These Chicken Patties with Mozzarella are juicy, flavorful, and packed with gooey cheese in every bite! Perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a sandwich filling, these patties are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Surprise: Melted mozzarella oozes out of every bite.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish, slider, or snack.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: A surefire hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (or cilantro)
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed or shredded)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Optional Toppings and Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Marinara sauce or sour cream for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Patty Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist but hold together. If too sticky, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
- Take a small handful of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it into a disc in your hand.
- Place a piece of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the mixture around the cheese, sealing it completely.
- Gently flatten the patty and repeat with the remaining mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the patties in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from the skillet and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
- Arrange the patties on a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or sour cream.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Patties
- Keep the Mozzarella Sealed: Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed in the chicken mixture to prevent it from leaking out while cooking.
- Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for chicken.
- Bake Instead of Fry: For a healthier version, bake the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add Heat: Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne in the mix.
Why These Patties Are a Crowd-Pleaser
- Cheese Factor: The melty mozzarella makes these patties irresistible.
- Easy to Customize: Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or other mix-ins for variety.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead and reheat for quick meals.
Nutritional Information (Per Patty)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
These Irresistible Chicken Patties with Mozzarella are a flavorful, cheesy, and versatile addition to any meal. Whether served as a main dish, an appetizer, or a sandwich filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these patties are perfect for any occasion!