These juicy chicken and veggie patties are a weeknight lifesaver! Made with lean ground chicken and packed with finely chopped veggies, they’re a delicious way to get nutritious food onto your family’s plates without complaints. Whether your kids are picky eaters or adventurous ones, these soft, flavorful bites are always a hit.
They’re super quick to throw together, freezer-friendly, and customizable, swap the carrots for zucchini or add cheese for an extra kick. Serve them with dipping sauces, stuff them into mini sliders, or toss them into a lunchbox for an easy on-the-go meal. Moms and dads, this one’s for you: fewer battles, more happy plates.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
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1 egg
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1/2 cup shredded carrots
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1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt (optional if serving for toddlers)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan frying)
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, shredded carrots, chopped spinach, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Using your hands or a scoop, form small patties (about 2 inches wide) and set aside on a plate.
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Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
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Add patties to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F/74°C).
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Remove and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Serve warm with dipping sauce, veggies, or rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 165 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why These Juicy Chicken Veggie Patties Are a Must-Try for Every Family
If there’s one thing busy parents crave at mealtime, it’s simplicity without sacrificing health or flavor. That’s exactly why these Juicy Chicken Veggie Patties have quickly become a household favorite for so many families. Easy to prepare, packed with protein, and loaded with hidden vegetables, these patties are ideal for everything from toddler finger foods to adult meal-prep containers.
Let’s explore why this humble chicken and veggie combo deserves a permanent place in your weekly meal rotation.
A Healthy and Kid-Approved Alternative
One of the most common struggles parents face is getting their kids to eat vegetables, especially when they’re in their picky phases. These chicken veggie patties are the answer to that dinner table dilemma. By finely chopping or grating vegetables like carrots, spinach, and onions, you can “hide” them within the patties. The result? A delicious, tender bite that kids genuinely enjoy and parents feel great about serving.
Ground chicken is a fantastic lean protein source. It’s lower in fat compared to beef or pork, and it’s easy to digest, making it suitable even for younger children. Combining it with veggies increases the fiber and vitamin content, helping to support healthy digestion, immunity, and growth.
Versatile and Customizable
Another beautiful feature of this recipe is how adaptable it is to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are a few ways you can personalize your chicken veggie patties:
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Swap the veggies: No carrots or spinach? Use zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, or peas. Grate, mince, or finely chop them to blend in easily.
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Change the seasoning: Add Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist, cumin and paprika for a smoky flair, or curry powder for a mild Indian-style flavor.
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Make it dairy-friendly: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to boost flavor and give the patties a melty interior.
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Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Whether your family prefers classic flavors or loves trying new ones, this recipe is a great canvas.
Freezer-Friendly for Busy Days
We all have those nights when cooking from scratch just isn’t realistic. The good news? These patties freeze like a dream. After cooking, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave. You’ll have a healthy, homemade meal on the table in minutes, without resorting to takeout.
Lunchbox-Ready and Perfect for Meal Prep
These patties aren’t just for dinner. They’re perfect for meal prep and make an excellent addition to lunchboxes. Pair them with rice, a side of steamed veggies, or even wrap them in flatbread for a wholesome lunch. They also fit neatly into bento boxes for kids, making them ideal for school meals or snacks between activities.
They reheat beautifully and maintain their juicy texture, especially when warmed in a skillet or toaster oven. You can even eat them cold if needed, they’re that good.
Cooking Methods to Suit Your Lifestyle
While pan-frying gives the patties a lovely golden crust, there are other methods you can try depending on your kitchen setup and dietary goals:
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Air Fryer: Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Oven Baking: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.
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Grill or Griddle: These patties hold up well on a stovetop grill pan or electric griddle, great for larger batch cooking.
Each method works well, and you can experiment to find the texture your family enjoys most.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
These chicken veggie patties are a blank canvas when it comes to pairing options. Here are a few serving suggestions that elevate them from simple patties to full, well-rounded meals:
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As sliders: Add to mini burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a healthy take on chicken sliders.
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With grains: Serve alongside quinoa, couscous, or brown rice and a dollop of hummus or tzatziki.
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In wraps: Roll up in a whole wheat tortilla with shredded lettuce, cucumber, and Greek yogurt sauce for a healthy lunch.
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Topped with eggs: For a protein-packed breakfast or brunch, top with a poached or fried egg and serve with sautéed greens.
You can even serve them as finger food for parties, just add toothpicks and a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or yogurt dill.
Tips for Perfect Patties Every Time
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Don’t overwork the meat: Mix just until combined to keep the patties light and tender.
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Use your hands: Wearing food-safe gloves helps you form evenly sized patties without sticking.
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Test before batch cooking: Cook one patty first to check seasoning, then adjust the remaining mix if needed.
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Let them rest: Allow patties to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juices and enhances flavor.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
From toddlers to teens, these patties are beloved across age groups. Adults appreciate their balanced nutrition and flavor, while kids love their mild, comforting taste. Even picky eaters can’t resist the crispy outside and juicy center.
They’re also great for hosting, easy to prepare in advance and keep warm during gatherings or potlucks. If you need a gluten-free, nut-free, or dairy-free option for guests, the base recipe is naturally friendly to most dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
The beauty of these Juicy Chicken Veggie Patties lies in their simplicity, flexibility, and universal appeal. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, meal prepping for yourself, or whipping up a quick dinner after work, this recipe is a wholesome solution that doesn’t skimp on taste. By incorporating a rainbow of vegetables into each bite, you’re nourishing your family with real ingredients while making mealtime easy and enjoyable.
So next time you’re wondering what to make with that pack of ground chicken in the fridge, give these patties a try. Chances are, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too.