Mediterranean Chicken Patties (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken patties with spinach, fresh herbs, and Mediterranean spices that combine protein and veggies in one delicious bite.

# Ingredients:

01 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
05 - 1 lb ground chicken
06 - ½ cup breadcrumbs
07 - ¼ cup Greek yogurt
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - ½ teaspoon paprika
12 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
13 - ½ teaspoon salt
14 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

# Steps:

01 - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Sauté onion and garlic until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes.
02 - Add spinach to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until soft. Set aside on a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, sautéed onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix evenly using a spatula or hands.
04 - Shape the mixture into a firm ball to ensure a good bind. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
05 - Take ½ cup of the chicken mixture at a time and shape into patties using your hands. This recipe yields about 12 patties.
06 - Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Place the patties (6 pieces per batch) on the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until seared and browned on the sides. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Serve warm with a side of rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables, or as a filling in hamburger buns.

# Notes:

01 - Refrigerate leftover patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool to room temperature before storing.
02 - To freeze, wrap each raw patty individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
03 - Thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as per the recipe instructions.
04 - For air frying, cook patties in a single layer at 375°F for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.