Chicken Patties (Easy Chicken Cakes)

These Chicken Patties are SO EASY! Crispy outside, cheesy inside, with fresh dill and lemon zest for a bright, comforting meal or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

4 cups shredded chicken from 2 large chicken breasts, about 16 oz by weight, cooked and shredded
2 large eggs to bind everything together
1/3 cup mayonnaise adds moisture and richness
1/3 cup all-purpose flour helps hold the patties
3 Tbsp fresh dill finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp parsley) for a fresh herbal note
3/4 tsp salt or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper just a touch for balance
1 tsp lemon zest plus lemon wedges to serve, brightens the flavor
1 1/3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, melty and delicious
2 Tbsp olive oil to sauté, divided, keeps the patties golden and crispy
1 cup Panko bread crumbs for extra crunch on the outside

Chicken Patties (Easy Chicken Cakes) in Steps

Start by shredding your cooked chicken breasts. You can use two forks or a stand mixer to get nice, fine shreds. Finely chop your fresh dill or parsley, and zest the lemon. Shred the mozzarella cheese and set everything aside for easy assembly.
In your large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, eggs, mayonnaise, flour, chopped dill, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and shredded mozzarella. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together but not too wet.
Sprinkle the Panko bread crumbs onto a plate. Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture and shape it into a round patty, about 3 inches in diameter. Press each patty gently into the Panko crumbs to coat the outside for that extra crunch.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties carefully, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil as needed for the second batch.
Serve your chicken patties warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, or you can get creative and serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy every bite of these cheesy, crispy delights!

For a different flavor, swap fresh dill with basil or cilantro.
Refrigerate formed patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold together better.
Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.