These cottage cheese chicken patties are juicy, simple, and full of flavor. They come together fast and use basic ingredients you probably already have. I’ve made these on busy weeknights and they always turn out tender with a nice golden crust.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe started as a “what do I do with cottage cheese?” moment. I mixed it into ground chicken, hoping for the best—and it turned into one of those recipes you keep making again and again.
- Super moist patties thanks to cottage cheese
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
- Quick to make from start to finish
- Easy to adjust flavors
- Great for meal prep
Servings & Cook Time
Servings: 4 (about 8 patties)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken Patties:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Everything
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Mix until fully combined.
Step 2: Shape Patties
Scoop the mixture and form into 8 even patties using your hands.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook Patties
Place patties in the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 5: Make Garlic Herb Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove patties and let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the cottage cheese—it keeps everything moist
- If the mixture feels too wet, add 1–2 tbsp more breadcrumbs
- Use a light touch when forming patties so they stay tender
- Let patties rest after cooking to lock in juices
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ground turkey for chicken
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
- Add shredded cheese for extra richness
- Mix in chopped spinach for extra greens
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix and shape patties ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein. As the patties cook, the proteins in the chicken firm up while the dairy keeps everything soft. Breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture, helping the patties hold shape without drying out.
Macros Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 14g
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing the meat (makes patties dense)
- Cooking on too high heat (burns outside, raw inside)
- Skipping breadcrumbs (mixture may fall apart)
- Not letting patties rest after cooking
What to Serve With
- Simple side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Garlic yogurt sauce or dip
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven for best texture. You can freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze after cooking and cooling.
Can I make them without breadcrumbs?
You can, but they may be softer. Try almond flour as a substitute.
Do they taste like cottage cheese?
Not really—it blends in and just makes them creamy.
Final Thoughts
These cottage cheese chicken patties are one of those easy wins in the kitchen. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and super satisfying. Once you try them, they’ll likely become part of your regular rotation. Give them a go and come back to share how they turned out or any twists you added!