30-Minute Crispy Leftover Chicken Cakes
Transform leftover chicken into golden, crispy patties bursting with Louisiana flavor. These savory cakes combine tender shredded chicken with sautéed bell peppers, green onions, and garlic, all bound together with breadcrumbs and seasoned with zesty Creole spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual lunches, or using up holiday turkey leftovers. The addition of Creole mustard and mayonnaise creates a moist interior while achieving a beautifully golden crust when pan-fried.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- ½ medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium green onions, thinly sliced (green and white part)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon Creole mustardDijon mustard1:1dietary
Milder flavor profile
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- ½ cup oil, for cooking
Instructions
- 1
Cook bell pepper, green onions, and garlic in butter in a medium skillet for 3 minutes until soft
- 2
Combine the cooked vegetables with shredded chicken, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, mayonnaise, mustard, and Creole seasoning
- 3
Shape the chicken mixture into patties
- 4
Heat oil in the same pan over medium-high heat
- 5
Add chicken cakes to the pan without crowding and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through
- 6
Remove to a paper towel-lined tray to drain and cook remaining batches if needed
- 7
Serve hot with Remoulade sauce, on a salad, or in a sandwich
Tips
Chill the shaped patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold together better during frying.
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying - cook in batches to ensure even browning and proper crisping.
Use day-old breadcrumbs or lightly toast fresh ones for better texture and binding power.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken cakes up to 3 days in airtight container.
Shape patties up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate covered until ready to cook.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip chilling the patties to avoid them falling apart during cooking.
Keep oil at medium-high heat to avoid soggy or burnt cakes.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Brush with oil for better browning.
What if I don't have Creole seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper for a homemade substitute.
How long do these keep in the freezer?
Freeze cooked and cooled cakes up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F until heated through.