Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe
These Easy Chicken Patties are savory, cheesy, and perfectly crispy with a fresh hint of dill and lemon zest. Made with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, these quick stovetop-cooked patties make a delicious appetizer or main dish. Ready in about an hour and serving 14, they’re perfect for a flavorful, protein-packed meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken (from 2 large chicken breasts, 16 oz by weight)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp parsley)
- 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste (divided)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest until well combined.
- Mix with chicken and cheese: Add the shredded chicken and 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese to the batter. Stir thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up, which helps with shaping the patties.
- Form patties and coat: Using a trigger release ice cream scoop, portion the mixture into 12 to 15 equal cakes. Shape each into a 1/2-inch thick patty. Dip both sides of each patty into the Panko bread crumbs, fully coating them.
- Sauté the patties: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté half of the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Add more olive oil as needed. Repeat with the remaining patties.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the patties from heat. Sprinkle with additional salt to taste and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Using fresh dill brightens the flavor, but parsley can be substituted if preferred.
- Chilling the mixture before forming patties is key to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
- Adjust salt amount based on taste preference and the saltiness of cheese.
- Panko bread crumbs provide a crispy texture; regular bread crumbs will yield a softer crust.
- Leftover patties can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
