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Spicy chicken patties {Paleo, Whole30} (+ video)

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Spicy chicken patties are a really simple, easy recipe and can be used for wraps, salads, sliders, with a sauce or alongside some eggs with breakfast. Paleo, gluten-free and whole 30-approved, these patties will become a new favorite!Spicy chicken patties are a really simple, easy recipe and can be used for wraps, salads, sliders, with a sauce or alongside some eggs with breakfast. Paleo, gluten-free and whole 30-approved, these patties will become a new favorite! #whole30recipes #paleorecipes #healthychickenrecipes #simplechickenrecipes | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

I’m freshly back from Costa Rica and wow, you guys…

We had a seriously amazing time. My husband and I were celebrating our 10-year anniversary and just loved every minute!

We had some beach time, rode ATVs and did an amazing canopy zip line tour followed by a waterfall hike, traveled inland to the Arenal Volcano area (and hiked to the volcano), horseback riding through the rainforest, hot springs and so much more.

It was a quick trip but we packed so much in, it felt luxuriously long! 💕

We got back late last night and while I’m not exactly ready to dive into work this week, I’m putting on my big girl underwear and pushing through… so on we go!

Today’s recipe for these spicy chicken patties is for all of you who are doing a paleo, gluten-free or whole 30 diet this year.

I am not one of you, but I did briefly consider doing whole 30 this January. A friend was doing it and I knew I’d have the support.

But I also knew I’d have the Costa Rica trip in the middle of it. So that seemed like a terrible idea. 😂

Overhead shot of spicy chicken patties piled up on a plate and served with a creamy mustard dipping sauce in a bowl

But I have made some tweaks this month and gotten back to my cleaner eating ways after the holidays.

And I wanted to share with you one of my easy favorites that is super versatile.

These spicy chicken patties are based on my 5-ingredient zucchini turkey burgers and are an easy addition to a paleo lunch, part of a gluten-free dinner and even a fun whole30 breakfast. (See below for ALL the ways you can serve them. 😊)

Stack of three spicy chicken patties on a plate with a dollop of a creamy mustard sauce and a green napkin underneath

They are just ground chicken, zucchini and some spices — no bread/flour or egg needed — and they come out so juicy and flavorful!

And just to note, these are just a tad bit spicy. It’s a subtle heat at the end that gives them a lovely little kick. 🌶

You can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your tastes or leave it out altogether.

(If I’m making these for the kids, I skip the cayenne and just serve mine with hot sauce or sriracha sauce. Love the spicy!)

Spicy chicken patties are a really simple, easy recipe and can be used for wraps, salads, sliders, with a sauce or alongside some eggs with breakfast. Paleo, gluten-free and whole 30-approved, these patties will become a new favorite! #whole30recipes #paleorecipes #healthychickenrecipes #simplechickenrecipes | www.familyfoodonthetable.com

Ways to serve these spicy chicken patties:

  • You can serve these with your favorite dip: honey mustard, a creamy Dijon and Greek yogurt mix, BBQ sauce, hummus or Ranch dressing.
  • These patties are also great for lettuce wraps, regular wraps and in pita pockets.
  • You can serve these as sliders and add your favorite toppings: cheese, lettuce and tomato, ketchup, pickles, etc.
  • They also make a great protein option atop a grain bowl.
  • These salads also go great over a salad as a lunch or dinnertime protein.
  • They work great with breakfast too! I love these spicy chicken patties as a healthier alternative to sausage patties, with some scrambled eggs and veggies in the morning.

A single spicy chicken patty dipped into a creamy mustard sauce and being held up with a plate of chicken patties in the background Spicy chicken patties on a massaged winter kale salad with walnuts, pomegranates and feta cheese

(The patties above are on a bowl of my massaged winter kale salad with pomegranates, feta and walnuts. Hello lunch! 😍)

I hope you give these paleo spicy chicken patties a try! They are sure to help keep your meals interesting, which is the best way to stick to any healthy eating plan.

Happy cooking!

XO,

Kathryn

P.S. Check out my new VIDEO and watch me make this recipe!

Yield: 10-12 patties

Spicy chicken patties

Spicy chicken patties

Spicy chicken patties are a really simple, easy recipe and can be used for wraps, salads, sliders, with a sauce or alongside some eggs with breakfast.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground chicken (I use 90% lean)
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed well of excess moisture (should be about 1/2 cup after squeezed out)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional; see notes)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil or coconut oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients (except oil) and stir until just combined. The mixture will be wet.

Form into small patties, about 1 1/2 inches wide, and place on a plate. It should be about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each patty.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add patties, working in batches if necessary, and cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, then flip and finish cooking, another 4-5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Add extra oil or turn down heat if they are cooking too quickly or if you are doing more than 1 batch.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes

I use ground chicken but you could substitute ground turkey if you prefer.

I use the small size of my grater to grate the zucchini so the spreads are fairly small and get well incorporated into the patty mix.

These are just a tad bit spicy, with a subtle heat at the end. You can adjust the amount of cayenne to suit your tastes or leave it out altogether.

Ways to serve these chicken patties: with a dip (BBQ sauce, honey mustard, hummus, Ranch, etc.), in a lettuce or regular wrap or pita pockets, as sliders with toppings, on a salad or with eggs for breakfast.

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Nutrition Information:


Amount Per Serving: Calories: 88 Total Fat: 6g Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 39mg Sodium: 157mg Fiber: 0g Sugar: 1g Protein: 8g
Cuisine: American / Category: Chicken

Spicy chicken patties are a really simple, easy recipe and can be used for wraps, salads, sliders, with a sauce or alongside some eggs with breakfast. Paleo, gluten-free and whole 30-approved, these patties will become a new favorite! #whole30recipes #paleorecipes #healthychickenrecipes #simplechickenrecipes #spicychicken #chickenpatties

Comments

      • Kathryn Doherty says

        Hi! You can make a mustard-mayo sauce for dipping these in, but you’ll need to check labels because most regular store-bought mayos wouldn’t be whole30 compliant. But there are brands that make versions that you could use. (I like a 1:1 mustard and mayo mix, but you can sorta adjust it to suit your tastes.) You can also use a guac-like dip if you’d like or look up other whole 30 approved sauces you can make to have with these. Hope that helps!

        Reply

  10. Teresa says

    Hi, I’m planning to try this today. Do you have a recipe for the dipping sauce that it shown ? it really looks good ! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Hi Teresa! That dipping sauce is just a mix of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. I did about a 1:1 ratio to start and then you can just adjust to your tastes. I hope you love the chicken patties!

      Reply

  14. Cat says

    I made these tonight and they turned out to be a really good protein for a dinner salad.

    Next time I am going to try your dip of Dijon and mayo! (And next time I Will not use the 1/4 c measuring cup. I only got 7. Oops! 🙂 )

    Reply

  15. Sue says

    I made these for dinner last night, served with lettuce and chopped tomatoes drizzled with a balsamic reduction. So delicious! I grated some onion in when adding the garlic and should have added more chili powder. Will definitely make again.

    Reply

  16. Adrienne says

    Just joined Weight Watchers a week ago and am finding it hard to find recipes that I and the whole family will enjoy – I can crossed your spicy chicken patties via a pin on Pinterest and was like “YES!” I am going to make these as sliders for the kids (4yr old & 13 yr old) but am not quite sure which cheese would go best. I was hoping you had some suggestions?

    Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Hi Adrienne! I’m so happy you found this recipe and I hope your family loves it! These definitely make great sliders and I’ve used mozzarella and cheddar cheese for them for my kids because those are their favorite cheeses. Hope that helps!

      Reply

      • Kathryn says

        Hi Diana! I’ve never done Weight Watchers so I’m not sure how to calculate their points. There is nutrition information in the recipe card above, in case that helps you figure it out. Hope you give these a try!

        Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Hi there! I usually pull out the number of patties I want from the freezer and let them defrost in the fridge overnight. When I’m ready to eat them, I heat them up in the microwave. You could also rewarm them in a pan if you prefer. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  20. Robn Staley says

    Just so I am clear, you are suggesting the freezer AFTER they are cooked? Just wondering if I could do before I cook then fry when defrosted. Have you tried that?

    Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Yes, I always freeze them after they are cooked. That way, I can defrost, reheat and enjoy without having to worry about raw chicken. I haven’t tried freezing them uncooked. You likely would need to lay the shaped patties flat on a baking sheet (I’d put a piece of wax paper down) and do an initial freeze that way before transferring them to a plastic bag for storage. Again, just be careful of handling the raw chicken during that process. Hope that helps!

      Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Hi Cheryl! I don’t have one of those pans, so I’m not sure. You could try baking them and broiling at the end to get a slight crust on the tops, but you’ll need to make sure they cook through all the way. Hope that helps!

      Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Hi Matt! That mustard sauce was just a mixture of Dijon mustard and a nonfat plain Greek yogurt. I just add a bit of each until I’m happy with the mixture. These also go great with a honey mustard sauce as well. Hope you enjoy them!

      Reply

  23. Holly says

    These were great and I threw in some additions that made it even better. I added diced red onion, a splash of paprika and a bit of garlic powder. Topped it with dairy free smoked Gouda. I also made these regular size burgers with turkey instead of chicken sliders and they were perfect for a meal. Didn’t even need a bun! I also topped it with smashed avocado and that was a great touch.

    Reply

  24. Melissa Harrison says

    Hi! I’m making these for dinner tonight and super excited. You posted the yield of the recipe and the nutrition facts per serving, but you didn’t say how many patties are in one serving.

    Reply

    • Kathryn says

      Hi Melissa! So the nutrition facts are for just one patty – about 88 calories for one. We usually eat 2-3 per person. Hope that helps and hope you enjoy them!

      Reply

  25. Melissa says

    Hi! I’m making these for dinner tonight and super excited. How many patties are in one serving? You gave the yield and nutrition facts for a serving but no serving size.

    Reply

  26. Kim says

    Woohoo I snuck a veggie in!!! My husband won’t eat veggies or salad so any chance I get I sneak ‘em in, where my son makes more of an effort to try new things, I even got him eating spinach. This was a great treat for the three of us during the Super Bowl. We’re trying to eat better and this was a super alternative to nachos or pigs in a blanket 😍 I just wasn’t very creative on a dipping sauce. I went with a spicy bbq. It worked.

    Reply

  27. Emily says

    Okay, I just tried these and wow! They’re amazing. I have a hard time getting vegetables in so this is a great way to incorporate it! I ate this with some baked tortilla chips and they were great. Didn’t even need a sauce cause they were very juicy!

    Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply

  30. Frank Mosher says

    C’mon!! There are virtually no spices in these patties? Ground chicken is very neutral, you have to “hit” it with something? Cumin, Cilantro, Curry, something? Cheers!

    Reply

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