Homemade Chicken Patties Recipe (Easy Freezer Meal for Busy Weeknights)
If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly dinner that your whole family will love, these homemade chicken patties deserve a permanent spot in your meal rotation. They’re juicy, flavorful, freezer-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
I have a little family-owned meat market nearby that sells fresh chicken patties just like these. They’re one of my favorite weeknight shortcuts because they’re quick to cook and always delicious. I usually pick up extra to freeze for busy evenings when I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
However the other day, I decided to recreate them at home—and honestly, I think these are just as good…maybe even better!
Why I Don’t Use Ground Chicken
You might be wondering why I don’t simply use ground chicken. That is an option, but I wanted to make these with finely chopped chicken breast just like the ones I buy from the meat market. The small pieces of chicken give the patties a heartier, meatier texture. They’re tender, juicy, and have just the right amount of bite instead of the smoother texture you get from ground chicken. It’s a small difference, but one that really makes these chicken sandwiches stand out.
Make Ahead Chicken Patties
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs. chicken breast chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (green part only)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 hamburger buns
- lettuce optional
- sliced tomato optional
- sliced cheese optional
Instructions
- Combine the chicken, green pepper, onion, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Spray ten wax paper pieces with cooking spray and lay out on the counter (spray side up).
- Place 1/2 cup of chicken mixture onto five pieces of wax paper. Flatten the chicken mixture with your fingers so it is evenly flat and top each chicken pattie with wax paper (sprayed side down). Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
- Heat the oven on Broil. Spray sheet pan with cooking spray. Remove the wax paper and place the chicken patties on the sheet pan. Place the sheet pan on the center rack of the oven. Broil for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Flip the patties over and cook for 3 - 6 minutes or until lightly browned. (The chicken is done when the juices run clear.)
- You can also cook the chicken patties on the grill about 5 minutes on each side over medium heat. (Every grill is different, so watch carefully. Remove the chicken from the grill when the juices run clear.)
Notes
- Label the freezer bags. (Include the cooking directions on each bag).
- Place the chicken patties in freezer bags removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze up to 2 months. If you use a vacuum sealer, they can be frozen up to 9 months.
- Thaw the chicken patties in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking them.
A Freezer Meal You’ll Actually Look Forward To
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it freezes.
This recipe makes five generous chicken patties, making it perfect for meal prep. Cook them ahead of time or freeze them uncooked—either way, you’ll have an easy homemade dinner ready whenever you need it.
I like to package three patties in a quart-size freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before freezing. They’re easy to thaw overnight in the refrigerator or cook straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Having homemade meals ready in the freezer makes busy weeknights much less stressful, and it’s a delicious alternative to grabbing fast food on the way home.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Patties
These patties are incredibly versatile. My favorite way to enjoy them is on a toasted bun with:
- Crisp lettuce
- Fresh tomato
- Mayonnaise
If you want to dress them up, they’re also fantastic topped with:
- Crispy bacon
- Sliced avocado
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Swiss, provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese
- Caramelized onions
- Pickles
- Honey mustard or garlic aioli
- Barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce
Pair them with baked potato wedges, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or fresh fruit for an easy family dinner.
Tips for the Best Chicken Patties
- Finely chop the chicken into small, even pieces so the patties hold together well.
- Don’t overmix the mixture or the patties can become dense.
- Cook until the outside is beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make a double batch—you’ll be glad you did once your freezer is stocked.
Homemade chicken patties are one of those recipes that prove simple food is often the best. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without relying on takeout.
Once you try these, you may find yourself making an extra batch every time just to keep your freezer stocked…enjoy!
