Making dinner doesn’t have to feel like a chore, especially when you have a recipe as quick, versatile, and downright delicious as chicken rissoles. They’re crispy, golden little patties filled with flavor and wonderfully easy to whip up. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight family meal or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, chicken rissoles fit any occasion.
Today, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect chicken rissoles—from what they are to tips, variations, and even how to pair them with the right sides for maximum meal satisfaction.
What are Chicken Rissoles?
Chicken rissoles are comforting, bite-sized patties made from ground chicken, bread crumbs, and various seasonings. The term “rissole” comes from the Latin word russeolus, which means “reddish,” likely referencing their golden-crisp coating. Popular in Australia and the UK, rissoles are a versatile dish, with variations seemingly endless depending on the cook’s creativity and ingredients on hand.
These patties can be pan-fried, baked, or even grilled, making them a customizable treasure of any recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to adore about chicken rissoles, and here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy
Short on time? Chicken rissoles come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Versatility at Its Best
They’re a blank canvas! You can adjust the flavor to suit your palate by switching up the seasoning or adding extra ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly
The crisp, golden exterior and soft, savory inside make these patties a hit with picky eaters.
- Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, affordable ingredients, rissoles are perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make classic chicken rissoles:
- 1 lb (500g) ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko works best)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Want to experiment? Scroll down to the variations section for some exciting ingredient swaps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these hassle-free steps to create the juiciest, most flavorful chicken rissoles.
Step 1. Prepare the Mixture
- Place the ground chicken into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 2. Shape the Patties
- Scoop out a portion of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons per patty). Shape into small, round patties about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 3. Preheat the Pan
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4. Cook the Rissoles
- Place your rissoles in the pan, leaving room between each patty. Fry for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Step 5. Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the cooked rissoles to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil, then serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Rissoles
- Avoid Overmixing the Ingredients
Overmixing can make the rissoles dense. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Chill Before Cooking
If your mixture feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping into patties.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan
This ensures the rissoles fry evenly, achieving that perfect golden crust.
- Opt for Fresh Bread Crumbs
Fresh bread crumbs absorb moisture better, making rissoles tender inside and crispy outside.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken rissoles work beautifully as the star of many meals. Here are a few pairing ideas to elevate your dish.
- On a Plate
Serve alongside a refreshing salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
- On a Bun
Use rissoles as patties for a gourmet chicken burger, topped with lettuce, tomato, and aioli.
- With Dipping Sauces
Pair with BBQ sauce, sweet chili, or garlic aioli for a flavor-packed snack or appetizer.
Variations
Shake things up with these flavor-packed rissole variations.
- Spicy Kick
Add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for rissoles with a spicy twist.
- Cheesy Rissoles
Mix shredded cheddar or parmesan into the chicken mixture for gooey, cheesy patties.
- Herbaceous Delight
Go heavy on fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or thyme for a brighter flavor profile.
- Asian-Inspired
Add soy sauce, ginger, and green onions for a savory, umami-rich rissole.
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s on your plate? Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one chicken rissole (based on the recipe above):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
People Also Ask
What makes chicken rissoles different from meatballs?
While both are made with ground meat, rissoles are typically pan-fried and flat, whereas meatballs are round and often baked or simmered.
Can I make chicken rissoles ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture, shape the patties, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can chicken rissoles be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked or uncooked rissoles for up to 3 months. Just thaw and cook (or reheat) as needed.
Bring Chicken Rissoles Into Your Life
Chicken rissoles are comfort food at its finest. Simple to make, endlessly customizable, and ridiculously delicious, they deserve a spot on your weekly menu.
What are you waiting for? Pull out the ground chicken, grab a skillet, and start cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
