One of my all time favourite fast foods are chicken burgers. I am, however, fairly fussy in terms of how the patties are made and how they taste. In my opinion, they need to be super crispy, have some spice, and heat. Many chicken patties I have had just do not come up to my standards. In light of this, I decided to make my own. Believe me, these burger patties are super crispy and delicious. The great thing is, they stay crispy for a while. In my experience, other patties go soggy in a matter of a few minutes. I love them with fries or a salad as well. One other thing about the recipe is the can be air fried or baked as well.
As always, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more or less. It is your call. In the recipe, we use sparkling water, but you can use club soda, beer, or any other bubble gum-like soda. Just keep it as neutral as possible, however. Nevertheless, try to ensure that it is good and cold. I use boneless skinless breasts, but thighs could be used as well. The same with the bread crumbs. I like Panko but any kind can be used.
Are you sick of the same old chicken nuggets from the freezer? I know I was. That’s why I’m so excited to tell you my favorite way to make fried chicken patties that you will want to eat all the time. These tasty little golden discs have become a regular in my house. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them over and over again.
Why Chicken Patties Are Way Better Than Nuggets
Let’s be real – chicken patties are just more fun to eat than regular chicken dishes. There’s something about that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior that makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re versatile! You can:
- Dip them in your favorite sauce (I’m partial to homemade tzatziki or honey mustard)
- Stuff them in pita bread for an amazing sandwich
- Serve them on slider buns for mini chicken sandwiches
- Pair them with mashed potatoes and gravy for a complete Southern-style meal
When I say “chicken patties for dinner,” my kids’ eyes literally light up. And honestly? There are NEVER any leftovers!.
What You’ll Need to Make Amazing Chicken Patties
Basic Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather
- 1 pound ground chicken (the secret to the best patties!)
- 1-2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2-1 cup bread crumbs (whole wheat or regular both work)
- Seasonings (we’ll get into the details below)
- Oil for frying
Seasoning Options
This is where you can really make these patties sing! My favorite combo includes
- Green onions (about 1/4-1/2 cup chopped)
- Fresh parsley (finely minced)
- Garlic (powder or fresh crushed cloves)
- Salt and pepper
- Dried dill (trust me on this one!)
- Paprika for color and flavor
But you can totally change it up! Some other tasty additions include:
- Finely chopped bell peppers
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Italian herbs like oregano or basil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make the most delicious chicken patties ever? Let’s do this!
1. Prepare Your Chicken Mixture
First things first in a large mixing bowl, combine
- Ground chicken
- Beaten eggs
- Bread crumbs
- Your chosen seasonings
It’s important not to overmix; just mix until everything is well combined. If you do it too much, your patties will be tough.
2. Form Your Patties
Now for the fun part:
- Divide the mixture into 4-8 portions for full-size patties (or make 16-32 mini patties if you prefer bite-sized)
- If the mixture seems too sticky, you can either:
- Wet your hands with cold water before forming the patties
- Add a bit more bread crumbs to firm it up
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble forming patties, you can also roll portions in flour first to make them easier to handle!
3. Frying to Perfection
This is where the magic happens:
- Add enough oil to just cover the bottom of a large skillet (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking
- Carefully place your patties in the hot oil, giving them plenty of space (work in batches if needed)
- Flatten them slightly with the back of a spatula
- Cook for about 3-6 minutes per side until golden brown (smaller patties need less time)
- Cover the pan after flipping to ensure they cook through completely
A safety tip: To be safe, make sure the chicken patties are cooked all the way through to 165°F (74°C).
4. The Secret to Extra Crispy Patties
Want that restaurant-quality crunch? After your patties are cooked through, remove the lid and raise the heat slightly to crisp up the bottoms for about 30 seconds. This creates that amazing texture contrast between crispy exterior and juicy interior!
Southern-Style Country Fried Chicken Patties
If you’re feeling fancy, try this Southern twist on basic chicken patties:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the gravy:
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Instructions:
- Mix chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parsley
- Form into thin patties and cook until browned on both sides (about 4 mins per side)
- Remove patties and keep warm
- In separate dishes, prepare seasoned flour and beaten eggs
- Dredge patties in flour, then eggs, then flour again
- Fry until golden brown (about 5 mins per side)
- For the gravy, melt butter in the same pan, add flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in beef broth until thickened
- Serve patties topped with gravy alongside mashed potatoes and green beans
This version is seriously next-level comfort food!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Patties Every Time
After making chicken patties approximately 1,000 times (slight exaggeration lol), I’ve learned a few things:
Ground Chicken Tips
- Fresh is best: Ground chicken tastes amazingly different and fresher than ground turkey
- Look for sales: Ground chicken can be pricey (around $6/pound), so stock up when it’s on sale
- Make your own: If you can’t find affordable ground chicken, you can grind your own using boneless chicken breasts and a food processor
DIY Ground Chicken How-To:
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes
- Spread on a tray and partially freeze (about 20-30 minutes)
- Working in batches, pulse in food processor until ground
- Don’t overprocess or you’ll get chicken paste!
Storage & Reheating
Chicken patties will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat:
- Microwave at 50% power (covered) to prevent them from getting tough
- Or reheat in a skillet with a tiny bit of oil to restore crispiness
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of chicken patties is how versatile they are! Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:
For Kids:
- With ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch for dipping
- On slider buns with a pickle for mini chicken sandwiches
- Cut into strips for little fingers
For Adults:
- In pita bread with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, and tzatziki
- On a bun with dill pickles and spicy mayo
- Atop a fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette
- With mashed potatoes and gravy for a comfort food dinner
Why Our Family Loves These Chicken Patties
I’m not exaggerating when I say these chicken patties have changed our dinner game. They’re economical (especially when I find ground chicken on sale!), everyone in the family devours them, and they’re so much healthier than processed frozen nuggets.
My two-year-old calls them “so yummy” and even my picky husband goes back for seconds. When something pleases both toddlers AND adults, you know you’ve hit culinary gold!
Common Questions About Chicken Patties
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with a little oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious!
Can I make these ahead and freeze them?
Absolutely! Form the patties, place them on a parchment-lined tray with space between them, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use canned chicken instead of ground chicken?
Canned chicken is already cooked, so it won’t work exactly the same. If you use it, your patties will be more like tuna or salmon patties in texture. Still tasty, just different!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the regular bread crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken patties are one of those recipes that deserve a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. They’re economical, versatile, and please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they’re just plain FUN to eat!
Now go forth and fry up some amazing chicken patties! Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
What’s your favorite way to serve chicken patties? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas!
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Hey, I’m David Hood And I’m so happy you’re here!! So many of my favorite memories in life seem to take place around the table, especially when surrounded by people I love. And of course, all the better when nourished by some seriously delicious food. Happy Cooking! .
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Super Crispy Chicken Patties (Burgers)
I love a good chicken burger. As always, the outcome of the burger lies within the patty. Lets face it, it clearly makes or breaks the burger. In light of this, I have yet to find a chicken burger patty that meets my criteria: crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. That is, until I used this recipe. Give it a try and Im sure youll feel the same.
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded and trimmed breasts
- 3⁄4 cup all purpose flour
- 1⁄4 cup corn starch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (you may need to add more if needs be) ) .
- Add the flour and seasoning to a bowl. Mix until well combined. It’s time to add the sparkling water. Whisk it in until a batter forms.
- Put the bread crumbs in a second bowl.
- Put the chicken in the batter and turn it over so that it’s covered all over.
- Put the chicken in the batter and turn it over so that it’s covered all over.
- Put them on a plate and coat them in bread crumbs. I find shaking the bowl coats them well.
- Heat oil to about 350 F or 177 C. Fry the patties in small groups, turning them over every so often, until they are golden brown.
- Place on a wire rack to drain.
- If you are making a burger, put the toppings on top in the order you like.
- Enjoy your crispy chicken burger patties.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
As mentioned above, I use boneless skinless breasts for the recipe. Of course they have to flattened and carved into patties which seemly produces some waste. But I always use the left over batter to make nuggets. Everybody loves them for a snack. You could use boneless skinless thighs if you are so inclined. Another fantastic thing about the patties is they can be air fried or baked as well. The trick to the crispiness of the patties is the sparkling water. The carbonization seemly works some magic chemistry. If you cant get your hands on sparkling water, you can use club soda, beer, or your favourite carbonated drink. I would keep in as neutral as possible, however.