If you’re in the mood for something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit special, this Chicken Kotleti Recipe is an absolute must-try. These tender, golden patties are perfect for any meal, combining juicy ground chicken with a delicate blend of breadcrumbs, sour cream, and spices that create a mouthwatering texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or looking to impress friends with a homemade treat, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Kotleti Recipe lies in its simple, honest ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect kotleti. From the tender chicken to the creamy sour cream and the crispy breadcrumb coating, these ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The star protein that keeps everything light and juicy.
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs: Adds a wonderful crunchy texture and helps bind the mixture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the breadcrumbs soft and adds moisture to the patties.
- 2 Tbsp sour cream: Introduces creaminess and subtle tang for richness.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1 egg: The glue that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 small onion (grated): Brings sweetness and depth to every bite.
- 1/2 cup flour: For dredging, ensuring a lovely golden crust that’s not too heavy.
- Olive oil or canola oil: To sauté the kotleti to golden perfection without sticking.
How to Make Chicken Kotleti Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs
Start by combining the Panko bread crumbs and milk in a bowl, letting them soak for about 5 minutes. This simple step softens the breadcrumbs, which means your kotleti will stay juicy on the inside without drying out during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Next, add the ground chicken, sour cream, salt, pepper, egg, and grated onion to the breadcrumb mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. This is where the magic happens: the sour cream adds creaminess, the onion sweetness, and the binding ingredients keep the patties from falling apart.
Step 3: Shape the Patties
With wet hands (this helps prevent sticking), shape the mixture into oval patties. Each kotleti should be about the size of your palm—easy to handle but substantial enough to enjoy. After shaping, dredge both sides lightly in flour; this will give you a beautiful crust when cooked.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive or canola oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan, cover, and cook for 5 minutes on the first side. Flip, add a bit more oil if needed, and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. The result? A golden, crispy exterior surrounding a tender and flavorful center that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Chicken Kotleti Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch by garnishing with chopped parsley, dill, or a sprinkle of paprika. A dollop of tangy sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice elevates the flavors while adding a pop of creamy brightness that beautifully complements the kotleti.
Side Dishes
Chicken Kotleti Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttered mashed potatoes, lightly roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a more Eastern European flair, serve them alongside pickled cucumbers or beet salad to create a balanced meal full of contrasting textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your kotleti in soft sandwich buns with lettuce, tomato, and a spread of garlic mayo for a mouthwatering chicken slider. Or, place them atop a bed of creamy polenta or rice pilaf for an elegant plating that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 2-3 days, preserving their flavor and moisture so you can enjoy a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
Chicken kotleti freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and keeps them fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your frozen or refrigerated kotleti in a skillet over medium heat or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method revives their crispy crust without drying them out, unlike microwaving which can make them rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for this Chicken Kotleti Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights ground chicken, you can swap in ground turkey, pork, or even a mix for different flavor profiles. Just keep the ratios and moisture levels similar for the best results.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar creamy texture and slight tang that enhances the patties’ flavor.
Is it necessary to soak the breadcrumbs in milk?
Yes, soaking the breadcrumbs in milk is important because it softens them, resulting in a juicier kotleti with a tender crumb. Skipping this step can make the patties dry and dense.
Can I bake the kotleti instead of frying?
You can, though frying gives a crispier crust. To bake, place the patties on a greased baking sheet and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the kotleti from falling apart while cooking?
Ensuring the correct balance of binding ingredients like the egg and soaked breadcrumbs helps hold the patties together. Also, using wet hands to shape them and dredging in flour before frying creates a protective crust that minimizes breakage.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making and sharing the Chicken Kotleti Recipe with people you care about. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavors that bring warmth to any table. Give this recipe a try – I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dishes in no time!
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Chicken Kotleti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 kotleti
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Kotleti are tender and flavorful oval-shaped chicken patties, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Made with ground chicken mixed with breadcrumbs soaked in milk, sour cream, and aromatic onion, these kotleti are pan-fried to a golden crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside. This traditional Eastern European dish is easy to prepare and versatile, great served with a side of vegetables, potatoes, or in a sandwich.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, grated
For Cooking
- 1/2 cup flour for dredging
- Olive oil or canola oil for sautéing (about 2-3 Tbsp, more as needed)
Instructions
- Soak Breadcrumbs: Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of milk in a bowl. Allow the mixture to stand for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and soften.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the ground chicken, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 egg, and the grated small onion to the breadcrumb and milk mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a uniform mixture.
- Form Patties: With wet hands, shape the mixture into oval-shaped patties (kotleti). Then dredge both sides of each patty in 1/2 cup of flour to lightly coat them, which helps achieve a golden crust when cooked.
- Cook Kotleti: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive or canola oil in a preheated nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cover. Cook the first side for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Add more oil if necessary to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Cook until patties are cooked through and nicely browned on both sides.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs gives a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Grating the onion finely ensures it incorporates well into the mixture without large chunks.
- If preferred, you can substitute ground turkey for chicken as a lean alternative.
- Serve hot with a side of mashed potatoes, fresh salad, or tucked into a bun for a delicious sandwich.
- Make sure patties are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
