Chicken Kotleti are tender, juicy pan-fried patties made with ground chicken, onion, and soaked bread—a beloved comfort food across Russia and Eastern Europe. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, these golden cutlets are perfect for everyday dinners, lunchboxes, or a nostalgic Slavic meal served with mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kotleti are the epitome of home-style cooking: simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Their soft, moist texture comes from soaked bread and grated onion, while their golden crust brings just the right amount of crispiness. Whether served with buckwheat, potatoes, or stuffed into a sandwich, these chicken patties are a versatile favorite that’s both kid-friendly and freezer-friendly. They’re quick to make and taste even better the next day.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 500g ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 slice white bread, crust removed
- 1/4 cup milk (for soaking bread)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced; fresh parsley or green onion for garnish
directions
- Soak the Bread:
In a small bowl, soak the slice of bread in milk until softened.
Squeeze out the excess milk and crumble the soaked bread. - Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled bread, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, and optional garlic.
Mix well until the mixture becomes sticky and holds together. - Shape the Patties:
Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking.
Shape the mixture into small oval or round patties, about the size of your palm. - Fry the Kotleti:
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry the patties in batches, cooking for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onion if desired.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or as part of a sandwich with pickles and sour cream.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 patties
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 230 kcal per patty
Variations
- Turkey or Beef Kotleti: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef for a richer flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Kotleti: Add a small cube of cheese to the center of each patty before frying for a melty surprise.
- Herb Blend: Mix in dill, parsley, or chives for added freshness.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for gentle heat.
- Breadcrumb Crust: Dredge the patties in breadcrumbs before frying for a crispier exterior.
storage/reheating
Store leftover kotleti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through. Kotleti also freeze well—place in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What are kotleti?
Kotleti are Russian-style pan-fried patties made from minced meat, usually mixed with soaked bread, onions, and simple seasonings.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
How do I keep the patties juicy?
The soaked bread and grated onion help retain moisture. Avoid overcooking to keep them from drying out.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What type of bread is best?
Soft white bread works best. Make sure it’s soaked well and squeezed before adding.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of bread?
Yes, but soaked bread provides better moisture and texture. If using breadcrumbs, reduce the quantity and add a splash of milk.
What side dishes pair well with kotleti?
Mashed potatoes, buckwheat, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad are all traditional accompaniments.
Are kotleti gluten-free?
Not by default. Use gluten-free bread to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I air-fry kotleti?
Yes, cook in a preheated air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is ground chicken traditional?
Ground beef and pork are more common in traditional recipes, but chicken is a lighter alternative and widely used today.
Conclusion
Chicken Kotleti are a humble yet deeply satisfying dish, representing the heart of Slavic home cooking. With their juicy interior and golden exterior, these patties bring comfort, nostalgia, and simplicity to your plate. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or tucked into a lunchbox, kotleti deliver warmth and flavor in every bite.
PrintChicken Kotleti (Russian Chicken Patties)
Chicken kotleti are tender, pan-fried Russian patties made with ground chicken, onion, and soaked bread—simple, juicy, and perfect with mashed potatoes, sour cream, or tucked into a sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500g ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 slice white bread, crust removed
- 1/4 cup milk (for soaking bread)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Soak bread in milk until soft. Squeeze out excess liquid and crumble the bread.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, soaked bread, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, and optional garlic until the mixture is sticky.
- Wet hands and form oval patties, about palm-sized.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels and garnish with chopped parsley or green onion.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, sour cream, or pickles.
Notes
- For extra moisture, use dark meat ground chicken or add a spoonful of mayo to the mix.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
- Serve in a bun for a Slavic-style chicken burger.
- Try with buckwheat or rice as an alternative to mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg