageable option for a meal or filling snack. With 22 grams of protein per patty, these are an excellent source of sustained energy and muscle-building nutrients, especially when made with lean rotisserie chicken breast. They contain 18 grams of fat, with only 4 grams of saturated fat, largely due to the use of eggs, mayonnaise, and cheese, all of which also contribute to their rich flavor and tender texture. Carbohydrates are kept low at just 6 grams per serving, and sodium is moderate at 250 mg. These patties are a great low-carb, high-protein meal component that can fit into many diet plans with ease.

Origin and Popularity

The idea of forming meat into patties and pan-frying it spans countless cultures, from Middle Eastern kofta to Russian kotleti and American chicken burgers. These chicken patties take that universal concept and adapt it with a modern twist—using rotisserie chicken for speed and convenience, fresh dill and lemon for brightness, and mozzarella cheese for indulgent texture. Their popularity is growing among home cooks who want quick, flexible, and satisfying recipes made from ingredients they already have in the fridge. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability and how effortlessly it bridges the gap between comfort food and culinary creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

These chicken patties are everything you want in a quick and hearty homemade meal: they’re crispy, cheesy, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. They require minimal effort, especially when you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, and the results are so satisfying. Fresh dill and lemon zest elevate the flavor, giving the patties a bright, herby note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise. The Panko coating creates a perfectly crispy shell that contrasts with the moist and tender inside. Whether you eat them hot from the skillet or reheated for a quick lunch the next day, they deliver big on taste and texture. They also freeze exceptionally well, so you can keep a batch on hand for those nights when you need something quick and comforting.

Health Benefits

Though indulgent in flavor, these chicken patties come with a surprising number of health perks. Using rotisserie chicken means you’re getting lean protein that supports muscle maintenance and helps keep you full. Dill and lemon zest add not just flavor but antioxidants and vitamin C. The modest carbohydrate content and high protein make them ideal for low-carb meal plans. They’re also portion-controlled, which helps with mindful eating—one or two patties with a side of vegetables or salad creates a balanced, satisfying plate. If you’re looking to make them even lighter, you can reduce the cheese or use low-fat versions of mayonnaise and mozzarella without losing the essential flavor or texture of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken patties are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a light, summery meal, pair them with a cucumber-yogurt dip and a tomato-cucumber salad. If you’re in the mood for comfort food, serve them with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. They also go great inside a sandwich bun with lettuce, tomato, and a tangy sauce like sriracha mayo or garlic aioli. For brunch or a light lunch, place a poached egg on top and serve over a bed of greens. You can even cut them into strips and toss into wraps or grain bowls for an easy protein boost. Don’t forget dipping sauces—they pair beautifully with honey mustard, ranch, tzatziki, or barbecue sauce.

Tips for Success

To ensure your patties hold together and brown evenly, be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly and allow the mixture to chill in the fridge if you have time. This helps firm up the texture so they won’t fall apart during cooking. Use a cookie scoop or measuring cup to portion the patties evenly for consistent cooking. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the patties to the skillet to achieve a crisp golden crust without soaking up too much oil. Avoid flipping them too early—give them time to set and brown on the first side before turning. And if you want a deeper flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Variations

There are so many ways to customize these patties to suit your preferences or use up what’s in your fridge. Add chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers for a veggie boost. Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different cheese profile. Use fresh parsley or basil instead of dill if that’s what you have on hand. Want a more savory bite? Mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or a touch of garlic powder. These also work well with ground turkey or even canned salmon as an alternative protein. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional flour and Panko.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Patties are the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. They’re quick, flexible, flavorful, and just the thing to turn leftovers into something brand new and delicious. Whether served on their own, tucked into a bun, or layered over greens, these crispy, golden patties deliver satisfaction in every bite. The mix of fresh herbs, lemon, and gooey mozzarella gives them personality, while the crunchy Panko crust ensures they’re always crowd-pleasers. With only 30 minutes of prep and cook time, and the option to freeze for later, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Simple, savory, and endlessly adaptable—these chicken patties are sure to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.