Greek Chicken Spinach Patties

Mediterranean chicken patties blend aromatic herbs and warm spices with lean ground chicken for a delightful meal that transports your taste buds to sunny coastal regions. These versatile patties feature the bright flavors of fresh dill, lemon, and oregano, complemented by the earthy notes of cumin and paprika. Spinach adds color, nutrition, and moisture while Greek yogurt creates a tender texture that makes these patties irresistible whether served hot or cold.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nutritious that could multitask across several meals. These patties saved my sanity—I enjoyed them hot with rice the first night, stuffed in pita pockets for lunch the following day, and chopped cold over a salad for dinner. My family kept stealing bites from the refrigerator, convincing me I needed to double the recipe next time.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken: Provides a lean, protein-packed base for the patties.
• 1 medium onion: Finely diced for aromatics and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds deep, savory flavor to the mixture.
• 1 cup chopped baby spinach: Enhances moisture, color, and nutritional value.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture while maintaining a light texture.
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Adds tenderness and tang to the patties.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill: Infuses Mediterranean freshness and herbal brightness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Balances richness with citrusy acidity.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings earthy, slightly minty notes to the flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and color.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Contributes an earthy, slightly nutty depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Aromatics:

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Avoid browning, as this can create bitterness.

Add Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Garlic should become fragrant but not browned.

Wilt Spinach:

Add chopped baby spinach and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until just wilted. Remove from heat immediately to preserve its bright green color and mild flavor.

Cool Mixture:

Transfer the sautéed mixture to a plate or shallow bowl and spread it out to cool. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before combining with the ground chicken to prevent pre-cooking the meat.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, cooled vegetable mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or clean hands to gently combine the ingredients.

Mix Gently:

Mix only until evenly distributed, avoiding overworking the mixture, as this can result in dense patties. The mixture should be cohesive but still slightly loose.

Form Patties:

With slightly damp hands, divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ½ inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet.

Chill Briefly:

Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and helps the patties hold their shape during cooking.

Heat Cooking Surface:

For stovetop cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray the basket with oil.

Cook Patties:

For stovetop: Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping only once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.

For oven baking: Arrange patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

For air frying: Place patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked.

Rest Briefly:

Transfer cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the patties moist.

Serve Appropriately:

Enjoy these patties with Mediterranean sides like tzatziki, warm pita, cucumber-tomato salad, or over rice pilaf.

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Serving Suggestions

Create a Mediterranean mezze platter featuring these patties alongside hummus, stuffed grape leaves, olives, marinated feta, roasted red peppers, and warm pita bread.

Serve over a bed of lemon herb couscous with a side of roasted vegetables drizzled with tahini sauce.

Transform leftover patties into a delicious breakfast by pairing them with poached eggs and Greek yogurt.

Flavor Variations

Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta into the mixture for a Greek-inspired variation.

Replace dill with fresh mint and add preserved lemon for a Moroccan twist.

Create a Lebanese-inspired version by adding parsley, a pinch of cinnamon, and toasted pine nuts.

Making Ahead

Prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator.

Freeze uncooked patties by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to an airtight container.

Cook extra patties and refrigerate them for quick meals throughout the week.

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These Mediterranean chicken patties are a staple in my kitchen because they combine convenience with incredible flavor. Whether served hot or cold, in a wrap or as a main dish, they never fail to satisfy. The fresh herbs, spices, and citrus make them a go-to for healthy, delicious meals all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for these patties?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken in this recipe, with no other adjustments needed to the ingredients or cooking time.

→ Why do the patties need to be refrigerated before cooking?

Refrigerating the patties for at least 30 minutes allows them to firm up, which helps them hold their shape better during cooking and prevents them from falling apart.

→ What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version?

For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even oat flour as a binding agent.

→ What sauce pairs well with these Greek chicken patties?

Tzatziki sauce is the perfect accompaniment, but they also pair well with hummus, yogurt-dill sauce, or a simple lemon-garlic aioli.

→ Can I bake these patties instead of pan-frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.