Of course! Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a fantastic, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner, a fun appetizer, or meal prep. They are moist, packed with flavor, and have a deliciously crispy exterior.
Here’s a reliable and delicious recipe that will become a family favorite.
Cheesy Chicken Fritters
These fritters are like a cross between a juicy chicken patty and a cheesy fritter, pan-fried to golden perfection.
Yields: About 12-14 fritters
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or finely shredded cooked chicken*)
· 1 large egg
· ½ cup finely shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
· ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
· ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· ¼ cup finely diced onion (or 1 tbsp onion powder)
· 1 tsp paprika
· ½ tsp garlic powder
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (about ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper)
· 2-3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, for frying
For Serving (Optional):
· Ranch dressing, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for dipping
· Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, onion, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Gently: Use your hands or a fork to mix everything until just combined. Do not overmix, or the fritters can become tough.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, scoop out about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small, flat patty, about ½-inch thick. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly. Place the formed patties on a plate.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil is ready when a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Pan-Fry: Carefully place the fritters in the hot skillet, without crowding them. You will likely need to work in batches.
- Cook Until Golden: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Pro-Tips for Success
· Chicken Choice: Ground chicken is easiest. For cooked chicken, you’ll need about 2 cups of finely shredded meat (from a rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breasts). The texture will be slightly different but just as delicious.
· Avoid Sogginess: If your mixture seems too wet to hold together, add another tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or another egg yolk.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is crucial! Overcrowding the pan will steam the fritters instead of frying them, resulting in a less crispy exterior.
· Baking Option: For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
· Air Fryer Option: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the fritters in a single layer (work in batches). Spray the tops with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
· Flavor Variations:
· Spicy: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño.
· Herby: Use dill or basil instead of parsley.
· Vegetable-Packed: Add ¼ cup of finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry) or shredded spinach.
Serving Suggestions
· As an Appetizer: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or a sriracha mayo dip.
· As a Main Course: Serve alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes.
· As a Sandwich: Place a couple of fritters on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
Enjoy these incredibly cheesy, juicy, and satisfying chicken fritters