A Homemade Favorite That’s Always on Repeat
Some recipes just stick — not because they’re fancy, but because they work every time. These spicy chicken patties are one of those go-tos in my kitchen. They’re juicy, just the right amount of spicy, and come together with a few pantry basics and a handful of fresh ingredients.
I first whipped these up on a hectic weekday, looking for something quick yet still light and filling. Since then, they’ve turned into a regular Sunday prep — I make a batch and we enjoy them all week long. Whether I tuck one into a sandwich, serve it over some rice and roasted veggies, or just throw it on a salad, it always satisfies.
What You’ll Need to Make Spicy Chicken Patties
Before I start cooking, I like to set everything out so the process feels calm and easy — not rushed. Making these spicy chicken patties doesn’t require any special gadgets, but the right tools really do make a difference in how smoothly everything comes together.
- A sturdy mixing bowl – Just the right size for combining all the ingredients without crowding
- Box grater – For shredding zucchini into fine strands that blend right into the chicken
- Clean paper towels or a tea towel – To squeeze out the zucchini’s extra moisture (this keeps your patties tender, not soggy)
- Non-stick skillet or grill pan – This helps you get that lovely golden sear without sticking
- Spatula – Great for flipping patties cleanly without breaking them
Even if you’re missing a tool or two, don’t worry — this recipe is forgiving. I’ve made these spicy chicken patties with just a pan, bowl, and a spoon, and they still turned out delicious.
Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Patties
This recipe comes together with just a few ingredients — nothing complicated, but each one adds something important to the texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make these spicy chicken patties at home:
- 1 lb ground chicken – I usually go for 90% lean so the patties stay juicy but not greasy
- ½ cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry – This may sound unusual, but it keeps the patties moist without adding extra fat
- 1 garlic clove, minced fine – Just enough to add a flavorful punch without overpowering
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt – Helps tie all the flavors together and highlight the spices
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Brings in a subtle heat and depth
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder – Adds savory warmth to every bite
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – Add more or less, depending on how much heat you’re in the mood for
- 1½ tablespoons canola or coconut oil – Needed to get that crispy, golden finish on the patties
How to Make Spicy Chicken Patties (Step-by-Step)
These spicy chicken patties come together easily in just one bowl and a skillet. If you’ve got 20 minutes and a few ingredients, you’re halfway there.
1. Grate and Prep the Zucchini
Grab a box grater and use the bigger holes to grate the zucchini. Then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels and squeeze firmly over the sink to get rid of the excess moisture — this step helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.
2. Mix Everything Together
Place the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and cayenne in a mixing bowl. Gently stir everything together with a spoon or your hands until the mixture is just combined — no need to overwork it.
3. Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into 4 or 5 even parts, then shape each one into a patty about half an inch thick. Don’t worry if they feel a little delicate — they’ll firm up as they cook.
4. Cook Until Golden and Juicy
Add the oil to a non-stick pan and set it over medium heat. When it’s ready, carefully add the patties in a single layer. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked through to 165°F in the center.
5. Serve Warm
When the patties are done, let them sit for a couple of minutes to lock in the juices. Serve them warm — in a bun, over rice, or wrapped in crisp lettuce. No matter how you serve them, they’re always a hit at the table.
Nutrition Score for Spicy Chicken Patties
These spicy chicken patties are light but filling — perfect if you’re after a high-protein lunch that doesn’t weigh you down. Ground chicken is naturally lean and rich in essential nutrients like niacin, selenium, and B vitamins — all while staying low in fat and calories. Learn more about the benefits of chicken here.
Per patty (approx.):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: values may vary depending on oil used and patty size.
Serving and Storage Tips for Spicy Chicken Patties
These spicy chicken patties are incredibly versatile — I almost always make extra because they’re just as good the next day.
Serving Ideas
- Tuck one into a whole grain bun — or layer into one of these focaccia sandwich recipes — with lettuce, avocado, and a swipe of yogurt or mayo.
- Serve with roasted veggies, rice, or a side of buffalo mac and cheese for a cozy, comfort-food combo.
- Wrap in romaine leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
- Add to a grain bowl with cucumber, pickled onions, and a drizzle of garlic sauce — or try it over my street corn chicken rice bowl for a spicy protein swap.
They’re flavorful on their own, but even better with toppings or dips that cool the heat.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keep the cooked patties in a sealed container in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days.
- Freezer: Let them cool completely, then freeze with parchment between each patty; they’ll keep for about 2 months.
- To Reheat: Use a skillet or air fryer to bring back that crisp texture — avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them rubbery.
FAQs About Spicy Chicken Patties
Does Tyson still make spicy chicken patties?
Yes, Tyson still offers spicy chicken patties in the frozen section of most grocery stores. But making your own at home means you can skip the preservatives and adjust the heat exactly how you like it.
How to make spicy chicken burger patties?
I usually start with ground chicken and mix in garlic, black pepper, onion powder, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Sometimes I toss in zucchini to keep them extra moist before shaping into patties and searing them in a pan.
What to eat with a spicy chicken patty?
They go with almost anything! I love pairing them with sweet potato fries, a crunchy slaw, or wrapping them in pita with hummus. For a lighter option, serve over greens with a yogurt-based dressing.
What spices to put in chicken burgers?
For bold flavor, I usually use garlic, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. You can also mix in paprika or dried herbs like parsley if you want to round out the flavor even more.
However you plan to serve them, these spicy chicken patties are always a good idea.
Conclusion: Spicy Chicken Patties, Made Simple
These spicy chicken patties have become a regular in my kitchen for good reason — they’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and work with just about anything I have on hand. Whether I’m layering them into a sandwich or adding one to a lunch bowl, they always feel like a little upgrade from the usual.
If you’re looking for something that’s easy, tasty, and freezer-friendly too, I hope these patties find a spot in your meal routine like they did in mine. Don’t forget to make extras — they never last long around here!
Print
Easy Spicy Chicken Patties (Full Printable Recipe)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 patties 1x
Description
These juicy, spicy chicken patties are quick, flavorful, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Light, high-protein, and pan-fried to golden perfection with just the right kick of heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (90% lean recommended)
- ½ cup grated zucchini, squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1½ tablespoons canola or coconut oil (for pan-frying)
Instructions
- 1. Grate zucchini using a box grater and squeeze out moisture using a clean towel or paper towels.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, zucchini, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and cayenne. Mix gently until just combined.
- 3. Divide mixture into 4–5 equal parts and shape into patties about ½-inch thick.
- 4. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- 5. Remove from pan and rest for 2–3 minutes before serving warm in buns, bowls, or wraps.
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per patty
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: spicy chicken patties, easy chicken lunch, meal prep chicken, healthy chicken burger, ground chicken recipe