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What are chicken patties?
A chicken patty is a processed food made by mixing together different ingredients to form a dough, which is then pressed into a thin shape before being fried or baked.
History of Chicken Patties
Chicken patties were first mentioned by name in American cookbooks in the late 19th century, where recipes called for chopped meat or suet to be shaped into balls and fried. The use of a metal mold was suggested as a way to form the meat more quickly and make the patties even. During World War II, meat rationing led to the widespread use of bread crumbs and other filler ingredients in chicken patties. Chicken meat production rose dramatically during this time because it was so affordable to the American public.
What are chicken patties made of?
Chicken patties are made of ground chicken meat, bread crumbs, eggs, and spices. Additional ingredients may also be used such as vegetables, herbs, and cheese. After the patties are formed, they are fried or baked. The most common frying method is pan-frying in oil. Chicken patties may also be grilled, broiled, poached, or roasted.
Chicken patties are widely available in restaurants, but can also be made at home (see recipe on homemade chicken patties). They are commonly served as a side dish with rice or vegetables and sometimes with dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, mustard, or ketchup. Many people also enjoy chicken patties in sandwiches and burgers along with condiments and other ingredients for flavor and texture contrast.
The chicken meat used to make chicken patties may come from any part of the chicken; the most economical choice is often the entire bird after all of its meat has been harvested through processing. However, the breasts and thighs can also be used to form patties. Because chicken is mild-flavored meat, it pairs well with many condiments including mayonnaise, mustard, and barbecue sauce.
Cultural and Religious Variations
The shape of a chicken patty has symbolic significance in some cultures and religions. For example, the group Hindus consider it sinful to eat meat that is shaped like a ball or a cone, so special patties are made for them with chopped vegetables and spices. Chicken patties are also often shaped this way when used as ingredients of chicken burgers or other restaurant items. Other cultures shape the patty differently depending on the type of cuisine that it will be used in. For example, Middle Eastern cuisine often calls for patties to be shaped like kebabs.
Chicken patties are considered an economical food choice because they can be made with less expensive ingredients than many other meat products. For example, beef patties often require expensive ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil and expensive cuts of meat such as filet mignon. Chicken patties also take less time to prepare than many other meat items like steak or chicken breasts.