If you are looking for an easy recipe that combines tender chicken, creamy potatoes, garlic, herbs, and a crispy golden crust, these Crispy Garlic Chicken Potato Patties are the perfect choice. Mashed potatoes are mixed with seasoned chicken, garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and cheese, then shaped into patties and pan-fried until beautifully crisp on the outside while staying soft and flavorful inside.

These patties are a delicious way to use leftover chicken or mashed potatoes while creating a completely new meal. They are budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or party appetizers.

Serve them with garlic aioli, sour cream, ranch, salad, or roasted vegetables for a comforting homemade dish that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Garlic Chicken Potato Patties

They are crispy on the outside and tender inside.

They are a great way to use leftover chicken and potatoes.

Garlic and herbs add incredible flavor.

The recipe is easy to customize with different cheeses and vegetables.

They can be pan-fried, baked, or air-fried.

They are perfect for meal prep and freezing.

Kids and adults love this simple comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Potato Mixture

• 3 cups mashed potatoes, cooled
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For Coating

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Serving

• Garlic aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Potato Patties

1. Prepare the Chicken

If using leftover chicken, shred or finely chop it into small pieces.

The chicken should be evenly distributed throughout the patties.

2. Prepare the Potato Base

Place cooled mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Cold mashed potatoes work best because they are firmer and easier to shape.

3. Add Chicken

Add shredded chicken to the potatoes.

Mix gently to combine.

4. Add Garlic and Cheese

Add:

• Minced garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until evenly combined.

5. Add Eggs

Add the eggs.

Mix well.

The eggs help bind the patties together.

6. Add Breadcrumbs

Add breadcrumbs.

Mix until the mixture becomes firm enough to shape.

If the mixture feels too soft, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs.

7. Add Seasonings

Add:

• Parsley
• Chives
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

8. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl.

Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

This helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.

Shaping the Patties

9. Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine:

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder

10. Shape the Patties

Scoop approximately ⅓ cup of mixture.

Shape into round patties about ½-inch thick.

11. Coat the Patties

Press each patty lightly into the breadcrumb mixture.

Coat both sides evenly.

12. Rest Before Cooking

Place coated patties on a tray.

Let them rest for 10 minutes.

This helps the coating stick.

Cooking the Chicken Potato Patties

13. Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium heat.

Add:

• Olive oil
• Butter

Allow the butter to melt.

14. Add the Patties

Place patties in the skillet.

Do not overcrowd the pan.

Cook in batches if needed.

15. Cook the First Side

Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes.

The bottom should become golden and crispy.

16. Flip Carefully

Use a wide spatula.

Turn each patty gently.

17. Cook the Second Side

Cook for another 3–5 minutes until golden brown.

18. Check the Center

The patties should be heated throughout and the cheese should be melted.

19. Transfer to a Rack

Place cooked patties on a wire rack.

This keeps the crust crispy.

20. Garnish

Finish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan
• Black pepper

21. Serve

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

What to Serve With Crispy Garlic Chicken Potato Patties

These patties are versatile and work well as a complete meal.

Dipping Sauces

• Garlic aioli
• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream
• Chipotle mayo
• Honey mustard

Fresh Sides

• Garden salad
• Caesar salad
• Cucumber salad
• Coleslaw

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Garlic asparagus
• Sautéed spinach

Breakfast Serving Ideas

Serve with:

• Fried eggs
• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon
• Fresh fruit

Tips for the Best Crispy Garlic Chicken Potato Patties

Use Cold Mashed Potatoes

Cold potatoes create a firmer mixture that is easier to shape.

Do Not Add Too Much Breadcrumb

Too much breadcrumb can make the patties dry.

Keep the Patties Even

Similar thickness helps them cook evenly.

Chill Before Cooking

This prevents the patties from breaking apart.

Use Panko for Extra Crispiness

Panko creates a lighter, crunchier crust.

Cook Over Medium Heat

High heat can burn the outside before the inside warms.

Do Not Overcrowd the Pan

Crowding lowers the heat and prevents crisping.

Easy Recipe Variations

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Potato Patties

Add:

• ½ cup crispy bacon
• Extra cheddar cheese

for a richer version.

Spinach Garlic Chicken Patties

Add:

• 1 cup chopped spinach
• Extra Parmesan

for a vegetable-packed option.

Spicy Chicken Potato Patties

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili flakes

for heat.

Buffalo Chicken Potato Patties

Mix cooked chicken with buffalo sauce before combining with potatoes.

Serve with ranch.

Mushroom Chicken Potato Patties

Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms.

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Patties

Add:

• Chopped broccoli
• Sharp cheddar cheese

for a comforting variation.

Herb Butter Chicken Patties

Increase fresh herbs:

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Chives
• Rosemary

Air Fryer Method

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly spray patties with oil.

Place them in a single layer.

Air fry for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Cook until golden and crisp.

Oven-Baked Method

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush lightly with oil.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Bake until golden and crispy.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The chicken potato mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead.

Store covered in the refrigerator.

You can also shape the patties ahead of time.

Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow patties to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating in the Oven

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

Air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

This restores the crisp texture best.

Reheating on the Stovetop

Warm in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.

Freezing Instructions

These patties freeze very well.

Freezing Before Cooking

Shape and coat the patties.

Place on a tray and freeze until firm.

Transfer to freezer bags.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Cook from thawed or partially frozen.

Freezing After Cooking

Cool completely.

Freeze in airtight containers.

Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes. This recipe is perfect for leftover mashed potatoes.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully.

Why are my patties falling apart?
The mixture may be too warm, too wet, or may need more breadcrumbs.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes. Baking and air frying both work well.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack all work well.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes. Replace chicken with extra vegetables, mushrooms, or beans.

Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes. Sweet potatoes create a slightly sweeter version.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Garlic Chicken Potato Patties combine creamy potatoes, tender chicken, garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and cheese into a golden crispy comfort food everyone will love.

The key is using chilled potatoes, keeping the mixture balanced, coating the patties well, and cooking them over medium heat until perfectly crisp.

Serve them as a snack, appetizer, lunch, or dinner with your favorite sauce for a simple homemade recipe that is crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying.