These crispy cheesy chicken ranch patties combine ground chicken, tangy ranch seasoning, and melty cheese into golden, pan-fried perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate kid-approved dinner that adults will love too!
Chicken Ranch Patties Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus 1/2 cup for coating
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Serving (Optional):
- Ranch dressing
- Sliced lettuce and tomato
- Hamburger buns
- Pickle slices
- Sliced avocado
Tools Used to Make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Ranch Patties
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Shallow dish (for coating patties)
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towel-lined plate
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Clean cutting board for forming patties
- Small bowl (for beaten egg)
How to Make Crispy Cheesy Chicken Ranch Patties
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, diced bell pepper, diced onion, beaten egg, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix gently until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Form the patties: With clean hands, divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions (depending on your preferred size). Shape each portion into a patty about 1/2-inch thick. If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Coat the patties: Place the remaining 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Gently press each patty into the breadcrumbs, coating both sides for extra crispiness.
- Prepare for cooking: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the patties: Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet (don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F and the centers should no longer be pink.
- Drain and rest: Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as on a bun with lettuce and tomato, or alongside a fresh Fresh Spring Salad with Herb Vinaigrette.
Serving Crispy Cheesy Chicken Ranch Patties
These versatile chicken patties can be served in multiple ways to keep meals interesting:
As a Sandwich: Place a patty on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing. Add a slice of Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe on the side for an extra indulgent meal.
As a Main Dish: Serve patties alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe for a complete meal.
As Sliders: Make smaller patties and serve on dinner rolls for crowd-pleasing appetizers or kid-sized meals.
In a Wrap: Wrap a patty in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a quick lunch option inspired by California Turkey Club Wraps.
On a Salad: Slice a patty and place it atop a bed of mixed greens with your favorite vegetables and dressing for a protein-packed salad.
For Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store them in the refrigerator to reheat throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
Yes! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious and lower in fat.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator with parchment paper between layers. You can also fully cook the patties and refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?
The patties should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one patty to ensure there’s no pink in the center.
Why are my patties falling apart?
If your patties are crumbling, the mixture might be too wet or not bound well enough. Try adding a bit more breadcrumbs or refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes before forming and cooking the patties.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. You could also try using a blend of ground chicken and turkey.
How do I make these patties gluten-free?
Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice Chex cereal. Also, verify that your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These crispy cheesy chicken ranch patties transform simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dinner your family will request again and again. Try them tonight with your favorite toppings and watch them disappear from the table!
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken – For the ultimate crispy chicken experience
- Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants – A quick and tasty breakfast option
- Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble – Perfect for weekend brunch
- Loaded Tater Tot Cups – A crowd-pleasing appetizer
- Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito – A homemade version of the fast-food favorite
