Chicken Ranch Patties: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Homemade Burgers

Chicken Ranch Patties: Prepare to meet your new weeknight dinner champion! Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful patty thats crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with the creamy, tangy goodness of ranch. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of Chicken Ranch Patties are a bit of a mystery, the combination of chicken and ranch dressing has become a beloved American classic. Ranch dressing, with its creamy, herbaceous flavor, has infiltrated nearly every corner of American cuisine, from salads to pizza. It’s no surprise that someone brilliant decided to combine it with ground chicken to create these delectable patties.

What makes these patties so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crispy exterior gives way to a moist and savory interior, while the ranch seasoning infuses every bite with a zesty, comforting flavor. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and quick to prepare. Serve them on buns for a satisfying sandwich, alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal, or even as a protein-packed appetizer. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs Ground Chicken
1 packet (1 oz) Ranch Dressing Mix
1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
1/4 cup Milk (any kind)
1 large Egg
1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions
1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
1 tbsp Olive Oil (or other cooking oil)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken Ranch Patty Mixture

Alright, let’s get started! Making these Chicken Ranch Patties is surprisingly easy, and the flavor is just fantastic. The ranch dressing mix really elevates the humble ground chicken into something special. First things first, let’s gather all our ingredients and get them prepped.

Combine the Ground Chicken and Ranch Mix: In a large mixing bowl, add your 1.5 lbs of ground chicken. Now, sprinkle the entire packet (1 oz) of ranch dressing mix over the chicken. Don’t be shy! This is where all that delicious ranch flavor comes from.
Add the Binders: Next, add in the 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs. Panko is great because it gives the patties a nice, light texture. Pour in the 1/4 cup of milk. This helps to keep the patties moist. Crack in the large egg. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together.
Incorporate the Flavor Boosters: Now for the good stuff! Add in the 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. These add a lovely fresh flavor and a bit of color. If you’re feeling cheesy (and who isn’t?), add in the 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice melty, cheesy element to the patties.
Mix Everything Together: Now, using your hands (or a sturdy spoon), gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough. You want everything to be evenly distributed, but don’t work the mixture too much.
Season with Salt and Pepper: Give the mixture a taste (you can cook a tiny bit in a pan to test it). Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ranch dressing mix already contains salt, so be careful not to over-salt.
Form the Patties: Now it’s time to form the patties. I usually aim for about 4-6 patties, depending on how big you want them. Gently shape the mixture into patties about 3/4 inch thick. Try to make them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly.
Rest the Patties (Optional): If you have time, cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. This helps them to firm up and hold their shape better during cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Cooking the Chicken Ranch Patties

Now that our patties are formed and ready to go, let’s get them cooked! I prefer to pan-fry these, but you can also bake them or grill them if you prefer. Pan-frying gives them a nice, crispy exterior.

Heat the Oil: Heat the 1 tbsp of olive oil (or other cooking oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the patties without overcrowding them. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and cause the patties to steam instead of brown.
Cook the Patties: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. Leave a little space between each patty. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Check for Doneness: To ensure the patties are cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. If it reads 165°F (74°C), they’re ready to go. You can also cut into one of the patties to check that the center is no longer pink.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you can’t fit all the patties in the skillet at once, cook them in batches. This will ensure that they brown properly and cook evenly. Add a little more oil to the skillet if needed between batches.
Remove and Drain: Once the patties are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Baking the Chicken Ranch Patties (Alternative Cooking Method)

If you prefer to bake the patties, here’s how to do it. Baking is a great option if you want a slightly healthier cooking method, as it requires less oil.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the patties from sticking to the pan.
Place Patties on Baking Sheet: Place the formed patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each patty.
Bake the Patties: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. If it reads 165°F (74°C), they’re ready to go.

Grilling the Chicken Ranch Patties (Alternative Cooking Method)

Grilling adds a smoky flavor that’s just delicious. Here’s how to grill your Chicken Ranch Patties.

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Patties: Place the patties on the grill grates. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. If it reads 165°F (74°C), they’re ready to go.
Watch for Flare-Ups: Be careful of flare-ups while grilling. If flare-ups occur, move the patties to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.

Serving Suggestions

These Chicken Ranch Patties are incredibly versatile! You can serve them in so many different ways. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

As a Burger: Serve the patties on burger buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and your favorite sauce. Ranch dressing, of course, is a perfect choice!
In a Salad: Crumble the patties over a salad for a protein-packed meal. They’re especially good on a Caesar salad or a Cobb salad.
With Sides: Serve the patties with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.
In a Wrap: Wrap the patties in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
As an Appetizer: Cut the patties into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce are all great options.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Ranch Patties

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Chicken Ranch Patties possible:

Don’t Overmix: As I mentioned earlier, it’s important not to overmix the patty mixture. Overmixing can make the patties tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use Cold Chicken: Using cold ground chicken will help the patties hold their shape better.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the patties and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the ranch dressing mix already contains salt, so be careful not to over-salt.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the patty mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Chicken Ranch Patties are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering. I know, I know, I say that about a lot of recipes, but trust me on this one. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy ranch seasoning, and that satisfying patty form is simply irresistible. Its a flavor explosion in every bite, and the best part? Its incredibly easy to make!

Why are these a must-try? Because they’re versatile, delicious, and require minimal effort. We’re talking about a recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget boring chicken dinners these patties are here to shake things up! Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making them a budget-friendly option too.

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! Think of these Chicken Ranch Patties as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Burger Style: Serve them on toasted buns with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and a dollop of extra ranch dressing (because why not?). Add a slice of cheese for extra melty goodness!
* Chicken Ranch Patty Salad: Crumble the patties over a bed of mixed greens with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
* Chicken Ranch Patty Wraps: Wrap them in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo for a quick and easy meal on the go.
* Chicken Ranch Patty Sliders: Make smaller patties and serve them on slider buns for a fun appetizer or party snack.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
* Cheesy Goodness: Mix shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese into the chicken mixture before cooking for extra flavor and gooeyness.
* Herbaceous Delight: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to the chicken mixture for a burst of freshness.
* Breadcrumb Boost: For a crispier patty, coat them in breadcrumbs before pan-frying. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well!
* Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, cook the patties in an air fryer until golden brown and cooked through.

I truly believe that once you try this recipe for Chicken Ranch Patties, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone who loves a good, flavorful meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m confident you’ll love these patties as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? Did you add your own special twist? Share your photos and comments with me I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!
Chicken Ranch Patties: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Homemade Burgers

Juicy chicken patties with ranch dressing mix, perfect for burgers, salads, or a quick meal.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time35 minutes

Category: Dinner

Yield: 4-6 patties

Save This Recipe

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Chicken
- 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Milk (any kind)
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions
- 1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (or other cooking oil)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken and ranch dressing mix.
2. Add Binders: Add panko bread crumbs, milk, and egg to the bowl.
3. Incorporate Flavor: Add chopped green onions and shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
4. Mix Gently: Gently mix all ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt already in the ranch mix.
6. Form Patties: Gently shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, about 3/4 inch thick.
7. Rest (Optional): For best results, cover and refrigerate patties for 30 minutes to firm up.
8. Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. Cook Patties: Carefully place patties in the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Remove and Drain: Remove patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
12. Serve: Serve on burger buns, in salads, with side dishes, or in wraps.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in tough patties.
- Cold Chicken: Using cold ground chicken helps the patties hold their shape.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming patties and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the patty mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Baking Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Grilling Instructions: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch for flare-ups.