Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe
Introduction
These Chicken Patties, also known as easy chicken cakes, make a delicious and satisfying meal. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re packed with fresh herbs, mozzarella, and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack.

Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken (from 2 large chicken breasts, about 16 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped) or 1 Tbsp parsley
- 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, flour, chopped dill, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the shredded chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the mixture.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up for easier patty formation.
- Step 4: Use an ice cream scoop to portion the mixture into 12-15 equal parts. Form each portion into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Dip both sides of each patty into the Panko bread crumbs to coat.
- Step 5: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add half of the patties and sauté for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Add more oil as needed and repeat with the remaining patties.
- Step 6: Remove the patties from heat, sprinkle with additional salt, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
- For a lower-fat option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Try adding finely chopped green onions or garlic for extra flavor.
- If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill can be used, but reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon.
- Serve with a side of tartar sauce or a simple yogurt dip for added zest.
Storage
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain their crispiness, or use a microwave for about one minute. These patties also freeze well; place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken from a store rotisserie?
Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and proceed with the recipe as directed.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart while cooking?
Be sure to refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping the patties, and coat them well with Panko breadcrumbs. Cooking them over medium heat without moving them too soon helps them hold together and develop a golden crust.
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Cheesy Chicken Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 patties 1x
Description
These easy Chicken Patties, also known as Chicken Cakes, combine shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, and a crispy panko crust for a flavorful, quick-to-make meal. They are sautéed to golden perfection and served with a fresh squeeze of lemon, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Patty Mixture
- 4 cups shredded chicken (from 2 large chicken breasts, approx. 16 oz by weight)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped) or 1 Tbsp parsley
- 3/4 tsp salt (divided, 1/2 tsp for mixture, 1/4 tsp for finishing)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Coating and Cooking
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided; 1 Tbsp per batch for sautéing)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, flour, fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine chicken and cheese: Add the shredded chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese to the batter. Stir well to ensure the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape into patties.
- Form and coat patties: Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, portion the chilled mixture into 12-15 equal amounts. Shape each portion into a 1/2-inch thick patty. Dip both sides of each patty into Panko bread crumbs to coat evenly.
- Sauté the patties: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place half of the patties into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed and repeat the process with the remaining patties.
- Season and serve: Once cooked, remove the patties from heat. Immediately sprinkle with the remaining salt and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Make sure to finely shred the chicken for the best texture.
- Chilling the mixture is essential to help the patties hold their shape during cooking.
- You can substitute dill with parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavor.
- These patties reheat well in a skillet or oven.
- Adjust salt according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken patties, chicken cakes, easy chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken cakes, savory chicken patties, pan-fried chicken cakes

