Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe

Crispy, Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe: Golden Family Favorite

My aunt’s secret cheesy chicken fritters technique always brings smiles around the dinner table.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this crispy delight with simple ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces dance with melted cheese in every golden bite.

Families adore these quick protein-packed morsels that come together in minutes.

Fresh herbs add unexpected brightness to each crunchy fritter.

Quick pan-frying ensures a perfect exterior with a soft, succulent center.

Let you dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Why Cheesy Chicken Fritters Are So Addictive

  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Packed with dill and mozzarella, these chicken fritters deliver a sophisticated taste profile that elevates a simple dish into a gourmet experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients effortlessly by using gluten-free flour or experimenting with different cheeses, making this recipe adaptable for various dietary preferences and taste buds.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: Perfect for busy households, these fritters come together quickly and provide a protein-rich option that works as an appetizer, snack, or light dinner with minimal preparation time.
  • Foolproof Cooking Technique: The step-by-step refrigeration process ensures even coating and helps bind ingredients, creating consistently crispy fritters that are hard to mess up, even for novice home cooks.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Main Ingredients:

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh, boneless meat perfect for creating crispy fritters.
Dairy:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, melty cheese that adds richness and flavor.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the fritters together.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that keeps the fritters moist.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crispy exterior and binds the mixture.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild, warm spice to the fritters.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Fresh Dill: Bright, tangy herb that provides a fresh flavor profile.
Optional Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the garlic aioli.
  • Garlic Clove: Pungent ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, bright note to the aioli.
  • Salt: Enhances the sauce's flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat to the aioli.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil for frying the fritters.

Instructions for Cooking Chicken Fritters

Step 1: Transform Chicken into Perfect Pieces

Slice chicken breasts into tiny, uniform chunks.

Pop the chicken in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to make cutting easier.

This trick helps create clean, even pieces that cook beautifully.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Mayonnaise

Fold in the diced chicken, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

Gently incorporate:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Chopped dill
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix thoroughly so each bite delivers maximum flavor.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator.

Aim for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better.

This resting period allows flavors to mingle and helps the mixture hold together perfectly.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Scoop mixture using a tablespoon, creating small patties.

Gently flatten each fritter.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer to a paper towel to absorb extra oil.

Step 5: Whip Up Zesty Garlic Sauce

Quickly mix:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Pressed garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until silky smooth and let sit for a few minutes to intensify flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Plate the fritters while hot.

Nestle the garlic sauce nearby for dipping.

Sprinkle with fresh dill if you’re feeling fancy.

These crispy, cheesy morsels are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or a light meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Handy Tips for Perfect Chicken Fritters

  • Partially freeze chicken breasts for 20-30 minutes to achieve cleaner, more uniform cuts when dicing.
  • Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to develop deeper flavors and create a firmer texture for easier shaping.
  • Fry fritters in batches to maintain optimal oil temperature, ensuring crispy exteriors instead of steamed, soggy results.
  • Slightly flatten each fritter with a spoon to promote uniform browning and consistent doneness throughout.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch to create a gluten-free version of these delicious chicken fritters.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fritters

  • Store leftover chicken fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and maintain crispiness.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Warm fritters in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This method helps recrisp the exterior while keeping the inside tender.
  • Skip microwaving, as it makes fritters soggy and ruins their delightful crispy texture. Stick to oven or skillet reheating for best results.

What to Serve with Chicken Fritters

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy texture and complements the dill's herbal notes.
  • Serve with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon to balance the fritters' heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Tangy Dipping Sauces: Experiment with tzatziki, herb-infused yogurt sauce, or additional garlic aioli to enhance the fritters' flavor profile and add moisture.
  • Complement with Light Beer: Choose a wheat beer or pilsner with crisp, clean characteristics that won't overpower the delicate chicken and cheese combination.

Chicken Fritter Variants

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Fritters: Replace chicken with grated cauliflower, using almond flour instead of regular flour. Perfect for keto dieters seeking a lighter, vegetable-based option.
  • Protein-Packed Turkey Fritters: Swap chicken with ground turkey breast for a leaner protein alternative. Maintain the same seasoning and cooking method for a protein-rich meal.
  • Vegetarian Chickpea Fritters: Substitute chicken with mashed chickpeas and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use chickpea flour to keep the binding consistent and appeal to plant-based eaters.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Fritters: Remove mozzarella and replace with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use coconut oil for cooking to maintain a rich flavor profile while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of cheese in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, parmesan, or swiss cheese. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the chicken flavor.

  • Is it necessary to partially freeze the chicken before cutting?

Partially freezing helps achieve more uniform, cleaner cuts. If you’re skilled with a knife, you can skip this step, but it makes dicing easier and more precise.

  • What if I don't have fresh dill?

You can replace fresh dill with dried dill or other herbs like parsley or chives. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill or 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped herbs as a substitute.

  • Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

While frying provides the best crispy texture, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly less crisp compared to frying.

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Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 58 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent cheesy chicken fritters burst with golden-brown perfection and irresistible flavor. Delightful morsels packed with tender chicken and melted cheese promise a quick, satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, diced into 1/3-inch pieces

Binding and Cheese Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/potato starch for gluten-free)
  • 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil such as avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken breasts by partially freezing for 20-30 minutes to achieve precise, uniform cuts. Dice into small, consistent pieces for optimal texture and even cooking.
  2. Create a binding base by whisking eggs and mayonnaise until smooth and well integrated.
  3. Incorporate diced chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring complete and thorough coating of each piece.
  4. Gently fold in flour, mozzarella, dill, salt, and pepper. Use careful mixing techniques to distribute seasonings evenly without overmixing.
  5. Refrigerate the combined mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably overnight. This resting period enhances flavor development and helps solidify the fritter mixture.
  6. Warm olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal frying environment.
  7. Carefully scoop mixture using a tablespoon, gently flattening each fritter in the hot oil to promote uniform browning.
  8. Fry fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a golden, crispy exterior and maintaining appropriate pan temperature.
  9. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
  10. Quickly prepare garlic aioli by blending mayonnaise, pressed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  11. Plate fritters immediately, accompanying with garlic aioli and optional fresh dill garnish for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Partially freeze chicken for precise, uniform dicing that ensures consistent cooking and better texture.
  • Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in egg mixture to guarantee even flavor distribution and binding.
  • Allow mixture to rest in refrigerator for maximum flavor development and structural integrity of fritters.
  • Use medium heat and avoid overcrowding pan to achieve crispy golden exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
  • Drain fritters on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese types like cheddar or parmesan for different flavor profiles.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch seamlessly.
  • Control oil temperature carefully to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown cooking.
  • Fresh herbs can be swapped or added to customize flavor – try parsley, chives, or basil.
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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