These chicken patties are juicy, packed with protein, and get a major upgrade from creamy cottage cheese. They’re quick to make, great for meal prep, and work for everything from lunches to lettuce wraps to grain bowls. You can pan-fry them, bake them, or even toss them in an air fryer.
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I stumbled on this combo while trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and cottage cheese—and now I make it on purpose. These patties are super versatile and way more moist than a typical ground chicken patty thanks to the cottage cheese. They’re great hot or cold.
Here’s why they stay on repeat:
- 🧀 Creamy cottage cheese keeps the patties tender
- 🥣 Simple pantry seasonings—nothing fancy
- 🔁 Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead meals
- 🔥 Perfect texture with a little pan sear
- 🥗 Easy to build into bowls, wraps, or salads
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 (makes about 8 small patties)
📊 Exact Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage cheese brings moisture and a boost of protein. It melts into the mix as it cooks.
- Egg acts as a binder, holding everything together.
- Panko breadcrumbs create just enough structure without drying things out.
- Pan-frying builds flavor with a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy.
📋 What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, cottage cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Stir until just combined.
2. Shape Into Patties
Use your hands or a scoop to form small patties (about 2 tablespoons each). Flatten slightly so they cook evenly.
3. Cook the Patties
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add patties in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
4. Serve
Serve hot with dipping sauce or on top of a salad, grain bowl, or in a wrap.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A side of roasted sweet potatoes
- Greek yogurt dipping sauce or tzatziki
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Warm pita bread
- A quick slaw with vinegar dressing
📆 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunch prep: Pair 2 patties with quinoa and veggies
- Dinner: Serve with roasted broccoli or over greens
- Freezer stash: Freeze cooked patties and reheat for quick protein
- Wraps: Tuck into a pita or tortilla with hummus and spinach
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the mixture: This makes the patties dense.
- Not oiling the pan enough: They can stick if the pan’s too dry.
- Undercooking: Use a thermometer—165°F is your goal.
- Using low-fat cottage cheese: It’s too watery—stick to regular.
❓ FAQ
Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use ground turkey?
Totally. Just make sure it’s not too lean or they’ll be dry.
How do I freeze them?
Let them cool, freeze on a tray, then store in a zip bag for up to 3 months.
What dipping sauces go best?
Tzatziki, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even buffalo sauce!
Can I use almond flour instead of panko?
Yep! Just expect a slightly softer texture.
🧡 Wrap-Up
These Cottage Cheese Chicken Patties are your new go-to for a protein-packed, low-fuss meal that tastes amazing and fits into almost any meal plan. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick dinner, these hit the spot every time.
Let me know if you try them—I’d love to hear how they turned out! 👇