Why Chicken Cakes Are a Great Option

Chicken cakes offer a fun twist on the typical chicken dishes you might prepare at home. Their moist interior, created by using a mix of chicken breast and thighs, makes them stand out from dry or dense chicken patties. The addition of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and garlic adds flavor and nutrition, while the combination of seasonings, including poultry seasoning and Tabasco sauce, gives the cakes a delicious kick.

Another reason why chicken cakes are such a great option is their versatility. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. They also make excellent leftovers, and the flavor improves the next day. Whether you serve them with a salad, over rice, or alongside vegetables, they complement a variety of sides, making them a great go-to meal.

How to Make Chicken Cakes

Making chicken cakes is simple and requires just a few key steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   To start, place the chicken breasts and thighs in a food processor and pulse until the chicken is ground into pea-sized pieces. Be careful not to overprocess the chicken, as you want the texture to remain slightly chunky.

2. Cook the Vegetables:
   In a large sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the diced bell peppers, onions, red pepper flakes, and poultry seasoning for about 4 minutes. This will soften the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, set this vegetable mixture aside to cool.

3. Cook Half of the Chicken Mixture:
   Add half of the ground chicken mixture to the pan and cook it through for about 3 minutes. This step ensures the chicken is partially cooked, adding flavor to the cake mixture. Allow this mixture to cool before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.

4. Prepare the Mixture:
   In a separate large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, mayonnaise, parsley, salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, bread crumbs, eggs, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together to create a flavorful base for the cakes.

5. Combine Everything:
   Once the chicken and sautéed vegetable mixture has cooled, add both the cooked chicken and the uncooked chicken mixture to the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined.

6. Form the Patties:
   Shape the mixture into 18 balls and then flatten them into discs. This will ensure they cook evenly and are the right size for serving. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.

7. Fry the Patties:
   To cook the chicken cakes, heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat and add half of the oil and butter. Once melted, add half of the chicken cakes to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 160°F before removing the cakes from the pan. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken cakes.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   After frying, let the chicken cakes sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve them warm with your favorite sides for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Why These Chicken Cakes Are Perfect for Meal Prep

Chicken cakes are an excellent choice for meal prepping because they can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. After cooking the cakes, let them cool and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cakes to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat the frozen chicken cakes, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through. This makes them a convenient and quick meal for busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cakes

These chicken cakes are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• Salads: Serve the chicken cakes on top of a fresh salad for a light but satisfying meal. A mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the cakes.

• Rice or Quinoa: Chicken cakes pair wonderfully with rice or quinoa. You can serve them over a bed of brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

• Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side dish to balance the richness of the chicken cakes.

• Dips and Sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or a simple squeeze of lemon for a fresh touch.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of chicken cakes contains approximately 300 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat. With 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, these cakes offer a balanced meal that’s rich in protein and flavor. The Tabasco sauce and red pepper flakes add a hint of heat without making the cakes too spicy, making them a great option for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.

Conclusion

Chicken cakes are a tasty and versatile option that brings a fun twist to your usual chicken meals. They’re moist, flavorful, and easy to make, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. With the option to customize the seasonings and pair them with your favorite sides, these chicken cakes are sure to become a family favorite. Whether served fresh, as leftovers, or frozen for future use, they are a delicious way to use chicken in a whole new way.