Cheesy Chicken Fritters are super tasty little bites made with chicken, cheese, and simple spices. They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them hard to resist!
These fritters are perfect for snack time or a party. I love whipping up a big batch and enjoying them with some dipping sauce—who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of our fritters. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey. Alternatively, you can use cooked, shredded chicken for a different texture.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar brings a sharp flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder taste. You can mix both or use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
Green Onions & Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If green onions aren’t available, chives can substitute. Fresh or dried herbs can replace parsley, but use less dried as it’s stronger in flavor.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If avoiding eggs, use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) to help with binding.
How Do I Get My Fritters Crispy and Delicious?
To achieve mouth-watering fritters that are crispy on the outside, follow these tips closely. The key lies in how you handle the cooking process.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding fritters; test by dropping a small piece of batter in. It should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as it reduces the heat and can make fritters soggy. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Press down gently on the patties when they first hit the oil to help them cook evenly.
- Let them rest on a paper towel to remove excess oil. This step keeps them crispy longer!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- Sour cream or ranch dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep, plus around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you should be ready to enjoy these cheesy chicken fritters in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, parsley, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed!
2. Preparing to Fry:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be nice and hot, so the fritters cook evenly and get a lovely golden color.
3. Shaping the Fritters:
Take spoonfuls of the chicken mixture and form them into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste great!
4. Cooking the Fritters:
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding them. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
5. Draining the Oil:
When the fritters are done cooking, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep them crispy!
6. Serving:
Serve the cheesy chicken fritters warm with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your delicious homemade fritters!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but the fritters will still turn out delicious. Cook them the same way as you would the chicken fritters!
How Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
No problem! You can replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure that all other ingredients, especially spices, are certified gluten-free.
Can I Store Leftover Fritters?
Yes, you can store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or pop them in the microwave until warmed through. For extra crispiness, reheating in the oven is ideal!
How Can I Spice These Fritters Up?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, like pepper jack or feta, for additional flavors!
