Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delightful and savory dish that makes for a perfect appetizer or main course. Packed with tender chunks of chicken and gooey mozzarella, these fritters are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying.

The fresh dill adds a burst of flavor, while the optional garlic aioli dip elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether served at a party or as a weeknight dinner, these fritters are sure to please everyone at the table!

Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Ingredients For Chicken Fritters

1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts, (3 large)

2 large eggs

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup all-purpose flour, or cornstarch or potato starch for gluten free

4 oz mozzarella cheese, (1 1/3 cups shredded)

1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill

1/2 tsp salt , or to taste

1/8 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp Extra light olive oil, to saute (or any high heat cooking oil)

Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional)

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 garlic clove, pressed

1/2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1:

Using a sharp knife, dice chicken into 1/3″ thick pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Tip: If chicken breast is partially frozen, it will be a little bit easier to slice.

Step 2:

Into the mixing bowl, add remaining batter ingredients:

2 eggs,

1/3 cup mayonnaise,

1/3 cup flour,

1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella,

1 1/2 Tbsp dill,

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper, or season to taste.

Stir the mixture until well combined, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

Step 3:

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp oil.

When oil is hot, add the chicken mixture a heaping Tablespoon at a time.

Slightly flatten out the tops with the back of your spoon and sauté uncovered 3-4 min on the first side, then flip and saute 3 min on the second side or until outsides are golden brown and chicken is fully cooked through*

Repeat with remaining fritters adding more oil as needed.

Step 4:

To make the aioli (if using), combine all ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup and stir together until smooth.

Recipe Notes

*To test for doneness, cut a fritter in half and the chicken should be completely white inside. If your chicken patty is browning too fast, adjust your heat down.

Notes:

Chicken Preparation: For easier slicing, consider partially freezing the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes before dicing. This helps create uniform pieces for even cooking.

Gluten-Free Option: If you’re making this dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch, which will still yield crispy fritters.

Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor profile.

Resting Time: Refrigerating the fritter mixture for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld and improves the texture, making them easier to form and cook.

Cooking Method: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions: These fritters pair wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even in a wrap with fresh greens. They also make great finger food for parties!

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to retain their crispy texture.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts.

Thighs are typically more flavorful and juicy, but be sure to trim any excess fat before dicing them into pieces.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the chicken mixture for 2 hours or overnight?

Refrigerating the chicken mixture helps it firm up and hold its shape better when cooking.

However, if you’re short on time, you can refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set up a bit.

What can I use as a dipping sauce if I don’t want to make the garlic aioli?

If you prefer a different dipping sauce, you can use options like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or tzatziki sauce.

These can complement the chicken fritters nicely.

Can I bake the chicken fritters instead of pan-frying them for a healthier option?

Yes, you can bake the chicken fritters.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned.

You can also lightly brush them with oil before baking for added crispiness.

What are some suitable side dishes to serve with Cheesy Chicken Fritters?

These fritters pair well with a variety of sides such as a fresh green salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad.

You can also serve them with rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the fritters?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste.

While mozzarella is used in the recipe, you can try cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any other melting cheese of your choice.

Is it necessary to use fresh dill, or can I use dried dill instead?

While fresh dill adds a vibrant flavor, you can use dried dill as a substitute.

Generally, use one-third the amount of dried dill as fresh.

For this recipe, you can use about 1/2 tablespoon of dried dill instead of the fresh dill.

What should I do if the chicken fritter mixture is too sticky to work with?

If the mixture is too sticky to form into fritters, you can add a little more flour or cornstarch to help bind it together.

Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach a consistency that allows you to shape the fritters easily.

Can I make the fritter mixture in advance and cook them later?

Yes, you can prepare the fritter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to cook, simply take it out, shape the fritters, and proceed with the cooking instructions.

This can be convenient for meal prep.

Do I need to use a non-stick pan, or can I use a regular skillet for cooking the fritters?

While a non-stick pan works well for cooking fritters without sticking, you can also use a regular skillet.

Just be sure to use enough oil to prevent sticking, and allow the fritters to cook until they easily release from the pan before flipping.