These homemade chicken patties are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of savory flavor. Made with ground chicken, fresh parsley, onion, garlic, egg, and mayonnaise, they offer a simple way to prepare a satisfying family meal.
A light coating of flour helps create a golden crust when pan-fried, while mayonnaise keeps the chicken moist and soft.
With just 35 minutes of preparation and cooking time, these patties are a practical choice for busy weeknights. Serve them with a fresh salad, crispy potatoes, or sandwich buns for a versatile meal that both children and adults can enjoy.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Main Ingredient: Ground chicken
- Cooking Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Course: Main course
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 18 ounces ground chicken: The main ingredient, providing a lean and protein-rich base.
- 1 finely chopped onion: Adds moisture and a mild sweetness to the patties.
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings freshness, color, and herbal flavor.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed: Adds a savory aroma and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Keeps the chicken mixture moist and tender.
- Sea salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds gentle seasoning.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Used to coat the patties before frying.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For pan-frying until golden and cooked through.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground chicken is the preferred choice for this recipe, but finely shredded leftover roasted chicken or drained canned chicken can also be used.
If using cooked chicken, chop it finely and adjust the binding ingredients as needed to create a mixture that holds together.
Fresh parsley can be replaced with chopped cilantro for a different herbal flavor. You can also use a neutral cooking oil such as canola oil instead of vegetable oil.
For a slightly different texture, substitute the all-purpose flour with fine breadcrumbs for the exterior coating.
How to Make Chicken Patties
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Place the ground chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, parsley, crushed garlic, egg, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Add the mayonnaise and stir again until combined. The mixture will be soft and slightly sticky, so avoid adding too much extra flour directly to the meat, as this can make the cooked patties dense.
Step 2: Coat and Shape the Patties
Spread the flour on a shallow plate. Scoop a portion of the chicken mixture with a large spoon and place it directly into the flour. Gently turn it to coat the outside, then shape it into a small, even patty.
Repeat with the remaining mixture. Handle each portion carefully because the mayonnaise makes the mixture softer than traditional meat patties. If the mixture becomes difficult to handle, refrigerate it briefly before continuing.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and place it over medium to medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat before adding the patties. To check whether the pan is ready, add a tiny pinch of flour; it should sizzle gently.
Avoid overheating the oil, as the flour coating can brown too quickly before the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Patties
Carefully place the coated patties in the hot skillet, leaving enough space between them to cook evenly. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a golden-brown crust. Turn the patties gently with a spatula so they remain intact.
Check the thickest part of each patty with a food thermometer. Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. If the patties brown too quickly, reduce the heat and continue cooking until they are safely done.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow them to rest briefly before serving. This helps the juices settle and makes the patties easier to handle.
Serve while warm with your favorite sides, or place them in sandwich buns with lettuce and your preferred sauce.
Tips for Tender and Crispy Chicken Patties
- Chop the vegetables finely: Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the chicken and make the patties easier to shape.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix only until the ingredients are combined to help maintain a tender texture.
- Keep the mixture cool: Refrigerating the chicken mixture for 15–20 minutes can make it easier to handle.
- Coat just before frying: The flour coating helps create a crisp exterior, so avoid letting the shaped patties sit in flour for too long.
- Maintain even heat: Medium to medium-high heat helps brown the exterior without leaving the center undercooked.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet: Cooking in batches allows the patties to brown properly instead of steaming.
- Use a thermometer: Check that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken patties work well with a variety of side dishes and can be served in several ways.
- With a fresh salad: Pair with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a light dressing for a simple meal.
- With potatoes: Serve alongside roasted potatoes, fries, or potato wedges.
- As a sandwich: Place a warm patty in a toasted bun with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and mayonnaise.
- In a pita: Add the patties to pita bread with shredded vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce.
- With rice: Serve over steamed rice with sautéed vegetables for a filling dinner.
- As a lunchbox option: Pack cooled patties with a small salad, bread, or other favorite sides.
Nutrition Facts
The following estimated nutrition information is per serving, based on six servings. Actual values may vary depending on the ground chicken, mayonnaise, and amount of oil absorbed during cooking.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 229 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 82 mg |
| Sodium | 152 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Vitamin C | 16 mg |
| Calcium | 35 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 318 mg |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Final Thoughts
This homemade chicken patties recipe is a straightforward way to turn ground chicken into a satisfying meal with a crisp coating and tender center.
Fresh parsley, garlic, onion, and mayonnaise give the patties their savory flavor and soft texture, while pan-frying provides a golden exterior.
Whether served with vegetables, potatoes, or tucked into sandwich buns, these patties are easy to adapt to everyday family meals.
