Irresistible Keto Chicken Patties with Canned Chicken – Quick, Easy & Delicious!

Chicken patties are a fantastic and versatile alternative to chicken nuggets or burgers, especially when you're looking for a quick and easy meal. Using cooked leftover chicken or canned chicken significantly reduces preparation and cooking time compared to using raw chicken. This recipe is perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet, and it's a great way to repurpose leftovers or utilize pantry staples.

Why These Keto Chicken Patties Are a Winner

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s versatile, healthy, tasty, and quick to make, often taking less than 30 minutes. The patties are also an excellent way to accommodate various dietary needs within a family.

Quick and Easy: The recipe is simple and can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, in sandwiches, or atop a salad.
Repurposes Leftovers: Ideal for using leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken.
Keto-Friendly: This recipe aligns perfectly with a ketogenic diet.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to create these delectable keto chicken patties:

Canned Chicken: 6.5 ounces (approximately 1 ½ cups) of canned chicken, drained and patted dry.
Egg: 1-2 large eggs, acting as a binding agent.
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for flavor and moisture. Mozzarella can be substituted, but cheddar is preferred for its taste.
Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Optional Vegetables: Spinach, celery, or green onions for added nutrients and flavor.
Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, minced onion, pepper, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs and spices.
Binding Agent: 3 Tablespoons ground sunflower seed meal or almond flour (or crushed pork rinds for coating).
Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil: For frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Mixture

Preheat: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F.
Drain the Chicken: Open the can of chicken and drain any excess liquid thoroughly. Pat the chicken as dry as possible before adding it to your mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chicken with the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and your choice of seasonings (salt, garlic powder, minced onion, pepper, smoked paprika, etc.). If adding vegetables like spinach or celery, mix them in as well.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, place all ingredients (except the pork rind panko, if using) into a food processor and blend until combined.
Form Patties: Firmly pack and form the mixture into equal-sized patties. The recipe typically makes about 10 patties, using roughly a ¼ cup of the mixture for each. Use a cookie scooper to portion the mixture onto parchment paper for easier handling.
Coat (Optional): If desired, coat the patties in crushed pork rinds or grated Parmesan cheese for a crispier exterior.

Cooking Methods

Oven:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Broil for 5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown color.

Air Fryer:

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
Air fry at 350°F (or 400°F) for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Stovetop:

Heat coconut oil (or avocado oil) in a large pan over medium heat.
Carefully place the patties in the hot pan.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown on all sides. Avoid placing the patties on a plate before transferring them to the pan, as they may stick and break apart.
Gently flatten the patties with the back of a spatula after flipping.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken patties are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

As is: Serve them hot as a main course, either on their own or with a side of your choice.
With Dipping Sauce: Pair them with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as homemade ranch dressing, sriracha aioli, or a dairy-free ranch dressing.
In a Sandwich: Use keto-friendly bread or cottage cheese cloud rolls to create a delicious chicken patty sandwich.
On a Salad: Top a fresh salad with chicken patties instead of salmon or shredded chicken.
With Vegetables: Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Chicken Parmesan: Use the patties to make your own chicken parmesan.

Tips and Variations

Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is preferred, mozzarella cheese can be used. For a Buffalo-style flavor, use cheddar cheese and add a little hot sauce to the mixture. If you don’t like cottage cheese, you could swap it with ricotta cheese.
Herb and Spice Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or chives can be used instead of (or in addition to) parsley.
Adding Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, celery, or green onions for added nutrients and flavor.
Using Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred the chicken before adding it to the mixture.
Pork Rind Substitute: If you don’t want to use pork rinds for the coating, you can swap with grated Parmesan cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover chicken patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: If frozen, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat, in the air fryer at 390 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds (depending on the wattage of your microwave) until warmed throughout.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, this recipe is generally low-carb, keto-friendly, and high in protein. Using ingredients like coconut oil and spinach can also add healthy fats and vitamins to the patties.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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