If there’s one dish I could happily serve on game nights, family dinners, and last-minute get-togethers alike, it’s Cheesy Chicken Fritters. Imagine golden, crispy patties packed with tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, the irresistible bite of Parmesan, and flecks of fragrant parsley throughout. They’re wonderfully satisfying, rich in flavor, and the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer, main, or a snack, these fritters deliver everything you love in a single, cheesy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cheesy Chicken Fritters rely on a handful of everyday ingredients, yet each one plays a starring role—adding either oozy, melty texture, crave-worthy flavor, or golden color to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters!
- Chicken Breasts: Finely chopped boneless, skinless chicken provides the juicy, lean base for each fritter.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together so you get fritters that hold together beautifully while frying.
- Mayonnaise: It sneaks in an added layer of moisture and keeps the inside tender but not greasy.
- All-Purpose Flour (or Almond Flour): Your choice here—a little flour adds structure, or go almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds the signature stretchiness and gooey, cheesy appeal.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty punch that rounds out the cheese blend.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced ensures a gentle aromatic kick in every bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Not just for color, parsley brings a fresh, herby finish that keeps the fritters from feeling too heavy.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The simple basics for flavorful fritters—the right seasoning makes a difference!
- Olive Oil: For frying up crisp, golden fritters without a greasy aftertaste.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and adding the chopped chicken, eggs, mayonnaise, flour (or almond flour), mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Get in there with a spatula or your (clean!) hands and mix until everything is well incorporated. You want a uniform, thick mixture where the chicken is nicely coated with all those creamy and cheesy add-ins.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick rest not only firms up the mixture for easy shaping but also gives the flavors a chance to meld. If you’ve ever found fritters difficult to shape, this simple step makes all the difference!
Step 3: Shape and Cook the Fritters
Once chilled, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each fritter (I love using a cookie scoop for perfectly even portions). Flatten them gently in the pan, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Work in batches for the best results—don’t overcrowd the pan. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your Cheesy Chicken Fritters to a platter and serve them warm, ideally with a selection of your favorite dipping sauces—think tangy ranch, cool sour cream, or a spicy aioli. The melted cheese, savory chicken, and herby flavors will win over everyone at your table, guaranteed!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Garnishes
Sprinkle your fritters with extra chopped parsley or a little more freshly grated Parmesan for a touch of color and irresistible aroma. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the savory flavors and make each bite pop. If you’re feeling fancy, add thinly sliced green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Chicken Fritters are so versatile—pair them with crisp green salads tossed in a simple vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a classic coleslaw. For something heartier, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. They’re equally at home next to steamed broccoli for a wholesome family meal or with potato wedges for the ultimate comfort-food platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cheesy Chicken Fritters into sliders by tucking them into mini buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce. You can also cut them up and serve atop a vibrant salad for a protein-packed lunch. For parties, arrange bite-sized fritters on a platter with toothpicks and an assortment of dips for a festive, crowd-friendly appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Chicken Fritters (lucky you!), simply let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually taste just as good, if not better, reheated the next day!
Freezing
These fritters freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pull out as many as you need for a quick and delicious meal or snack.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheesy Chicken Fritters in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crisp exterior. An air fryer also works wonders for a crunchy finish in just a few minutes. The microwave will do in a pinch but expect the outside to be softer rather than crisp. Either way, they’ll still be loaded with flavor and cheesy goodness!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of finely chopped chicken?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works in a pinch, though you may end up with a slightly different texture. Chopped chicken gives a chunkier bite with more noticeable pieces, while ground chicken results in a smoother, meatball-like consistency. Both are tasty—it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Are Cheesy Chicken Fritters gluten-free?
They can be! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour (or another favorite gluten-free blend). The fritters will still hold together beautifully and come out just as delicious, making this a great option for anyone avoiding gluten or following a low-carb lifestyle.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter option, arrange the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get wonderful golden color and melty cheese, just with a little less oil involved.
What dipping sauces work best with Cheesy Chicken Fritters?
The possibilities are endless! Ranch, garlic aioli, sour cream, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo are all fantastic choices. Mix and match to suit your crowd and don’t hesitate to try something new—these fritters love to play with bold flavors.
How can I make Cheesy Chicken Fritters even more flavorful?
Try adding chopped green onions, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even some finely diced red bell pepper for a pop of sweetness. Fresh herbs like dill or chives work wonders, too. Don’t be afraid to experiment so each batch is uniquely yours!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring these Cheesy Chicken Fritters to your own table. They’re quick, cheesy, and packed with flavor—the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. Packed with flavor from mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, these fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ingredients
Chicken Fritters:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine: chopped chicken, eggs, mayonnaise, flour, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate: for 20–30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
- Heat olive oil: in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of mixture for each fritter and flatten slightly in the pan.
- Cook: for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve warm: with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or a pinch of paprika.
- These fritters can also be baked at 400°F for 18–20 minutes if you prefer a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
