If you’re looking for a satisfying recipe that turns leftover or canned chicken into savory, crispy patties, Chicken Cakes are your new go‑to. These juicy chicken cakes are crisped on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, with a subtle seasoning blend that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect as appetizers, lunch, or a quick dinner option.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Cakes
Within the first few lines, the keyword Chicken Cakes is featured naturally, setting the tone for both readers and search engines. This recipe shines because:
- It transforms leftover or canned chicken into something exciting and flavorful. The Dinner-MomSavory Spin
- They cook quickly—crispy in about 6–8 minutes per side for pan frying, or 10–15 minutes if air frying. The Dinner-MomCall Me PMc
- They’re easily customizable: mix in spices, herbs, vegetables, or cheese to suit your taste. In the Kitchen with Momma MelFood52
Ingredients That Make These Chicken Cakes So Good
🐔 Shredded or Canned Chicken
Use rotisserie, leftover cooked chicken, or canned white-meat chicken. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Facebook+15The Dinner-Mom+15With A Blast+15
Binding Ingredients
Combine breadcrumbs or panko with mayonnaise or an egg to bind the patties securely. Breadcrumbs help with crisp edges. Savory Spin+3The Dinner-Mom+3The Cooking Foodie+3
Flavor Boosters
Add garlic, onion, parsley, smoked paprika, cilantro, or Creole seasonings. Optional mix-ins might include diced peppers, green onions, or Dijon mustard. In the Kitchen with Momma MelFood52
Fat for Cooking
Use olive oil, butter, or avocado oil for pan-frying; air frying requires just a spray of oil for crisp texture. Not Enough Cinnamon+7The Cooking Foodie+7Savory Spin+7
How to Make Chicken Cakes (Easy Step-by-Step)
- Mix everything
In a large bowl, combine shredded or canned chicken (well drained), breadcrumbs or panko, mayonnaise or egg, chopped aromatics (garlic, onion), spices, and herbs. - Shape patties
Use about ¼–⅓ cup mixture per patty, and gently form into ½-inch thick cakes. - Chill before cooking
Refrigerate shaped cakes for 20–30 minutes—this helps them hold together during cooking. Savory Spin+2Savory Spin+2The Dinner-Mom+2Chef Lola’s Kitchen+3A Family Feast®+3Not Enough Cinnamon+3 - Cook until golden
- Stovetop frying: In a skillet, heat oil and cook patties 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Air fryer: Preheat to 375–400 °F, lightly spray patties, and air fry 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. A Family Feast®+3With A Blast+3Dairy Farmers of Canada+3The Cooking Foodie
- Serve with dips
Offer remoulade sauce, garlic mayo, lemon aioli, or simple ranch dressing on the side. A Family Feast®+4With A Blast+4Chef Lola’s Kitchen+4
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Cakes
- Dry your chicken well to prevent watery cakes. Paper towels can help. Instagram+12The Dinner-Mom+12Call Me PMc+12Instagram+3Chef Lola’s Kitchen+3Dairy Farmers of Canada+3Not Enough Cinnamon+2Dairy Farmers of Canada+2Chef Lola’s Kitchen+2In the Kitchen with Momma Mel+2thebigmamablog.com+2jdubbydesign.com+2
- Avoid overmixing—stir just until combined to keep cakes tender rather than dense. Savory SpinIn the Kitchen with Momma Mel
- Chill before cooking to help patties hold their shape and cook evenly. jdubbydesign.com+15A Family Feast®+15Facebook+15
- Use medium heat when frying—too hot, and edges burn before the center cooks; too low, and they absorb oil. The Dinner-MomIn the Kitchen with Momma Mel
Delicious Variations for Flavor and Fun
🌶 Spice-It-Up
Add Cajun or Creole seasoning, chili flakes, or cayenne for a spicy kick. Serve with a tangy remoulade. In the Kitchen with Momma MelThe Dinner-Mom
🧀 Cheesy Chicken Cakes
Fold in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella—melts beautifully in the center.
🌿 Veggie-Rich
Mix in finely diced peppers, shredded zucchini, or spinach for a veggie boost. Works well when using ground chicken or adding grated carrot. The Cooking Foodie
🥗 Air-Fryer Friendly
Skip the oil-heavy pan and pop them in an air fryer for a lighter version with the same crisp. Call Me PMcThe Cooking Foodie
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve Chicken Cakes with dips like garlic mayonnaise, lemon-herb yogurt, or Creole remoulade.
- Build sandwiches or wraps—place chicken cakes in pita or flatbread with greens and sliced tomato.
- Offer salad on the side—these pair well with crisp greens or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q: Can I freeze these before or after cooking?
Yes—freeze shaped patties before cooking or cooked cakes between parchment layers. Thaw and pan fry or air fry to reheat. jdubbydesign.com+2Food52+2With A Blast+2Call Me PMc
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400 °F on a greased baking sheet for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Q: Are canned chicken cakes tasty?
Yes—using canned chicken (after draining well) delivers great flavor and is a time-saver. Make sure to season well. Savory Spin
Q: Can I make mini sliders?
Definitely—form smaller 1–2 tablespoon patties and serve on mini buns with slaw or sauce.
Final Thoughts: Why Chicken Cakes Deserve spot on your menu
Chicken Cakes offer a smart, delicious way to transform simple chicken into crisp, flavorful patties that feel gourmet without the fuss. They’re flexible, adaptable, and endlessly remixable—perfect for busy of weeknight dinners, crowd-pleasing snacks, or flexible meal prep.
Whether you’re using leftover chicken, canned chicken, or fresh ground chicken, this recipe delivers bright flavor, satisfying texture, and practical ease.
Want the full recipe with ingredient measurements, printable card, and cooking timings?
👉 [Click here to access the complete Chicken Cakes recipe on KeiraRecipes]