Looking for a quick and satisfying meal when you’re short on time? Frozen chicken patties are a lifesaver! While many people default to using the oven or air fryer, cooking these patties on the stove is actually one of the fastest methods that delivers deliciously crispy results. In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about transforming those rock-solid chicken patties into a mouthwatering meal with just a pan and your stovetop.
Why Cook Frozen Chicken Patties on the Stove?
Before diving into the how-to let’s talk about why stovetop cooking is such a great option
- Quicker than oven methods – No need to preheat, just heat your pan and start cooking
- More even cooking than some other methods
- Better control over temperature and crispiness
- No special equipment needed – just a basic skillet
- Perfect when you don’t have access to an oven or air fryer
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this cooking method is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need
- Frozen chicken patties
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Cooking oil (olive oil works great)
- Spatula for flipping
- Optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, etc.)
- Meat thermometer (recommended but not required)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Chicken Patties on the Stove
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Place your non-stick skillet on the stove over medium heat. Let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for getting that golden-brown crust we all love!
Step 2: Add a Little Oil
Once your skillet is hot, add a small drizzle of olive oil – just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. This prevents sticking and helps create a crispy exterior. About a tablespoon should be plenty.
Step 3: Add the Frozen Patties
Carefully place the frozen chicken patties in the skillet. Make sure to leave some space between each patty – don’t overcrowd the pan! Depending on your skillet size, you might need to cook them in batches.
Step 4: Season Your Patties (Optional)
This is where you can get creative! Sprinkle your favorite seasonings directly onto the patties while they cook. Some popular options include:
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
Step 5: Cook and Flip
Cook the chicken patties for about 5-7 minutes on the first side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the bottom has turned a beautiful golden brown color. Use your spatula to carefully flip each patty over.
Cook for another 5-7 minutes on the second side. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties, so keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
Safety first! Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it. Insert it into the thickest part of the patty to check.
No thermometer? No problem! You can also cut into one patty to check – it should be hot throughout with no pink areas visible, and the juices should run clear.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for a minute or two. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Stovetop Chicken Patties
After cooking countless frozen chicken patties on my stove, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Don’t thaw the patties – Cook them straight from frozen for best results
- Use tongs instead of a fork when handling to avoid piercing and losing juices
- Avoid moving the patties around too much while cooking to maintain the breading
- Press down gently with your spatula while cooking to ensure even contact with the pan
- For extra crispy patties, cook at a slightly higher heat but watch carefully to prevent burning
Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Patties sticking to pan | Use more oil or a better non-stick pan |
| Exterior burns before inside cooks | Lower heat and cook for longer |
| Patties aren’t crispy enough | Use higher heat and make sure pan is fully preheated |
| Breading falls off | Handle less frequently and don’t move around in pan |
| Uneven cooking | Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed |
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Chicken Patties
Now that you’ve mastered cooking frozen chicken patties on the stove, here are some ideas for serving them:
- Classic chicken sandwich – Add to a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
- Chicken parmesan – Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese
- Wrap it up – Slice and add to a tortilla with veggies and sauce
- Protein for salad – Chop up and add to your favorite greens
- Chicken and waffles – A sweet and savory combination
- Buffalo chicken sandwich – Toss in buffalo sauce and add blue cheese
- Asian-inspired – Top with teriyaki sauce and pineapple
FAQs About Cooking Frozen Chicken Patties on the Stove
Do I need to defrost chicken patties before cooking on the stove?
Nope! One of the best things about this method is that you can cook them straight from frozen. In fact, they often turn out better this way.
How long does it take to cook frozen chicken patties on the stove?
Generally about 5-7 minutes per side, so 10-14 minutes total. However, cooking time varies based on patty thickness and your stove’s heat level.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, but be careful as butter can burn more easily. A mix of butter and oil works well for flavor while preventing burning.
How do I know when my chicken patties are done?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), have a golden-brown exterior, and be hot throughout with no pink areas.
Can I cook multiple patties at once?
Yes, as long as they fit in your pan without touching. Don’t overcrowd or they won’t crisp properly.
What if I don’t have a non-stick pan?
You can use a regular pan with a bit more oil, but watch carefully to prevent sticking.
How do I make my frozen chicken patties extra crispy?
Use a bit more oil, make sure your pan is very hot before adding the patties, and don’t flip them too early.
Final Thoughts
Cooking frozen chicken patties on the stove is definitely my favorite method when I need a quick meal. It’s faster than the oven, doesn’t require any special equipment, and gives you those perfectly crispy results we all crave. With this simple stovetop technique, you’ll never look at frozen chicken patties the same way again!
Next time you’re staring at that bag of frozen chicken patties wondering what to make for dinner, remember how easy it is to transform them into a delicious meal with just your stovetop. Whether you’re making a simple sandwich or getting creative with toppings and sides, these convenient patties are sure to satisfy.
Do you have any special tricks for cooking frozen chicken patties? I’d love to hear your favorite ways to prepare and serve them!
HOW MUCH TO SEASON GROUND CHICKEN
Ground chicken needs A LOT of seasoning to make sure it’s not bland. Trust me on this, what you think is a good amount of seasoning, you’ll probably want to double it then that’s enough for ground chicken.
Like I mentioned above this is a lean type of meat, it doesn’t have that extra help from fat like ground beef does in a typical beef burger. So we need to help it along to make sure we don’t end up with a burger lacking in flavor and a huge dinner disappointment.
Depending on the type of burger recipe here are some spices and seasonings you can use:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ginger
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Taco seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Chicken bouillon powder
HOW TO KEEP GROUND CHICKEN TENDER
Ground chicken is super lean so you don’t have the help from fat like in ground beef to keep the burgers moist. So the way to avoid dry and crumbly chicken burger is by adding in moisture to the mix.
You can add this moisture in many different ways! Some recipes I just add water, in Asian inspired burgers you can add teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, ranch dressing, mayo, lime juice, or whatever suits your flavor!
Just by adding a little but of your moisture ingredient to the ground chicken you’ll cook up a burger that is SO tender.
