Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Sauté onions and garlic until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes.
Add spinach and sauté for 1 minute until soft. Set aside on a plate to cool for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, sautéed onion-spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a spatula to combine everything together (or use your hands to press the ingredients together to evenly combine).
Shape the ground chicken mixture into a firm ball. This helps the mixture bind together to yield firm patties. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Take 1/2 cup chicken mixture at a time and shape into patties using your hands. You should get about 12 patties.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Place patties on the skillet (about 6 pieces per batch) and cook for 3-5 minutes until nicely seared and starting to brown up the sides. Flip the patties over and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature for the patties reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer.
Serve warm with a side of rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables, or serve in hamburger buns.
Notes:
How to store leftovers: Mediterranean chicken patties will keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow them to cool to room temperature before storing.
Air fryer instructions: Place chicken patties (4 patties in each batch) in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil to coat evenly. Cook at 375 F for 13-15 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165F. Flip the patties halfway during cooking to brown evenly.
How to freeze: You can prep these chicken patties ahead of time by following the recipe up until the cooking instructions. Instead of placing them on the pan, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap (this prevents freezer burn) before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The raw patties will be good for up to two months.
How to thaw: The day before you want to cook your Mediterranean chicken patties, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, cook according to recipe instructions.
Nutritional Info:
Serves 12
Serving Size: 1 chicken patty
Calories Per Serving: 115
% Daily Value
9%Total Fat 7.1g
11%Cholesterol 32.9mg
7%Sodium 158.1mg
2%Total Carbohydrate 5.2g
Sugars 1g
16%Protein 8g
2%Vitamin A 15.8µg
3%Vitamin C 2.3mg
