Crispy Chicken Fritters
Crispy Chicken Fritters are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience—golden on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
This recipe transforms humble leftover chicken (or even canned chicken) into something irresistibly satisfying, with Dijon mustard and herbs adding layers of depth. The light crunch of breadcrumbs gives them texture, while the egg binds everything into a fritter that holds together beautifully in the pan.
Quick to prepare yet full of homemade flavor, these fritters are versatile enough to serve as a main dish, snack, or even tucked into sliders. They’re proof that with a few simple ingredients, you can create something both comforting and crave-worthy.
Why People Will Love Crispy Chicken Fritters:
Golden crispiness – the perfectly pan-fried exterior delivers a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender inside.
Tender, flavorful center – shredded chicken mixed with Dijon, herbs, and spices creates a moist, savory filling that feels both hearty and comforting.
Smart use of leftovers – a creative way to repurpose cooked chicken or even canned chicken, reducing waste while making something delicious.
Quick and versatile – simple enough for a weeknight meal, yet tasty enough to serve as appetizers, party bites, or even sandwich sliders.
Customizable flavor – adaptable with herbs, spices, or dipping sauces, allowing each cook to personalize the dish to their taste.
Balanced nutrition – rich in protein while remaining relatively light, making it both satisfying and wholesome.
Universal appeal – approachable flavors that both kids and adults enjoy, making it a family-friendly recipe.
Key Ingredient:
Shredded chicken – the heart of the fritters, providing a lean, protein-rich base with a savory flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
Dijon mustard – adds a gentle tang and depth, elevating the overall flavor with subtle sharpness.
Breadcrumbs – bind the mixture while giving it structure, ensuring each fritter holds together and fries to crisp perfection.
Egg – acts as the glue, locking in moisture and binding the chicken with the dry ingredients for a tender bite.
Herbs and spices (thyme, garlic powder, onion powder) – bring aromatic warmth and layered flavor, transforming simple chicken into something complex and crave-worthy.
Expert Tips:
Use well-drained chicken – if using canned chicken, make sure it’s thoroughly drained and patted dry. Excess liquid can make the mixture too wet, causing fritters to fall apart while frying.
Chill before frying – refrigerating the mixture for 20–30 minutes firms it up, making the patties easier to shape and helping them hold together better in hot oil.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – frying too many fritters at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy, greasy fritters instead of golden-crisp perfection. Work in small batches for the best results.
Use the right oil temperature – aim for about 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is heated through; too low, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
Customize the texture – for crispier fritters, add a spoonful of panko breadcrumbs to the mixture; for softer fritters, increase the Dijon or add a touch of mayonnaise for extra moisture.
Pair with dips – elevate the eating experience by serving with flavorful sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a zesty ranch to balance the richness of the fritters.
Air fryer alternative – for a lighter version, brush patties with oil and cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Crispy Chicken Fritters
Ingredients:
1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
25 oz. Leftover shredded chicken or drained canned chicken
⅛ tsp Thyme Dried
¼ cup Breadcrumbs
¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
1 Large Egg
¼ tsp. Onion Powder
Salt And Pepper To Taste
Oil For Frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, shredded or canned chicken, thyme, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture holds together.
2. Shape the fritters
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each into a round patty.
3. Heat the oil
Pour enough oil into a skillet to lightly coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high until shimmering.
4. Fry the patties
Add the chicken patties to the hot skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy on the outside, and heated through in the center.
5. Serve
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh side salad.
Important Notes When Making Crispy Chicken Fritters:
Choice of chicken matters – leftover roasted chicken adds depth of flavor, while canned chicken makes it faster and more convenient. Both work, but texture and moisture levels may vary slightly.
Binding is crucial – the egg and breadcrumbs act as the glue holding the fritters together. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs; if too dry, add a splash of Dijon or a teaspoon of mayo.
Season thoughtfully – chicken on its own can taste mild, so seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and spices ensures bold flavor. Taste a small cooked test patty before frying the whole batch to adjust seasoning.
Oil temperature consistency – maintaining steady medium-high heat is key. Fluctuations can result in uneven browning or soggy fritters. Use a thermometer if possible to keep oil near 350°F (175°C).
Drain properly – after frying, always transfer fritters to a paper towel–lined plate or a wire rack. This step prevents them from turning greasy and helps retain crispness.
Serving timing – these fritters are best enjoyed hot and fresh, when the exterior is crunchy and the interior is juicy. They lose crispness if left sitting too long, so serve immediately when possible.
Storage and reheating – leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For reheating, avoid microwaving (which makes them soggy); instead, warm them in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
How To Enjoy Crispy Chicken Fritters After Cooking:
Right After Cooking
Serve immediately while hot – the fritters are at their best right out of the skillet, with a golden, crunchy crust and a juicy, flavorful center.
Rest briefly – let them sit for 2–3 minutes on a wire rack or paper towels to allow excess oil to drain and the coating to set, ensuring maximum crispness.
Pairings & Accompaniments
With dips – pair with tangy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for a flavor contrast that enhances every bite.
As a meal – serve alongside a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables to balance richness with freshness.
As sliders – tuck fritters into mini buns with lettuce, tomato, and pickles for irresistible sandwiches.
With grains – pair with fluffy rice, couscous, or even buttered noodles to make it a more filling dinner.
Best Occasions to Enjoy
Party bites – cut into halves or quarters, they become crowd-pleasing finger foods.
Weeknight dinner – simple enough for busy evenings yet satisfying and comforting.
Lunchbox treat – when cooled and reheated properly, they make a protein-packed lunch option.
Storage & Reheating for Enjoyment Later
Refrigerate – store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze – for longer storage, freeze fritters individually on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
Reheat properly – skip the microwave (which softens the crust). Instead, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy again.
Extra Touches
Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for brightness.
Add a squeeze of lemon before serving to cut through the richness.
Pair with a cold drink (iced tea, beer, or sparkling water with lemon) for a refreshing balance.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 fritter
Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 0.5g
Protein: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken breast?
Yes, you can substitute canned chicken breast with cooked and shredded fresh chicken.
Ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and well-drained before mixing with other ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use regular mustard or even mayonnaise for added moisture and flavor.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the chicken fritters for a healthier alternative.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a lightly greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Are these chicken fritters suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The breadcrumbs used in this recipe contain gluten.
However, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute to make the fritters gluten-free.
How can I prevent the chicken fritters from falling apart while frying?
Ensure the mixture is well-combined and sufficiently bound together with the egg and breadcrumbs.
Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties to the skillet, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause them to stick together.
Additionally, handle the fritters gently when flipping them to prevent breakage.
Can I add other seasonings to the chicken mixture?
Yes, feel free to customize the flavor by adding herbs like parsley or cilantro, or spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
How do I know when the chicken fritters are cooked through?
The chicken fritters should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before forming and frying the patties.
Can I freeze leftover chicken fritters?
Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken fritters for later use.
Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
What are some serving suggestions for crispy chicken fritters?
Serve the fritters as a main dish with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.
They also make delicious sliders when sandwiched between buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.