Valentina Ablaev
Homemade chicken patties are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. Inspired by classic pork kotleti, this recipe uses simple ingredients like ground chicken, grated onion, and breadcrumbs to create the perfect homemade patties. Whether you serve them as a main dish or in a sandwich, these easy chicken patties are always a hit.
What Are Chicken Patties?
These chicken patties, also known as “kotleti”, are a traditional Slavic dish that so many will recognize. Chicken patties are made with ground chicken, seasonings, and a binder such as breadcrumbs or an egg, then shaped and cooked until golden and crispy. This mixture is shaped into small patties and fried to a golden brown. They are perfect as is, but they can also be served with a variety of slavic sides!
Why You’ll Love this Chicken Patties Recipe
- Perfect for meal prep. This is the perfect dish to make in a large portion and keep in the freezer for later!
- Kid-favorite. I don’t know about you, but every time I have chicken patties cooking, kiddos are asking for a taste test! It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple ingredients. This chicken patty recipe uses pantry staples that you likely have on hand, making this the perfect dish to throw together.
More Slavic Classics
For those of us who know these chicken patties as “kotleti”, they are always enjoyed with a variety of classic Slavic dishes! Enjoy these patties with a side of meat piroshki and a classic korean carrot salad for a refreshing crunch.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Patties (Kotleti)
- Bread – Slices of bread or panko breadcrumbs help the patties have a good texture without becoming overly dense.
- Milk – Moistens the bread and helps everything come together smoothly.
- Ground chicken – We use ground chicken for a lean patty that tastes incredible. You can buy store-bought ground chicken or make your own using chicken breast and chicken thighs.
- Onion – Grated onion adds great flavor to the patty and keeps it juicy.
- Mayo & egg – Act as a binder for the meat, helping you form the patties.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the protein: Swap the ground chicken for your favorite ground meat. Ground turkey, pork, or ground beef are all great options. You can even use a blend of a few of them.
- Add cheese: Mix in your favorite shredded cheese into the chicken patty mixture to create the best cheesy combo.
Expert Tips:
- Don’t overmix: When combining the chicken mixture ingredients, be careful not to overmix, as it can lead to a poor texture.
- Extra-crispy patties: To get an extra-crispy crust, dredge the patties in flour before frying. For an even crispier crust, dredge the patties in flour, then a beaten egg, and once more in flour.
- Check for doneness: No one likes an undercooked patty, and the best way to avoid that is to use an instant-read thermometer. Once the center reaches an internal temp of 165°F, you’ll know they are done.
How to Make Chicken Patties
Step-by-step instructions for making the recipe.
- Soak bread. Add the bread slices to the milk and let them soak.
2. Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the bread and patty ingredients.
3. Form patties. Wet your hands and form individual patties.
4. Fry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Add the patties to the hot oil one by one and sear for 6-8 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan and cook the patties in batches.
Why Are My Chicken Patties Dry?
Dry patties can result from overcooking or from meat lacking enough fat or moisture.
Keep your patties juicy by using grated onion, mayo, and being careful not to overcook them.
FAQs
This can result from the patty mixture being too wet or too dry. Take a look at the mixture and see if it needs more bread, panko crumbs, or milk.
The best way to check if the chicken patties are done is by using an instant-read thermometer.
This recipe makes 12 large patties. If you shape the patties smaller, you can get up to 16.
Other Cooking Methods
Frying the patties gives them great texture, but if you’re looking for a leaner result, you can also bake them! Here’s how to make baked chicken patties:
- Arrange the patties on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spray the patties lightly with oil.
- Bake the chicken patties at 400° until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic sides: For a classic combination, serve these patties with fluffy mashed potatoes and a side of air-fried asparagus.
- Make a sandwich: Use these patties to create a delicious cutlet sandwich! Serve with your favorite homemade sandwich bread and classic toppings!
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Warm the patties in a pan or in the oven until heated through.
- Freeze. These chicken patties freeze well for longer storage. Arrange the cooked and cooled patties on a sheet pan and freeze. Once fully frozen, add to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat: Reheat the patties in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
More Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this chicken patty recipe, be sure to try our other easy chicken recipes; here are some of our favorites:
Chicken Wings- Hot Sandwiches
- Chicken
- Hot Sandwiches
- Chicken
- One Pan Meals
- Chicken
If you tried this chicken patties recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Homemade Chicken Patties (Chicken Kotleti)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add the bread pieces to the milk and set aside to soak, about 2 minutes.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients to a bowl (along with the bread) and mix to combine.
- Using wet hands, shape the mixture into round patties.
- Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the patties; don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve and enjoy friends.
Notes
- Crispy Exterior: For a crispy crust, dredge the patties in flour.
- Extra-crispy: For an extra-crispy crust, dredge the patties in flour, then in beaten eggs, then in flour again.
- Storage. Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Warm the patties in a pan or in the oven until heated through.
- Freeze. These chicken patties freeze well for longer storage. Arrange the cooked and cooled patties on a sheet pan and freeze. Once fully frozen, add to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat: Reheat the patties in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
