Irresistible Chicken Patties with Mozzarella

These Chicken Patties with Mozzarella are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and loaded with gooey melted cheese. Made with seasoned ground chicken, mozzarella, garlic, herbs, and a few simple pantry ingredients, they come together quickly and make a delicious family dinner, lunch, appetizer, or sandwich filling. Pan-frying gives the patties a beautifully golden crust while keeping the center moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Patties

• 1½ pounds ground chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking

Optional Extra Cheese Filling

• ½ cup mozzarella, cut into small cubes

For Serving

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Add the ground chicken to a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded mozzarella, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and mayonnaise.

Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

The mayonnaise helps keep the patties moist while cooking, while the mozzarella adds a delicious cheesy texture.

2. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for approximately 15–20 minutes.

This step is helpful because ground chicken can be softer and stickier than ground beef. Chilling makes the mixture easier to shape.

3. Shape the Patties

Lightly oil your hands. Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions.

Shape each portion into a round patty about ½–¾ inch thick.

If you’re adding an extra cheese center, flatten one portion, place a small cube of mozzarella in the middle, and carefully fold the chicken around it. Seal the edges completely before flattening gently into a patty.

4. Heat the Skillet

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to become hot but not smoking.

Place the chicken patties in the skillet, leaving enough room between them so they cook evenly.

Cook in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding the pan.

5. Cook the Chicken Patties

Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip them.

Continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through.

The internal temperature of ground chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

If the patties are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow them to finish cooking gently.

6. Make Them Extra Cheesy

For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little additional mozzarella over each patty during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking.

Cover the skillet briefly with a lid to help the cheese melt.

7. Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for about 3–5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Helpful Tips

Don’t overmix the chicken. Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overworking the mixture can make the patties dense.

Keep the patties evenly sized. This ensures they cook at the same rate and prevents some from becoming dry while others remain undercooked.

Use low-moisture mozzarella for the mixture if possible. It melts beautifully without releasing too much liquid.

For a crispy exterior, you can lightly coat the shaped patties with breadcrumbs before pan-frying.

You can also add finely chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or jalapeños for different variations.

Oven-Baked Version

If you prefer not to pan-fry the patties, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the center reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken patties are delicious served with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Fresh garden salad
• Rice or couscous
• Garlic bread
• Pasta with marinara sauce

You can also place them inside toasted burger buns with lettuce, tomato, mozzarella, and garlic mayo for an easy homemade chicken burger.

Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. An air fryer also works well for restoring their crispy exterior.

Meta Description

These irresistible Chicken Patties with Mozzarella are crispy outside, juicy inside, and packed with melted cheese, garlic, herbs, and flavorful seasonings.