Excellent choice! Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a fantastic, easy-to-make meal that’s crispy on the outside, tender and cheesy on the inside. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or a fun lunchbox idea.
Here’s a reliable and delicious recipe for you.
Crispy Cheesy Chicken Fritters
These fritters are packed with flavor and come together in about 30 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Yields: About 12-15 fritters
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
· For the Fritters:
· 1 lb ground chicken (or very finely minced chicken breast/thigh)
· 1 large egg
· ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for meltiness)
· ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sharp flavor)
· ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
· ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion or 1 tsp onion powder
· 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
· 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for color)
· ½ teaspoon paprika
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (be generous!)
· 2-3 tablespoons oil for frying (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
· For Serving (Optional):
· Your favorite dipping sauces (e.g., ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, panko, onion, garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture will be soft and slightly sticky.
· Pro-Tip: Using your hands is the most effective way to mix everything together thoroughly. - Form the Patties: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture (about 2 tablespoons per fritter). With damp hands, shape the portions into small, flat patties, about ½-inch thick. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.
· Why damp hands? This prevents the sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers. - Pan-Fry: Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, flick a tiny bit of the mixture into the pan; it should sizzle gently.
· Work in Batches: Carefully place the fritters in the skillet, leaving some space between them. Do not overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of fry. - Cook Until Golden: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fritters are deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
· Press Gently: You can gently press down on the fritters with your spatula halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. - Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving—they will be very hot inside!
· Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, you can keep finished fritters warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven. - Serve Immediately with your chosen dipping sauces.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Fritters
· The Chicken: Ground chicken is easiest. If you don’t have it, you can pulse boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a food processor until very finely ground. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste.
· Breading Substitute: If you don’t have panko, you can use crushed crackers, crushed cornflakes, or regular breadcrumbs.
· Don’t Make Them Too Thick: Keeping the patties to about ½-inch thickness ensures they cook through without burning the outside.
· Avoid Overmixing: Once the ingredients are combined, stop mixing. Overmixing can make the fritters tough.
· Baking Option (Healthier): For a lighter version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
· Air Fryer Option: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fritters in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Lightly spray with oil and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
· Add-Ins: Feel free to customize! Try adding finely diced bell peppers, cooked and crumbled bacon, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
· As a Main Dish: Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
· As an Appetizer: Make them smaller (1 tablespoon each) and serve with a variety of dipping sauces.
· As a Sandwich: Place 2-3 fritters inside a soft bun or slider roll with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sauce.
Enjoy these incredibly tasty and versatile fritters