You know, there’s something about homemade chicken patties that brings back memories of my childhood. My mom used to whip them up during those cozy Sunday nights when everyone was just chilling around the kitchen. And let me tell ya, nothing beats the smell of sizzling chicken filling the house! I remember sneaking bits of chicken when no one was looking – a habit I still haven’t kicked, to be honest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I make these whenever I’m in a pinch for time but still want something homemade and comforting. My family goes nuts for them – they’re a hit at our little get-togethers (and they pretend not to notice the one or two patties I’ve snuck away for myself). Plus, they’re super adaptable, so if you forgot an ingredient or two, no worries.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients List)
- 500g ground chicken (or turkey, if that’s lurking in your fridge)
- 1 egg (I sometimes skip this if I run out – shh!)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (or use that leftover spring onion)
- A handful of breadcrumbs (or oatmeal, if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (my garlic press is my lifesaver)
- 1 tsp salt (or just a good pinch, who’s counting?)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp paprika or any spice you’re feeling adventurous with
How to Make ‘Em (Directions)
- First things first, toss all the ingredients into a bowl and mix them up – this is messy, but kinda therapeutic. And don’t panic if it looks a bit sticky. It always does!
- Form the mixture into patties. I like ’em about the size of my palm, but go with your gut.
- Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pop the patties in (this is where I sneak a quick taste from the bowl) and cook until golden brown on each side – about 5 minutes per side usually does the trick.
- Drain them on a paper towel, if you’re feeling health-conscious. But really, who am I kidding?
Some Notes from My Kitchen
If you’re making these for the first time, don’t worry if the patties fall apart a bit. Just add more breadcrumbs next time. And if you find they’re a bit dry, maybe add a splash of milk or a spoon of yogurt.
Variations I’ve Tried
I once added grated zucchini to sneak in some veggies – the kids didn’t notice a thing! But do NOT try olives. Trust me on this one.
Equipment You Can Get By Without
No skillet? Just bake them in the oven at 375°F on a greased tray for about 20 minutes. And if you don’t have a garlic press, just smash the garlic with whatever you’ve got handy. It’s all good.
Storing the Leftovers
You can keep these in the fridge for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day – they just disappear!
How I Serve Them Up
I love serving these with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple salad. Sometimes, if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll whip up a quick mayo-based sauce, just for dipping.
My Pro Tips (Learned the Hard Way)
I once tried rushing the cooking step and ended up with patties that were crispy outside but raw inside. Take your time, it’s worth it!
FAQs
Can I freeze these? Sure thing – just layer ’em with parchment paper and they should be fine for a couple of months.
What if I don’t have an egg? No worries, just add a bit more breadcrumbs to bind everything.
Any other spices I can try? Oh, definitely! Try some cumin or coriander if you’re feeling adventurous.