Cheesy Chicken Fritters with Garlic Aioli
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to serve chicken, these cheesy chicken fritters are a great option. They’re crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packed with melty cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or even as finger food for parties, they pair wonderfully with a creamy garlic aioli dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Fritters:
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (about 3 large), finely diced or ground
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/potato starch for gluten-free)
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil, for sautéing (or any high-heat oil)
For the Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional):
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, finely pressed or grated
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by finely dicing the chicken breasts into very small pieces (or use ground chicken for convenience). In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with eggs, mayonnaise, flour (or starch), shredded mozzarella, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture will be soft and slightly sticky—that’s normal.
2. Shape and Cook the Fritters
Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop the chicken mixture by heaping tablespoons or use a small ice cream scoop to form fritters in the pan. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon for even cooking.
Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook in batches. Add more oil if needed between batches.
Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Garlic Aioli (Optional)
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, pressed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken fritters warm with a side of garlic aioli, ketchup, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce. They also go great with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or inside pita wraps for a fun twist.
Tips and Variations
- You can use parsley or chives instead of dill if preferred.
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the mix.
- For extra crispiness, coat the fritters lightly in breadcrumbs before frying.
- These reheat well in a skillet or air fryer for a quick lunch the next day.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion
Cheesy chicken fritters are a quick and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. They’re simple to make, easy to customize, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or the star of your dinner table, they’re sure to become a regular favorite.