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 on the inside, perfectly pan-fried, and packed with flavor.
Here’s a delicious and reliable recipe for you.
Cheesy Chicken Fritters
These fritters are like savory, cheesy pancakes loaded with tender chicken. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Yield: About 12-14 fritters
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or shredded cooked chicken)*
· 1 large egg
· ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
· ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
· ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or chives
· ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or breadcrumbs for a firmer texture)
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
· 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
For a Dipping Sauce (Optional):
· ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
· 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
· 1 tablespoon fresh dill or chives, chopped
· Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Fritter Base: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, mozzarella, cheddar, onion, parsley, flour, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Gently: Use a fork or your hands to mix everything until just combined. Do not overmix, or the fritters can become tough.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom generously (about 2-3 tablespoons).
- Form and Fry: Once the oil is hot (a breadcrumb should sizzle when dropped in), scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter. Form into a small patty about ½-inch thick and carefully place it in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches.
- Cook to Golden Brown: Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Drain: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While the fritters are cooking, whisk all the dipping sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Serve: Serve the fritters hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
Recipe Notes & Variations
· Using Cooked Chicken: If using pre-cooked shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken is perfect!), the process is identical. The mixture might be a bit more cohesive.
· Ensure They Don’t Fall Apart: The egg and flour/breadcrumbs are the binders. If your mixture seems too wet to hold together, add another tablespoon of flour. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before frying can also help them firm up.
· Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
· Add-Ins and Customization:
· Vegetables: Add ¼ cup of finely grated zucchini (squeezed dry) or finely chopped spinach.
· Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
· Different Cheeses: Try using Gouda, pepper jack, or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
· Serving Suggestions: Serve these as a main course with a side salad and roasted potatoes, or as an appetizer with the dipping sauce. They also make great sliders on small buns.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and comforting chicken fritters