Quick & Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties Recipe

There are some weeknight dinners that just feel like a win, and these Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties are at the top of my list. I’m always on the hunt for meals that are quick, packed with flavor, and something my whole family will actually eat without complaint. These little golden-brown fritters tick every single box. They combine lean chicken, tender broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese into a savory, satisfying patty that’s ready in just 25 minutes. They are incredibly versatile, working just as well for a quick lunch as they do for a main course.

The magic is in the texture. Finely dicing the chicken instead of using ground meat gives these patties a fantastic, hearty bite that you just can’t replicate. It’s a simple trick that makes a world of difference. If you’re a fan of quick and flavorful chicken dishes, you’ll also love these Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, which are another weeknight lifesaver!

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Content List

Why make these Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties

Still on the fence? Here’s why these cheesy chicken fritters deserve a spot in your recipe rotation:

• Incredibly Fast: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in under half an hour.
• Kid-Approved: What kid can resist cheese and chicken? These patties are a fantastic and sneaky way to get some green veggies like broccoli into their diet.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes about 11 patties, which is perfect for planning ahead. Cook a batch on Sunday and enjoy them for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
• Protein-Packed: Loaded with chicken and eggs, these patties are a great source of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
• Super Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dip, as a main course with a side salad, or even on slider buns for mini chicken burgers.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces chicken breast or tenderloins (boneless skinless)
• 4 ounces broccoli (separated into small florets)
• ¾ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• salt + black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred oil, for cooking)

How to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties

Step 1: First, prepare the broccoli. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for just 1 to 2 minutes. You want them to be slightly tender but still bright green. Immediately drain the water and set the broccoli aside to cool.

Step 2: While the broccoli cools, dice your chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breast into very thin strips, then turn and cut them into small cubes. Continue to chop the cubes until the chicken is very finely diced. This texture is essential for the patties to hold together well.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to build the base. Combine the finely diced chicken, the grated cheddar cheese, the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the two eggs and give it a good stir.

Step 4: Grab your blanched broccoli. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Finely chop the broccoli and add it to the chicken mixture in the bowl.

Step 5: To bind everything together, sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.

Step 6: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You want the oil to be warm but not smoking.

Step 7: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture for each patty. Carefully place the scoops onto the hot skillet, leaving some space between them. Use the back of your spoon or a spatula to gently press each one into a round patty shape, about ½ inch thick.

Step 8: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the patties cook for 5 minutes. The steam will help cook the chicken through without drying it out.

Step 9: Remove the lid and flip each patty. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, uncovered, until the second side is beautifully golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 10: As the patties finish cooking, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy and delicious. You may need to work in batches, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

How to serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties

These patties are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine with a good dipping sauce. Try serving them with a side of creamy ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a simple marinara sauce. For a light lunch or dinner, pair them with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also tuck them into small slider buns with a piece of lettuce and a slice of tomato for delicious mini chicken sandwiches.

How to store Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties

Storing these patties is a breeze, which is why they’re perfect for meal prep.

To Refrigerate: Allow the cooked patties to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour (this is called flash freezing). Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: You can reheat the patties in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy. A quick zap in the microwave also works if you’re short on time, though they won’t be as crispy.

Tips to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties

• Don’t Skip Blanching: Blanching the broccoli for a minute or two makes it tender enough to blend seamlessly into the patties. Raw broccoli might not cook through in time.
• Dry Your Broccoli Well: After blanching, make sure to pat the broccoli florets completely dry with a paper towel. Excess water can make the patty mixture too wet and difficult to shape.
• Fine Dice is Key: Take the extra minute to dice the chicken very finely. This helps the patties bind together perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, you can pulse the chicken in a food processor, but be careful not to turn it into a paste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For that perfect golden-brown crust, cook the patties in batches. Giving them enough space ensures they pan-fry rather than steam.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to swap it for pepper jack for a little kick, or a mild mozzarella for an extra cheesy pull.
• Easy Chicken Recipes: If you love simple, bite-sized chicken recipes like this, you have to give these 3-Ingredient Crispy Chicken Nuggets a try next!

FAQs About Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties

Can I use ground chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using 10 ounces of ground chicken is a great time-saving shortcut. The texture will be slightly softer than diced chicken, but they will still be delicious. Just mix it with the other ingredients as directed.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, they work wonderfully in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the patties in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

How can I make these gluten-free?

These patties are very close to being gluten-free. To make them fully GF, simply substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free alternative like arrowroot starch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, but check for a certified label to avoid cross-contamination if you are highly sensitive.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties are a true kitchen hero. They are the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” question, delivering a delicious, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch for the kids, or a tasty appetizer for a party, this recipe is a reliable and flavorful choice that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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