If you’re looking to bring a burst of sunshine to your table, these Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties with Fresh Herbs, Creamy Feta, and Bright Lemon are guaranteed to delight your senses. Picture juicy chicken patties flecked with vibrant herbs and tangy feta, all rounded out by the unmistakably fresh punch of lemon in every bite. A velvety yogurt-feta sauce, swirling with zesty lemon, ties it all together—making this dish the star of both busy weeknight dinners and easygoing gatherings. These patties radiate flavor, color, and a touch of Mediterranean joy that will truly brighten up any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple ingredients working together in perfect harmony. From fresh aromatic herbs to creamy feta and bright lemon, every item here has a role in creating the irresistibly juicy, zesty, and savory magic of these Mediterranean-inspired chicken patties and their dreamy sauce.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, it’s the perfect base for soaking up all those Mediterranean flavors.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta melts slightly into the patties, lending salty creaminess and tang.
- Red Onion: Finely minced for a gentle bite and a pop of color in every patty.
- Garlic: Three cloves add essential aromatic depth, keeping the flavor profile vibrant.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a grassy freshness that balances the rich feta.
- Fresh Dill: This herb brings a unique, slightly sweet earthiness that screams Mediterranean.
- Lemon Zest: Provides those fragrant oils for real citrus impact—don’t skip it!
- Lemon Juice: Brightens and lifts the whole mixture, making it sing.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind everything together and keep the patties juicy rather than dense.
- Large Egg: Acts as the ultimate binder, helping the patties hold their shape.
- Dried Oregano: Adds just the right amount of earthy, herbaceous undertone.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and visual warmth to the patties.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Brings all the flavors into balance—season generously!
- Olive Oil: Ensures beautifully golden, crispy exteriors without sticking.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the sauce that’s also full of protein.
- Creamy Feta (for the sauce): Intensifies the richness and saltiness in the sauce.
- Lemon Juice & Zest (for the sauce): Essential for the show-stopping bright lemon flavor that pulls the sauce together.
- Extra Garlic & Parsley (for the sauce): Boosts that zippy, savory flavor profile even more.
- Olive Oil (for the sauce): Adds silkiness and depth to the yogurt base.
- Salt & Pepper (for the sauce): A finishing touch to balance acidity and creaminess in the sauce.
How to Make and Bright Lemon
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
Begin by combining all your key flavors in a large mixing bowl: ground chicken, crumbled feta, finely minced red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, zesty lemon (both zest and juice), breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to gently fold everything together just until combined—overmixing will make your patties dense instead of juicy! You’ll start to see flecks of fresh green and the aroma of fresh herbs mixed with the tang of feta and bright lemon wafting up already.
Step 2: Form the Patties
With clean, damp hands, divide your mixture into 8 equal portions and form each into a patty about half an inch thick. The mixture should feel sticky but workable. Arrange them on a plate or tray, and pop them into the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. This little chill time helps prevent them from falling apart during cooking, guaranteeing that gorgeous shape when they hit the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add your olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chilled patties, leaving space between each. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, letting the edges turn golden and the centers cook through to a safe 165°F. The frying process creates a heavenly golden crust, locking in all that juicy, herby, and bright lemon flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Feta Sauce
While the patties rest, whip up the sauce by combining Greek yogurt, feta, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This sauce is all about balance—a thick, tangy, and vibrant companion that brings together the entire dish with its creamy feta and bright lemon notes.
Step 5: Serve
To serve, arrange the warm patties on a platter or individual plates, then generously drizzle with your creamy lemon feta sauce. The sauce pools around the patties, inviting you to swipe every bite through that lush, zesty goodness. Don’t forget sidekicks like warm pita, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or a fluffy rice bowl for soaking up every drop.
How to Serve and Bright Lemon
Garnishes
Finish your Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties with a flourish of fresh parsley or dill, a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, and a lightning-bright lemon wedge on each plate. A scatter of pomegranate seeds adds a sweet, juicy pop (and looks stunning too). The contrasting colors and textures make every plate look like a Mediterranean masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair these patties with soft, warm pita or naan, a tangy tabbouleh salad, or simply a bowl of lemony rice pilaf. Roasted vegetables—like zucchini, bell pepper, and eggplant—play beautifully alongside, echoing the savory, herbaceous, and bright lemon flavors. A light cucumber and tomato salad adds even more crunch and freshness for the full Mediterranean feast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by turning these patties into sliders tucked into mini pitas with a swipe of sauce and a few crisp greens. For a party, serve them as bite-sized meatball skewers, drizzled with extra sauce and bright lemon zest for that wow factor. You can even break them up and stuff them into grain bowls or serve them over a big salad, letting everyone mix and match to their hearts’ delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken patties and their sauce keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, stored separately for best texture. Tuck the patties into an airtight container and keep the sauce in a small jar or bowl with a tight-fitting lid. The flavors deepen as they sit, making them just as fabulous for lunch the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked patties on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the sauce, it’s best to make that fresh, as dairy doesn’t always thaw gracefully and bright lemon flavor is at its best right after blending.
Reheating
Warm up leftover patties in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy. You can microwave them too, but a skillet gives the best texture. Serve with a fresh batch of bright lemon sauce for that just-cooked burst of Mediterranean sunshine!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for chicken here, especially if you stick with a blend that’s not too lean. Turkey will soak up all the fresh herbs, feta, and bright lemon beautifully, staying juicy and flavorful.
What can I use if I don’t have dill?
No worries—swap in extra parsley, a little fresh mint, or even some tarragon for a different herbal twist. Each one brings a unique fresh note, and the combination with feta and bright lemon will still shine.
Are the patties gluten free?
As written, the recipe includes regular breadcrumbs, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even a handful of crushed gluten-free crackers. The result will still be moist, tender, and bursting with herbs, feta, and bright lemon.
Can I bake the patties instead of pan-frying?
You sure can! Arrange your patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with a little olive oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The patties will still develop golden edges and the same savory, herby, and bright lemon flavor.
How do I make the sauce extra thick?
For a thicker sauce, simply use Greek yogurt that’s strained or full-fat, and blend until creamy. You can even add a tiny bit more crumbled feta to boost both the richness and bright lemon tang. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or water to loosen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with something genuinely special, these Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties with Fresh Herbs, Creamy Feta, and Bright Lemon will not let you down. Their sunny flavors, easy prep, and sheer versatility promise to brighten even the busiest of weeks. Don’t wait—give these a try, and let and Bright Lemon steal the show at your table!
Print
and Bright Lemon Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Golden Mediterranean Chicken Patties are bursting with fresh herbs, creamy feta, and zesty lemon flavors. Served with a luscious creamy lemon feta sauce, they make a delightful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Patties
- 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Lemon Feta Sauce
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, feta, red onion, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape into round patties about 1/2 inch thick. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Cook the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
- Make the Creamy Lemon Feta Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, feta, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm patties drizzled with creamy lemon feta sauce. They pair beautifully with warm pita bread, a crisp cucumber tomato salad, or over fluffy rice bowls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Patties with Sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
