Crispy Shredded Chicken Patties
These golden, crispy shredded chicken patties are packed with cheesy flavor and come together in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect easy chicken dinner the whole family will love.
The Easiest Crispy Chicken Patties You Will Ever Make
If you have been searching for a reliable go-to chicken dinner recipe that practically makes itself, you have just found it. These crispy shredded chicken patties are everything a weeknight meal should be: fast, satisfying, genuinely delicious, and flexible enough to work with whatever cooked chicken you have on hand. Whether you are using leftover rotisserie chicken, a batch of poached breasts, or even a can of chicken from the pantry, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly craveable.
Think of these as the best chicken burgers recipe you never knew you needed. Golden and crisp on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside, they hit the table in under 35 minutes from start to finish. Serve them on toasted buns for proper chicken burgers, slice them over a salad, or eat them straight off the pan with a dipping sauce. No wrong answers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This is one of those chicken dishes recipes that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation for good reason:
- Endlessly versatile. Use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or any leftover cooked chicken.
- Kid-approved. The cheesy, crispy exterior wins over even the pickiest eaters.
- Budget-friendly. Ground chicken recipes can get pricey, but stretching shredded or canned chicken goes much further.
- Meal-prep friendly. Shape the patties ahead and cook them when you need dinner fast.
A Few Ingredients and Tools Worth Getting Right
For patties this good, a couple of details really matter. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones gives you a noticeably crunchier crust, and a heavy non-stick or cast iron skillet ensures even browning without sticking. The right pan genuinely makes the difference between a pale, sad patty and one with that gorgeous golden crust.
Tips for the Best Chicken Patties Every Time
These cheesy chicken patties come together quickly, but a few small habits will take yours from good to outstanding:
Dry your chicken. This is the single most important step. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy patty. If using canned chicken, drain it and then press it between paper towels. If using shredded rotisserie chicken, make sure it is not wet from any added juices.
Do not skip the mayo. It sounds unexpected, but two tablespoons of mayonnaise adds just enough fat and moisture to keep the patties from turning dense or dry inside while staying crisp outside.
Cook in batches. Crowding the skillet drops the oil temperature and leads to steaming instead of frying. Give each patty space and let it develop a real crust before flipping.
Chef's Tip: Resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula while they cook. Let them sit undisturbed for the full 4 to 5 minutes per side and you will be rewarded with a crust that releases naturally from the pan.
Serving Ideas for These Chicken Burgers
Once you have mastered the base recipe, the variations are endless. Here are a few favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic chicken burgers on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of chipotle mayo
- Dinner plate style alongside roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes
- Salad topper sliced over a Caesar or simple green salad
- Meal prep bowls with rice, roasted corn, and avocado
These are the kind of easy chicken dinner recipes that quietly become a household staple because they are just that adaptable.
Ready to bring these crispy, cheesy chicken patties to your table? Here is everything you need:
Crispy Shredded Chicken Patties
These golden, crispy shredded chicken patties are packed with cheesy flavor and come together in under 30 minutes, making them the perfect easy chicken dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie, poached, or canned chicken all work great
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar preferred
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, panko preferred for extra crunch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise, helps bind and adds moisture
- 3 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil, for pan-frying
Instruction
Add the shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. If using canned chicken, drain it thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
Add the shredded cheddar, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and mayonnaise to the bowl.
Mix everything together until a cohesive mixture forms. It should hold its shape when pressed. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs at a time until it firms up.
Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about 0.75 inch thick.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Cook the patties in batches, 4 to 5 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crispy on the outside and heated through. Avoid crowding the pan.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or on toasted burger buns.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large non-stick or cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
Notes
Storing and Reheating
Leftover patties store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, skip the microwave and go straight for a skillet over medium-low heat or an air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 4 to 5 minutes. Both methods bring back the crispy exterior that makes these so satisfying. You can also freeze fully cooked patties for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
