Name: Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded chicken (from 2 large chicken breasts, approx. 16 oz by weight); 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp parsley); 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup Panko bread crumbs; 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided (for sautéing); Lemon wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe because it combines so many of my favorite flavors into one irresistibly tender and flavorful dish. These patties have a wonderful balance of juicy shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, fresh dill, and a bright hint of lemon zest that just sings on the palate. They are perfectly crispy on the outside yet cheesy and soft inside, making them a true comfort food with a fresh twist.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe

What I find so special about this recipe is its vibrant and fresh flavor profile. The lemon zest adds a lovely brightness, while the dill brings that classic herbal note that complements chicken so beautifully. The mozzarella cheese melts into the mixture creating pockets of gooey deliciousness surrounded by crispy Panko-crusted edges. Every bite has that perfect combination of textures and tastes that keeps me coming back for more.

Besides the flavor, the ease of preparation hooked me from the start. You just mix the ingredients in one bowl, refrigerate to help the patties hold their shape, and then pan-fry them to a golden perfection. Also, they’re incredibly versatile – I love serving these for casual weeknight dinners, bringing them to potlucks, or even making a batch for a crowd at family gatherings. Their beautiful balance of fresh and cheesy flavors makes them stand out from other chicken dishes I’ve tried.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A whole cooked chicken with golden-brown skin is placed on a white plate with two blue rings near the edges, positioned on the left side of the image. To the right, there are two eggs with smooth brown shells, a clear plastic container of fresh green dill, a metal measuring scoop filled with white flour, a clear glass bowl holding shredded white cheese, a white lemon, an orange bowl with creamy white mayonnaise, and a small white bowl filled with a light beige crumbly ingredient. All items sit on a wooden surface with a natural grain. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredient list is delightfully simple yet packs a punch. Each item is essential for providing texture, flavor, or the structural integrity needed for these patties to come together just right. I think you’ll be surprised how a few fresh and pantry staples can transform into such a special dish.

Shredded chicken: Using tender, shredded chicken breast creates the perfect base with a juicy, lean protein.
Large eggs: These bind everything together to make sure the patties hold their shape.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness which keeps the patties wonderfully soft inside.
All-purpose flour: Helps with binding and adds a subtle thickness to the mixture.
Fresh dill: Brings a bright, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with lemon and chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh citrus kick that lifts the entire flavor profile.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
Olive oil: For sautéing, it adds a mild fruity flavor while crisping the patties beautifully.
Panko bread crumbs: Create a wonderfully crunchy exterior that contrasts with the soft interior.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, flour, fresh dill, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will be the flavorful batter that binds the chicken and cheese.

Step 2: Fold in the shredded chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese gently but thoroughly, making sure all the chicken is well coated in the batter. This ensures every patty will have even distribution of cheese and herbs.

Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps firm up the mixture so it’s easier to shape the patties without them falling apart.

Step 4: Using a trigger release ice cream scoop or a large spoon, portion the mixture into 12 to 15 equal-sized balls. Gently flatten each ball into a patty about 1/2-inch thick, then dip both sides of each patty into the Panko bread crumbs, pressing lightly so they stick well.

Step 5: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add half of the patties carefully. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then repeat with the remaining patties.

Step 6: Once all patties are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Immediately sprinkle with a little more salt and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten all those flavors. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe yields about 14 patties, which is perfect for serving 12 to 14 people as an appetizer or about 6 to 8 people as a main dish, depending on portion sizes. The prep time is around 15 minutes, but remember to factor in the 30-minute chilling time. Cooking takes about 10 to 15 minutes total. Altogether, you’re looking at just about 1 hour from start to finish, making it wonderfully manageable even on busier days.

How to Serve This Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe

A close-up view of a golden brown fried crab cake being held and broken apart by two woman's hands, showing the inside layers filled with white crab meat mixed with small green herbs and creamy texture. The outside is a crispy, rough breadcrumb crust with nice browning, while the inside looks soft and moist. In the blurred background, more crab cakes with similar textures sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve these patties, I like to keep the accompaniments simple yet complementary so the focus stays on their wonderful flavor. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts bring some earthiness. Creamy mashed potatoes or even garlic buttered noodles are also fantastic for a heartier meal.

For garnishing, I love scattering extra fresh dill on top and serving with lemon wedges to brighten every bite. The fresh herbs and citrus not only add aroma but also make the presentation pop with color. Consider plating the patties on a rustic wooden board or a bright white plate to really highlight their golden crust.

When it comes to drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light, bubbly Prosecco pairs beautifully with the lemon and dill notes. For non-alcoholic options, iced green tea with lemon or a sparkling citrus soda balance the richness. These patties are equally perfect for casual weeknight dinners or more festive occasions like brunches, potlucks, or family gatherings, where they will surely impress served warm right off the skillet.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out regular all-purpose flour and Panko bread crumbs for gluten-free alternatives—I’ve found rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs work great and keep the texture just right. You could also use almond flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.

If you want to give the patties a flavor twist, try swapping out dill for fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon depending on what you have on hand. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a bit of finely chopped jalapeño gives it a nice smoky or spicy kick that’s very welcome when you want to mix things up. For a dairy-free or vegan approach, you could explore using a plant-based mozzarella and a flax egg substitute, but keep in mind the texture will be a bit different—still tasty, just a little more delicate.

Aside from pan-frying, I’ve also had great results baking these patties in a 400°F oven on a parchment-lined tray for about 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown evenly. This is an easy way to make a larger batch for entertaining without too much hands-on time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh batch, you can store any leftover patties in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. I find using containers with ventilation helps a bit to prevent sogginess, so sometimes I pop in some paper towels too to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing

This Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, arrange the uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray so they are not touching, and freeze until firm (around 1 to 2 hours). Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep at their best for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, just pan-fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes per side to ensure they’re cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat leftover cooked patties, I recommend warming them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small drizzle of olive oil. This helps restore their crispy exterior without drying them out. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the breadcrumbs soggy and the cheese rubbery. You could also reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisped back up.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works wonderfully, just shred it finely so it incorporates nicely into the batter. This recipe is a great way to reinvent leftover chicken into a fresh and exciting meal.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh dill?

If fresh dill isn’t available, you can use dried dill at about one-third of the amount or substitute fresh parsley for a different but still fresh herbal flavor. Both will offer a nice bright note, though fresh dill does give the recipe its distinctive character.

Is it necessary to chill the mixture before forming patties?

Yes, I highly recommend chilling for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the mixture, which makes shaping the patties easier and helps them hold together during cooking for perfect golden crusts.

Can I bake these patties instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! Baking at 400°F for around 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, is a great hands-off alternative that yields nicely browned and cooked patties.

How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?

The cooked patties should be golden brown on both sides and heated through. Since the chicken is already cooked and shredded, you’re mainly looking to get a nice crust and melt the cheese inside. A quick peek inside should show gooey cheese and no raw batter.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe enough. It’s a deliciously fresh, cheesy, and satisfying dish that feels special yet comes together so easily. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these patties offer a wonderful blend of comfort and brightness. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection just like they are in mine!