These juicy chicken patties are made with lean ground chicken, egg, Greek yogurt, garlic, and herbs instead of breadcrumbs. They’re high in protein, relatively low in carbohydrates, and work well for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Yield

6 large patties

Approximate nutrition per patty

Using 98% lean ground chicken:

  • Calories: 140–160
  • Protein: 24–27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2–3 g
  • Fat: 4–5 g
  • Fiber: <1 g

Nutrition varies according to the brand and leanness of the chicken.

🛒 Ingredients

For the chicken patties

  • 1 lb (454 g) 98% lean ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
    • or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, optional
  • Cooking spray, preferably olive oil or avocado oil

Optional flavor additions

Choose one or two:

  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the onion and garlic

Finely chop the onion so that the pieces are very small. This is important because large pieces can make the patties difficult to shape.

Mince the garlic very finely.

Tip: If you want an especially smooth patty, you can grate the onion instead of chopping it.

2. Make the chicken mixture

Add the following to a large mixing bowl:

  • Ground chicken
  • Egg
  • Greek yogurt
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Parsley
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Oregano, if using

Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together.

Don’t overmix. Mix only until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Overmixing can make chicken patties dense and chewy.

3. Chill the mixture

For easier shaping, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.

This step is optional, but it makes the mixture less sticky and helps the patties hold their shape.

4. Form the patties

Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions.

Shape each portion into a patty approximately:

  • 1/2 inch thick
  • 3–4 inches wide

Because ground chicken is quite soft, slightly wet your hands with water before shaping each patty.

Important: Don’t make the patties too thick, or the outside may brown before the center is cooked.

🍳 Stovetop Cooking Method

This is my preferred method because it gives the patties a nicely browned exterior.

5. Heat the pan

Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray.

Allow the pan to heat for about 1–2 minutes.

6. Cook the patties

Place the patties in the skillet, leaving a little space between them.

Cook for approximately:

4–5 minutes on the first side

Then carefully flip.

Cook another:

4–5 minutes on the second side

The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your patties.

7. Check the temperature

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of:

165°F (74°C)

Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the patty.

Don’t rely only on the outside color because ground chicken can look cooked before the center reaches a safe temperature.

8. Rest the patties

Remove the cooked patties from the pan and let them rest for 2–3 minutes.

This helps retain their juices.

🔥 Oven-Baked Method

If you’re making a large batch for meal prep, baking is very convenient.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Lightly spray the parchment.
  4. Arrange the patties in a single layer.
  5. Lightly spray the tops.
  6. Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes.
  7. Flip halfway through.
  8. Check that the center reaches 165°F (74°C).

For extra browning, place them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

🍟 Air Fryer Method

The air fryer works particularly well for these patties.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly spray the basket.
  3. Place patties in a single layer.
  4. Cook for approximately 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Check the thickest patty with a thermometer.
  6. Remove once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

🥗 Low-Carb Serving Ideas

For a genuinely low-carb meal, skip the traditional bun and try:

Option 1 — Lettuce Burger

Place the chicken patty between large lettuce leaves and add:

  • Tomato
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce
  • Mustard
  • Greek-yogurt sauce

Option 2 — Protein Bowl

Add:

  • 1–2 chicken patties
  • Lettuce or spinach
  • Cucumber
  • Tomato
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Avocado
  • Greek-yogurt dressing

Option 3 — Chicken & Vegetables

Serve with:

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Zucchini
  • Green beans
  • Mushrooms

Option 4 — Breakfast

Serve a chicken patty with:

  • Scrambled egg whites
  • Whole egg
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Low-carb vegetables

This makes a very high-protein breakfast without needing bread.

🥣 High-Protein Garlic Yogurt Sauce

This is excellent with the patties.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Pinch of salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoons water to thin

Mix everything together and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.

The sauce adds creaminess and extra protein without needing mayonnaise.

💪 How to Make Them Even Higher Protein

If your priority is maximum protein with minimal carbs, use:

  • 98% lean ground chicken
  • Nonfat Greek yogurt
  • Egg whites in addition to the whole egg
  • Minimal onion
  • No breadcrumbs
  • No flour
  • No regular bun

Extra-high-protein version

Use:

  • 1 lb 98% lean ground chicken
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
  • Seasonings and herbs

This will increase the protein while keeping carbohydrates very low.

🧊 Meal Prep & Storage

These patties are excellent for meal prep.

Refrigerator

Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer

Allow cooked patties to cool completely, then place parchment between them and freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag.

For best quality, use within approximately 2–3 months.

Reheating

Microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet/air fryer to help maintain the browned exterior.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

Mexican-style

Add:

  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Cilantro
  • Jalapeño

Serve with salsa and Greek yogurt.

Italian-style

Add:

  • Italian seasoning
  • Oregano
  • Basil
  • Garlic
  • A small amount of Parmesan

Spicy chicken

Add:

  • Crushed red pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne
  • Garlic

Serve with a Greek-yogurt hot sauce.

Mediterranean

Add:

  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Garlic
  • Lemon zest

Serve with cucumber and Greek yogurt.

⭐ The Key to Juicy Low-Carb Chicken Patties

Since we’re removing breadcrumbs, don’t leave out the Greek yogurt. The yogurt helps compensate for the moisture that breadcrumbs would normally contribute and keeps the lean chicken from becoming dry.

Also, don’t overcook them. Once the center reaches 165°F/74°C, take them off the heat.

For the best combination of high protein + low carbs + good texture, I’d use 98% lean ground chicken + 1 whole egg + 2 tbsp nonfat Greek yogurt + plenty of garlic/herbs, with no breadcrumbs or flour.