Oven-Baked Cheesy Chicken Patties

I’m These Oven-Baked Cheesy Chicken Patties are golden and lightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender, juicy, and flavorful in the center.

 

 

 

 

They are made with ground chicken, melted cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and simple seasonings. Instead of standing over a skillet and frying several batches, you can arrange the patties on one baking sheet and let the oven do most of the work.

 

 

 

 

This easy chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, meal preparation, school lunches, sandwiches, wraps, or a protein-rich snack. Serve the patties with salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite dipping sauce.

 

 

 

 

Why You Will Love These Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

These baked chicken patties are simple, versatile, and family-friendly.

 

 

 

 

You will love them because they are:

 

 

 

 

Golden and flavorful

 

 

 

 

Tender and juicy inside

 

 

 

 

Baked instead of deep-fried

 

 

 

 

Easy to prepare on one sheet pan

 

 

 

 

Ready in about 35 minutes

 

 

 

 

Perfect for meal preparation

 

 

 

 

Freezer-friendly

 

 

 

 

Delicious in sandwiches and wraps

 

 

 

 

Easy to customize with different cheeses and herbs

 

 

 

 

The cheese adds flavor and moisture, while the breadcrumbs and egg help the patties hold their shape.

 

 

 

 

Recipe Information

 

 

 

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

 

 

 

 

Cook Time: 20–24 minutes

 

 

 

 

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

 

 

 

 

Servings: 8–10 patties

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

 

 

 

 

2 pounds ground chicken

 

 

 

 

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

 

 

 

 

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

 

 

 

¾ cup breadcrumbs

 

 

 

 

2 large eggs

 

 

 

 

⅓ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt

 

 

 

 

3 green onions, finely chopped

 

 

 

 

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

 

 

 

 

3 garlic cloves, minced

 

 

 

 

1 teaspoon onion powder

 

 

 

 

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

 

 

 

 

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

 

 

 

 

½ teaspoon salt

 

 

 

 

½ teaspoon black pepper

 

 

 

 

2 tablespoons olive oil

 

 

 

 

Cooking spray for the baking sheet

 

 

 

 

Optional Dipping Sauce

 

 

 

 

½ cup mayonnaise

 

 

 

 

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

 

 

 

 

1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

 

 

 

1 small garlic clove, finely grated

 

 

 

 

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

 

 

 

 

Salt and black pepper to taste

 

 

 

 

The Best Ground Chicken to Use

 

 

 

 

Ground chicken can vary significantly in fat content.

 

 

 

 

Very lean ground chicken breast may produce patties that are slightly dry. A blend containing both breast and thigh meat usually creates a juicier and more flavorful result.

 

 

 

 

When purchasing ground chicken, look for meat that appears fresh and evenly colored.

 

 

 

 

Keep it refrigerated until you are ready to prepare the recipe.

 

 

 

 

Do not leave raw chicken at room temperature for an extended period.

 

 

 

 

Ground turkey can also be used with the same basic instructions.

 

 

 

 

Choosing the Best Cheese

 

 

 

 

Mozzarella melts smoothly and gives the patties a mild, creamy flavor.

 

 

 

 

Cheddar creates a sharper taste and deeper golden color.

 

 

 

 

Parmesan adds a savory, slightly salty flavor and helps create a lightly crisp surface.

 

 

 

 

Other cheeses that work well include:

 

 

 

 

Monterey Jack

 

 

 

 

Colby Jack

 

 

 

 

Pepper Jack

 

 

 

 

Gouda

 

 

 

 

Provolone

 

 

 

 

Swiss cheese

 

 

 

 

Asiago

 

 

 

 

You can combine two or three cheeses.

 

 

 

 

Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese, although either option can work.

 

 

 

 

Breadcrumb Options

 

 

 

 

Regular breadcrumbs create a soft and uniform texture.

 

 

 

 

Panko breadcrumbs produce a slightly lighter and crispier patty.

 

 

 

 

Seasoned breadcrumbs add extra herbs and salt, so reduce the other seasonings slightly when using them.

 

 

 

 

Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.

 

 

 

 

Crushed crackers may also work, but the patties may taste saltier depending on the type of cracker.

 

 

 

 

How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

Preheat the Oven

 

 

 

 

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

 

 

 

 

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

 

 

 

 

Lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil.

 

 

 

 

A greased surface helps the patties brown and prevents them from sticking.

 

 

 

 

Prepare the Chicken Mixture

 

 

 

 

Place the ground chicken inside a large mixing bowl.

 

 

 

 

Add the shredded cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, green onions, parsley, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

 

 

 

 

Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

 

 

 

 

Avoid mixing for too long.

 

 

 

 

Overworking ground chicken can create patties that are dense rather than tender.

 

 

 

 

The mixture should be moist and slightly sticky while still firm enough to shape.

 

 

 

 

Adjust the Consistency

 

 

 

 

If the chicken mixture feels too wet, add one or two tablespoons of breadcrumbs.

 

 

 

 

Mix gently and allow it to rest for several minutes.

 

 

 

 

If the mixture feels too dry, add one tablespoon of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or milk.

 

 

 

 

Different brands of ground chicken and breadcrumbs absorb moisture differently, so small adjustments may be necessary.

 

 

 

 

Allow the Mixture to Rest

 

 

 

 

Let the chicken mixture rest for approximately 10 minutes.

 

 

 

 

This gives the breadcrumbs time to absorb moisture.

 

 

 

 

The resting period also makes the mixture easier to shape and helps the patties remain together while baking.

 

 

 

 

For even easier handling, refrigerate the mixture for 15–20 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Shape the Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

Lightly wet or oil your hands.

 

 

 

 

Divide the mixture into eight to ten equal portions.

 

 

 

 

Shape each portion into a round patty approximately ½ inch thick.

 

 

 

 

Try to make all the patties similar in size so they cook evenly.

 

 

 

 

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.

 

 

 

 

Leave a little space between each patty.

 

 

 

 

Brush With Olive Oil

 

 

 

 

Brush the tops lightly with olive oil.

 

 

 

 

You can also use cooking spray.

 

 

 

 

The small amount of oil helps the patties develop an attractive golden surface in the oven.

 

 

 

 

Do not pour too much oil over them, or the coating may become greasy.

 

 

 

 

Bake the Patties

 

 

 

 

Bake the chicken patties for approximately 10–12 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Carefully turn each patty using a thin spatula.

 

 

 

 

Return the pan to the oven.

 

 

 

 

Bake for another 10–12 minutes.

 

 

 

 

The patties should be golden on both sides and fully cooked in the center.

 

 

 

 

Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a food thermometer.

 

 

 

 

Broil for Extra Browning

 

 

 

 

For a darker and crispier surface, place the patties under the broiler for one or two minutes after baking.

 

 

 

 

Watch them continuously.

 

 

 

 

The cheese and edges can brown quickly under direct heat.

 

 

 

 

Remove the pan as soon as the tops develop golden spots.

 

 

 

 

Allow the Patties to Rest

 

 

 

 

Let the patties rest on the baking sheet for approximately five minutes.

 

 

 

 

The juices will redistribute through the meat, helping the centers remain moist.

 

 

 

 

Resting also makes the patties easier to lift without breaking.

 

 

 

 

How to Make the Dipping Sauce

 

 

 

 

Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, grated garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

 

 

 

 

Stir until smooth.

 

 

 

 

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

 

 

 

 

Refrigerate the sauce until serving.

 

 

 

 

For a thinner sauce, add one or two teaspoons of water or milk.

 

 

 

 

Tips for Juicy Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

Do Not Use Only Extremely Lean Chicken

 

 

 

 

A small amount of fat helps keep the patties tender.

 

 

 

 

When using very lean chicken breast, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, cheese, and eggs become especially important.

 

 

 

 

Avoid Overmixing

 

 

 

 

Mix the ingredients only until combined.

 

 

 

 

Overmixing can make ground chicken dense and firm.

 

 

 

 

Keep the Patties Similar in Size

 

 

 

 

Evenly sized patties finish baking at approximately the same time.

 

 

 

 

Do Not Overbake

 

 

 

 

Ground chicken must be fully cooked, but leaving it in the oven too long can dry it out.

 

 

 

 

Use a thermometer and remove the patties once the center reaches 165°F.

 

 

 

 

Use Cheese for Moisture

 

 

 

 

Shredded cheese melts through the chicken mixture and helps create a softer texture.

 

 

 

 

Let the Mixture Rest

 

 

 

 

The breadcrumbs need time to absorb moisture.

 

 

 

 

This helps the patties hold together and improves their texture.

 

 

 

 

Air-Fryer Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.

 

 

 

 

Lightly grease the basket.

 

 

 

 

Arrange the patties in a single layer, leaving space between them.

 

 

 

 

Spray or brush the tops lightly with oil.

 

 

 

 

Air-fry for approximately eight minutes.

 

 

 

 

Turn the patties and continue cooking for another five to seven minutes.

 

 

 

 

Check that the centers reach 165°F.

 

 

 

 

Cook in batches when necessary.

 

 

 

 

Skillet Instructions

 

 

 

 

Heat one or two tablespoons of oil inside a large skillet over medium heat.

 

 

 

 

Add the patties without overcrowding the pan.

 

 

 

 

Cook for approximately five to six minutes on the first side.

 

 

 

 

Turn carefully and cook for another five to six minutes.

 

 

 

 

Reduce the heat if the outside browns too quickly.

 

 

 

 

Make sure the centers reach 165°F before serving.

 

 

 

 

Spicy Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

For a spicy variation, add one or more of the following:

 

 

 

 

Finely chopped jalapeño

 

 

 

 

Crushed red pepper flakes

 

 

 

 

Cayenne pepper

 

 

 

 

Hot sauce

 

 

 

 

Pepper Jack cheese

 

 

 

 

Chopped green chilies

 

 

 

 

Chipotle powder

 

 

 

 

Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preferred heat level.

 

 

 

 

Serve spicy chicken patties with ranch dressing, avocado sauce, or sour cream.

 

 

 

 

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Patties

 

 

 

 

Increase the grated Parmesan to ¾ cup.

 

 

 

 

Add another minced garlic clove.

 

 

 

 

Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the patties before baking.

 

 

 

 

After removing them from the oven, brush the tops lightly with melted garlic butter.

 

 

 

 

Serve with marinara sauce or creamy garlic dip.