15 Creative Things You Can Make With Chicken Patties (Beyond Boring Sandwiches!)

Ever stared at a package of chicken patties in your freezer and thought, “Not another chicken sandwich again”? I’ve been there too! These frozen discs of convenience often get a bad rap for being boring, but they’re actually SECRET WEAPONS for quick, tasty meals that go way beyond the basic bun.

As someone who relies on frozen shortcuts more than I’d like to admit (especially during those crazy weeknights), I’ve discovered that chicken patties are incredibly versatile Whether you’ve got those famous Aldi Red Bag Chicken patties or any other brand from your local grocery store, I’m about to show you how to transform them into meals that’ll make your family think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Why Chicken Patties Deserve More Love

Before diving into recipes let’s appreciate what makes chicken patties so awesome

• Pre-cooked convenience – most just need heating up
• Budget-friendly protein that stretches your grocery dollar
• Kid-approved flavor that even picky eaters enjoy
• Neutral flavor profile that works with countless cuisines
• Long freezer life for those “I forgot to plan dinner” emergencies

How to Cook Chicken Patties Perfectly

The foundation of any great chicken patty recipe is cooking them right! You’ve got options

Air Fryer Method (my personal fave!):

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F
2. Spray patties with a little cooking spray
3. Air fry for about 7 minutes
4. Flip and cook another 7-8 minutes until crispy and heated through

Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven according to package directions (usually around 400°F)
2. Place patties on baking sheet
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flip, then another 10-15 minutes until golden and heated through

Now let’s get to the good stuff – what to DO with these golden crispy patties!

1. Crispy Chicken Parmesan (The 15-Minute Version!)

This is my go-to when I need something that seems fancy but requires minimal effort.

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Marinara sauce
• Fresh or shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooked spaghetti (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley (if you’re feeling fancy)

How to make it:

1. Bake chicken patties until almost done (about 5 minutes less than package directions)
2. Top each patty with 2-3 tablespoons marinara and a slice of mozzarella
3. Return to oven until cheese melts and bubbles
4. Serve over spaghetti or alongside a salad
5. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if you’ve got ’em

This beats takeout and costs way less! My husband always thinks I put in way more effort than I actually did.

2. Chicken & Waffles (Brunch Vibes Without the Work)

Bring the brunch experience home with this sweet and savory combo!

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Frozen waffles or waffle mix
• Maple syrup
• Hot sauce (optional but recommended!)
• Butter

How to make it:

1. Cook your chicken patties until extra crispy
2. Prepare waffles according to package/recipe
3. Stack patties on waffles
4. Drizzle with maple syrup and add a dash of hot sauce
5. Let the syrup and spice work their magic!

Pro tip: If you have an extra 5 minutes, add a fried egg on top. Game-changer!

3. Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwiches

When Sunday cravings hit but Chick-fil-A is closed, this dupe saves the day!

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Brioche buns (makes a BIG difference)
• Dill pickle slices (or bread & butter if you prefer sweeter)
• Mayo or Chick-fil-A sauce
• American or cheddar cheese (optional)

How to make it:

1. Toast the brioche buns lightly
2. Cook chicken patties until extra crispy
3. Add cheese during last minute of cooking if desired
4. Spread mayo on the bottom bun
5. Add chicken, then top with pickles
6. Enjoy the satisfaction of saving $5+ per sandwich!

4. Chicken Caesar Wrap

Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this wrap never disappoints.

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Large flour tortillas or wraps
• Caesar dressing
• Romaine lettuce
• Parmesan cheese
• Croutons (optional)

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken patties and slice into strips
2. Warm tortillas slightly to make them flexible
3. Spread Caesar dressing on tortilla
4. Layer lettuce, chicken strips, Parmesan and croutons
5. Roll tightly, tucking in sides
6. Cut diagonally for that cafe look

I like to prep several of these on Sunday for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week!

5. Chicken Patty Quesadillas

Fusion food at its finest – and ready in about 10 minutes!

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese (Mexican blend works great)
• Diced peppers and onions (optional)
• Sour cream and salsa for serving

How to make it:

1. Cook and dice chicken patties
2. Place tortilla in skillet over medium heat
3. Sprinkle half with cheese
4. Add diced chicken and veggies if using
5. Fold tortilla and cook until golden on both sides
6. Cut into wedges and serve with dipping sauces

My kids demolish these in minutes flat!

6. Crispy Chicken Cobb Salad

When you’re craving something fresh but substantial:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Mixed greens or romaine
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Bacon bits
• Cherry tomatoes
• Avocado
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Your favorite dressing

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken patties and slice into strips
2. Arrange greens on plates or in a large bowl
3. Top with chicken strips and remaining ingredients
4. Drizzle with dressing
5. Marvel at how you’ve turned a frozen convenience food into a restaurant-worthy salad!

7. Chicken Patty Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter, low-carb option that’s still satisfying:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Large lettuce leaves (iceberg or butter lettuce work best)
• Water chestnuts, diced
• Shredded carrots
• Asian-inspired sauce (sweet chili, hoisin, or teriyaki)

How to make it:

1. Cook and dice chicken patties
2. Mix with water chestnuts, carrots and sauce
3. Spoon mixture into lettuce cups
4. Serve with extra sauce for dipping

8. Chicken Patty Nachos

Game day snack or easy dinner – these loaded nachos are always a hit!

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese
• Black beans (drained)
• Jalapeños
• Sour cream, guacamole, salsa for topping

How to make it:

1. Cook and crumble chicken patties
2. Spread chips on baking sheet
3. Top with chicken, beans, cheese and jalapeños
4. Bake at 350°F until cheese melts (about 5-7 minutes)
5. Add cold toppings and serve immediately

9. Chicken Patty Breakfast Hash

Breakfast for dinner is always a win in my house!

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Diced potatoes
• Bell peppers and onions
• Eggs
• Hot sauce or ketchup

How to make it:

1. Cook and dice chicken patties
2. Sauté potatoes until crispy
3. Add peppers and onions, cook until soft
4. Mix in chicken to heat through
5. Make wells in the hash and crack eggs into them
6. Cover and cook until eggs reach desired doneness

10. Chicken Patty Fried Rice

Use up leftover rice and transform it into something amazing:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Cold cooked rice
• Frozen peas and carrots
• Soy sauce
• Eggs
• Green onions

How to make it:

1. Cook and dice chicken patties
2. Scramble eggs in a large skillet or wok
3. Add rice, veggies, and diced chicken
4. Drizzle with soy sauce and stir-fry until hot
5. Top with sliced green onions

11. Chicken Patty Shepherd’s Pie

A twist on the classic comfort food:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Gravy (jarred or from mix)
• Mashed potatoes (instant works great in a pinch!)
• Shredded cheese

How to make it:

1. Dice chicken patties and mix with veggies and gravy
2. Pour mixture into baking dish
3. Top with mashed potatoes and cheese
4. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly

12. Chicken Patty Sliders

Perfect for parties or hungry kids:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties (cut in half if using full-size)
• Mini slider buns
• Cheese slices (cut to fit)
• Pickle chips
• Slider sauce (mix mayo + BBQ sauce + honey)

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken patties until crispy
2. Place on bottom buns
3. Top with cheese, pickles, and sauce
4. Add top buns and secure with toothpicks if needed
5. Serve while warm!

13. Chicken Patty Pizza

When you can’t decide between chicken and pizza:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella
• Pizza toppings of choice
• Pre-made pizza crust or flatbread

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken patties and slice or dice
2. Spread sauce on crust
3. Top with chicken and other toppings
4. Add cheese and bake according to crust directions
5. Slice and enjoy!

14. Buffalo Chicken Patty Wrap

Spice up your lunch routine:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Lettuce and tomato
• Large tortillas or wraps

How to make it:

1. Cook chicken patties and toss in buffalo sauce
2. Spread dressing on tortilla
3. Add lettuce, tomato and buffalo chicken
4. Roll up and enjoy the kick!

15. Chicken Patty Alfredo Pasta

A creamy comfort food that comes together in minutes:

You’ll need:

• Chicken patties
• Fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Jarred Alfredo sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• Frozen peas (optional)

How to make it:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions
2. Cook and slice chicken patties
3. Heat Alfredo sauce, add peas if using
4. Toss pasta with sauce, top with chicken and Parmesan
5. Marvel at how easy that was!

FAQ: Your Chicken Patty Questions Answered!

Q: Are chicken patties healthy?
A: They’re definitely a processed food, but can be part of a balanced meal when paired with veggies and whole grains. Look for options with lower sodium and fewer additives if health is a concern.

Q: Can I cook chicken patties from frozen?
A: Absolutely! Most chicken patties are designed to be cooked straight from frozen. Just follow the package directions.

Q: How long do cooked chicken patties last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

Q: Which brand of chicken patties is best?
A: Many people swear by Aldi’s “Red Bag Chicken” (Kirkwood brand), but most major brands work well. Try a few to find your favorite!

Next time you spot chicken patties on sale, grab a couple packages! They’re not just for basic sandwiches anymore. With these ideas, you’ll see them as the versatile meal starter they truly are.

What’s your favorite way to use chicken patties? I’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below!