Chicken Kotleti Recipe

If you’re looking for a new weeknight favorite that’s juicy, tender, and comfort-food to the core, this Chicken Kotleti Recipe absolutely delivers. It brings together simple pantry staples, transforming ground chicken into pan-seared patties that are velvety on the inside with the perfect golden crust. There’s a reason this dish brings back cozy memories and instantly wins over any crowd — a true slice of Eastern European home cooking, bright with onion and rich with just a touch of tang from sour cream. The Chicken Kotleti Recipe is the kind of simple joy I can never get enough of!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Kotleti is how a handful of kitchen basics come together for maximum comfort and flavor. Every ingredient in this Chicken Kotleti Recipe plays its part — from moisture and binding to savory depth and irresistible crispiness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a little insight for perfect results.

• Ground chicken: This is the star of the dish, offering a lighter and juicier alternative to beef while soaking up all the flavors you put in.
• Panko bread crumbs: Panko gives the patties their distinct fluffiness; soak them for extra tenderness.
• Milk: Helps soften the bread crumbs and keep the kotleti moist inside.
• Sour cream: Adds richness and a mild tang, making the patties taste extra luxurious.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the savory flavors in the chicken.
• Pepper: A simple but crucial seasoning for balancing taste.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together for perfect, shapely patties.
• Onion (small, grated): Grated onion blends seamlessly and infuses every bite with mellow sweetness.
• Flour (for dredging): Forms a delicate crust that crisps beautifully when pan-fried.
• Olive oil or canola oil: Use enough to get those patties golden and delicious as they cook.

How to Make Chicken Kotleti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Mixture

Start by combining your Panko bread crumbs and milk in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Let them sit for about five minutes — this allows the crumbs to completely soak up the milk and soften. This step is the secret to the kotleti’s signature fluffy, moist interior, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture

Once the bread mixture has absorbed all the milk, add your ground chicken, sour cream, salt, pepper, egg, and freshly grated onion right into the same bowl. Stir everything together using a spatula or your hands, ensuring the mixture is all one big, creamy, well-mixed mess. You’ll notice it’s softer than traditional burger meat, but that’s exactly what we want for those meltingly tender kotleti.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Wet your hands slightly (this helps prevent sticking) and scoop out portions of the chicken mixture, shaping each one into an oval patty about three-quarters of an inch thick. Gently dredge each patty in flour, tapping off excess so you end up with a light, even coating. This flour will become a beautiful, thin crust when the Chicken Kotleti Recipe hits the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat two to three tablespoons of olive oil or canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lay in the patties, leaving a little space between each. Cook covered for about five minutes until the bottom is beautifully golden, then flip and cook uncovered for another three minutes. Add an extra swirl of oil if needed. Serve your Chicken Kotleti Recipe warm for the ultimate comfort meal!

How to Serve Chicken Kotleti Recipe

Garnishes

The Chicken Kotleti Recipe is delicious on its own, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley lifts every bite. A spoonful of sour cream on the side adds extra tang and creaminess, and a few lemon wedges for squeezing brighten up the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

These kotleti are made to be paired! Traditional favorites include buttery mashed potatoes or a mound of creamy buckwheat. Steamed seasonal vegetables, crisp cucumber salad, or even a tangy red cabbage slaw are wonderful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up, tuck kotleti into soft buns with greens for an Eastern European spin on sliders, or slice and layer them in wraps with pickled veggies and your favorite sauce. You can even serve them cold, picnic style — they’re just as good at room temperature!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Kotleti Recipe patties keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before storing, and separate layers with parchment or wax paper if you’re stacking them to keep the crust intact.

Freezing

These patties are freezer-friendly! Lay cooled kotleti on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can thaw and cook just as many as you need next time you’re craving homemade comfort.

Reheating

To revive leftover kotleti, gently reheat them in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of oil until hot and crisp again. You can also warm them in the oven (350 F for about 10 minutes), or even use the microwave, though you’ll lose a bit of their signature crust.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works just as well and brings a similar tenderness and flavor to the Chicken Kotleti Recipe. Just make sure to use dark meat or add a little extra sour cream to keep them juicy.

Why is the kotleti mixture so soft and sticky?

The softness is what makes these patties so unique. The soaked breadcrumbs, onion, and sour cream create a loose mixture that cooks into a fluffy texture. Wetting your hands before shaping helps a lot, and dredging in flour ensures they hold together when frying.

Can I bake Chicken Kotleti Recipe instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them on a lightly oiled baking sheet at 400 F for around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The crust won’t be as crisp as pan-frying, but it’s a lighter option that still captures all the flavor!

What can I add to make them more flavorful or spicy?

You can mix in finely chopped herbs like dill or parsley, or add a small clove of minced garlic for extra pop. For spice lovers, try a pinch of chili flakes or paprika in the mixture. Feel free to personalize the Chicken Kotleti Recipe to your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, swap the Panko and flour for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. The results are still tender and delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s as easy to make as it is heartwarming, you can’t go wrong with this Chicken Kotleti Recipe. With every bite, you get golden edges, juicy centers, and flavors that always leave you wanting just one more. I hope you give it a try and share it with your favorite people — you just might find a new classic for your table!

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