I have been making chicken burger since I was allowed to turn on the stove. My mom made them when I was little and this was one of the first recipes she taught me. Almost 30 years of making chicken burgers have taught me how to make them as good as possible and I will share all I know!.
I’ve also played around the best ways to cook them. Pan-searing these burgers is always the best way to cook them because the outside gets a really tasty sear. Second best method is to grill them to infuse some intoxicating smoky flavor. (Of course, there is also the newly popular air-frying method and I’ve included instructions in the notes of the recipe. ).
Are you craving juicy, golden-brown chicken patties but don’t have access to a grill? Don’t worry! Cooking chicken patties on the stove is actually super easy and quick. I’ve been making stovetop chicken patties for years, and I’m excited to share my foolproof method that takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re working with frozen patties or making your own from scratch, this guide will help you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen Let’s dive into the simple steps that’ll have you enjoying delicious chicken patties tonight!
What You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients
- Chicken patties (frozen or fresh)
- Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- Skillet or frying pan (non-stick or cast iron works best)
- Spatula for flipping
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Paper towels
- Seasonings of your choice (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Patties
If you’re using frozen chicken patties, you have two options:
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Thaw before cooking (recommended): Let your patties thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before cooking for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, put them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for 30 minutes at a time.
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If you want to cook from frozen, you can, but it’s not recommended. There are times when you should cook frozen patties directly. Know that they may not cook as evenly and will take longer to cook.
Important Safety Tip: Never thaw chicken at room temperature as this promotes bacterial growth!
When you make your own chicken patties, keep in mind that ground chicken is leaner than beef, so it needs a lot of seasoning and water. I usually add ingredients like:
- Water, chicken broth, or mayo for moisture
- Plenty of seasonings (double what you think you need!)
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning
Step 2: Heat Your Pan Properly
The secret to perfect chicken patties is starting with the right pan temperature:
- Place your skillet over medium heat
- Add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to coat the bottom of the pan
- Let the oil heat until it shimmers slightly (you can test by flicking a tiny drop of water—it should sizzle immediately)
Be careful not to overheat your oil! This can cause splattering and burnt patties.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Patties
Now for the main event:
- Carefully place your patties in the hot pan, leaving space between them
- If using fresh patties, press down slightly in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up like meatballs
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown
- Flip the patties with your spatula and gently press down
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes on the second side
Tip: Don’t put too many patties in the pan at once. This lowers the temperature and makes the patties steam instead of browning nicely.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
Making sure your chicken patties are fully cooked is crucial for both safety and taste:
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Using a meat thermometer (best method): Insert it into the thickest part of the patty. It should read 165°F (74°C).
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Without a thermometer: Cut into the center of the patty. The meat should be completely white with no pink remaining, and juices should run clear.
If your patties aren’t quite done but are browning too quickly:
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Add a tablespoon of water to the pan
- Cover with a lid to create steam and finish cooking
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken patties reach the safe internal temperature:
- Remove them from the pan and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil
- Let them rest for a minute or two
- Serve immediately on buns with your favorite toppings or as part of your meal
Common Problems & Solutions
We’ve all had cooking mishaps! Here are solutions to common chicken patty problems:
Patties Sticking to the Pan
- Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding patties
- Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan
- Consider using a non-stick skillet
- Avoid moving the patties too much while cooking
Patties Browning Too Quickly
- Reduce heat to medium-low
- Add a small amount of water and cover to create steam
Dry Chicken Patties
- Add moisture to your ground chicken mixture (if making from scratch)
- Don’t overcook! Use a thermometer for accuracy
- Consider adding finely chopped vegetables to the mixture for extra moisture
- Use ground chicken with a higher fat content if possible
Delicious Serving Ideas
Turn your perfectly cooked chicken patties into a meal with these serving suggestions:
- Classic Chicken Burger: Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite sauce
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun and serve over a salad
- Kid-Friendly: Cut into strips and serve with dipping sauces
- Gourmet Touch: Top with avocado, bacon, special sauce, or a fried egg
Storage & Reheating Tips
Made too many patties? No problem!
- Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezer Storage: Wrap individually in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months
- Reheating: For best results, cut patties in half to help the center heat quickly. Reheat in a pan with a little water and cover with foil, or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I season my patties while they’re cooking?
Yes! Sprinkle your favorite seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika onto the patties as they cook.
What oil is best for cooking chicken patties?
Oils with high smoke points work best, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or refined coconut oil. Olive oil can work too if you’re careful not to overheat it.
Can I cook different types of chicken patties the same way?
The basic process is the same, but breaded patties might need slightly less cooking time to prevent the breading from burning. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken patties on the stove is one of the easiest ways to prepare a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week. With these simple steps, you’ll get perfect results every time—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.
I love making stovetop chicken patties when I’m short on time but still want something tasty and filling. Once you master this basic technique, you can experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create endless variations!
So there you have it—a foolproof guide to cooking delicious chicken patties on the stove. Give this method a try and I bet you’ll never want to cook them any other way again!
How To Keep Chicken Burgers From Falling Apart?
In order for your chicken burgers to fall apart, you need binders. Good binders for burgers and meatballs are eggs, bread crumbs, milk-soaked bread, and mayonnaise. This recipe has a good amount of binders so your burgers should be sturdy. If your chicken mixture feels too thin, you can always add a couple more tablespoons of bread crumbs.
Another big reasons the burgers might fall apart is the pan. Some problems may include: pan has scratches, it’s not clean enough, not non-stick, or there is not enough oil.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendation
Ground chicken meat – feel free to use fresh or frozen ground chicken meat. Use ground chicken that doesn’t have any extra flavors added to it. If you use frozen ground chicken, make sure to let it thaw in the fridge first. You can also always grind your own chicken with a meat grinder (use both white and dark chicken meat).
Bread crumbs – plain bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, or gluten free bread crumbs are all good to use. This is the only ingredients inside the chicken burgers that have gluten, so use gluten free if needed.
