Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Patties
So, let me share a little gem of a recipe with you—baked cheesy broccoli chicken patties! Imagine golden, crispy bites filled with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and oh-so-melty cheese… It’s one of those comfort foods that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. You know, the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table with smiles. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can feel good about indulging just a bit.
Why You’ll Crave It
- Loaded with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli—it’s a win-win.
- Super quick to prep—like, you can be ready to bake in under 15 minutes!
- Perfect for meal prep! Make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Kids and adults both love them… trust me, my family fights over the last one every time.
- They’re versatile—great as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a casual dinner.
Honestly, the first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared!
What You’ll Need
- Ground Chicken: 1 pound, so fresh and tender—perfect for mixing
- Broccoli Florets, chopped: 1 cup, a vibrant green that adds nutrition
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, because cheese makes everything better
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup, these help hold everything together
- Egg: 1 large, works as the magical binder
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for that lovely aromatic punch
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, because, you know, it’s onion!
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to enhance all the flavors
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, a little kick
- Olive Oil: just for drizzling, adds a nice touch
Easy How-To
Let’s Get Started
Okay, so first things first—let’s prep that broccoli. Just chop it into little florets, and then steam or blanch them just until tender… you want them nice and bright, right? You’ll chop them finely so they mix easily with everything else. Next, grab a big bowl, and throw in your chopped broccoli alongside the ground chicken. Make sure the chicken is really well shredded because that makes mixing a breeze.
Now, add in the egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, and those spices—garlic and onion—plus the salt and pepper. Get your hands in there and mix it all up! You’ll want everything nicely combined. Then, just scoop out some of your mixture and, using your hands, form it into small patties. Try to keep them a pretty even thickness—this helps with cooking later on.
Alright, one last step—before we pop them in the oven, let’s preheat to 200 degrees Celsius (or 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Place those cute patties on a parchment-lined baking tray and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top… this little bit will help them crisp up nicely. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Oh, and flip them halfway for that golden brown magic!
Good to Know
- If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain it real well first.
- Feel free to switch up the chicken for turkey, or even try tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- These patties freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh touch, or make a little sandwich with your favorite dipping sauce!
Top Tricks
- For an extra cheesy bite, try mixing some cheese directly into the patty mixture before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Sure thing! While fresh broccoli is best for that crunch, frozen can work—just make sure it’s thawed and well drained!
What type of chicken should I use?
Ground chicken is perfect for this, but if you happen to have some leftover shredded chicken, that works too!
How can I store leftover patties?
Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Or freeze them for longer storage, and reheat when you’re ready to munch!
Can I bake the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake ahead and just reheat them—quick meal solutions are the best!
What can I serve with these patties?
They’re great with a fresh salad, some roasted veggies, or even as a fun sandwich option.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Baked cheesy broccoli chicken patties—just as comforting as they sound and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for friends, they’re bound to be a hit. Just remember, these aren’t just patties; they’re a little piece of my family tradition that I’m thrilled to share with you!
More recipe suggestions and combinations
- Vegetable Quinoa Patties: Quinoa with your favorite veggies for a healthy twist!
- Spinach and Feta Chicken Patties: Spinach and feta add a Mediterranean flair—so good!
- Cauliflower Cheese Bites: Crispy bites made with cauliflower and cheddar—like a low-carb dream.
- Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fritters: A hearty vegetarian option that’s sweet and satisfying.
- Mexican Black Bean and Corn Patties: Zesty and colorful, perfect for a summer get-together!
- Turkey and Zucchini Burgers: Lean and moist, these are perfect for grilling or pan-searing.