Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half lemon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in chopped baby spinach and sauté for 1 minute until softened. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix Patty Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, sautéed onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using a spatula or your hands to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Chill Mixture: Shape the mixture into a firm ball to bind it well. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance flavors and firmness.
- Form Patties: Take 1/2 cup portions of the chilled mixture and shape them into patties by hand. You should be able to make about 12 medium-sized patties.
- Cook Patties on Stovetop: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Place 6 patties in the skillet per batch and cook for 3-5 minutes until nicely seared and the sides begin to brown. Flip and cook another 3-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean chicken patties warm alongside rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables or inside hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let patties cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Arrange 4 patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Freezing: Prepare patties according to recipe up to the shaping step. Wrap each raw patty individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen patties overnight in the refrigerator before cooking according to recipe instructions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
