Golden, crispy outside, juicy and cheesy inside – these chicken fritters are your new weeknight obsession.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: ~10 fritters (Serves 3–4)
- Dietary Tags: Kid-Friendly | High-Protein
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- Cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
- Eggs
- Mayonnaise
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- Baking powder
- Shredded mozzarella (or cheese of choice)
- Garlic (minced or powdered)
- Salt & pepper
- Neutral oil for frying
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, eggs, mayo, and garlic. Stir until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in shredded cheese until evenly incorporated.
- Form the Fritters: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small patties or dollops.
- Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry fritters in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
- Drain & Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot!
✨ Quick Notes
- Tip: Use mozzarella or a cheese blend for the gooey inside and crispy outer crust.
- Optional Add-Ins: Finely diced onion, bell pepper, or herbs.
- Naturally high in protein, and can be made gluten-free with a flour substitute.
🖼️ Hero Image
💬 Brief Introduction
These crispy chicken cheese fritters are the ultimate comfort food – crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Born from leftover chicken and a craving for something savory, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer, quick lunch, or crowd-pleasing snack. If you’ve got 30 minutes and a craving for something crispy, this one’s for you.
🪄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
🥣 Mixing the Batter
Start by combining your shredded or finely chopped cooked chicken with eggs and mayo. This creates a creamy base that binds the fritters together. Add garlic for a punch of flavor.
Tip: For extra flavor, use roasted garlic or garlic powder.
🧂 Adding Flour & Cheese
Add flour and baking powder to give the mixture some body. Then fold in the shredded cheese. This is where the magic happens – cheese helps crisp the edges and adds melty texture inside.
Tip: Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
🍳 Shaping & Frying
Heat oil in a skillet and scoop your mixture into the pan. You want dollop-sized fritters, about 2 tablespoons each.
Fry over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan!
Tip: Press slightly with a spatula to flatten for even cooking.
🧻 Drain & Garnish
Place cooked fritters on paper towels to drain excess oil. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for a pop of freshness.
Serve warm – they’re best fresh from the skillet!
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken breast, thigh, or rotisserie chicken all work. Chop finely or shred.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar or Monterey Jack add sharper notes.
- Flour: All-purpose or gluten-free blend.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the mixture.
Ingredient Substitutes
- No mayo? Use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- No baking powder? Add a touch more flour for thickness.
- Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese shreds and egg replacer.
🔧 Equipment Tips
- No skillet? An electric griddle or air fryer (with parchment paper) can work!
- No grater? Dice cheese small instead of shredding.
- No mixing bowl? Use a large food storage container with a lid to shake-mix.
🍽️ Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Twists
- 🌶️ Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño for heat
- 🧅 Mix in grated onion or chives for an aromatic upgrade
- 🥓 Add chopped crispy bacon for smoky crunch
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Low-Carb: Sub flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Vegetarian: Try this with plant-based meat alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- With sour cream or garlic aioli dip
- Over a bed of salad greens for a light lunch
- Inside a wrap with pickles and slaw
Pairings
- Cold beer or sparkling lemonade
- Side of roasted veggies or sweet potato fries
- Playlist: Upbeat kitchen jazz or nostalgic 90s pop 🎶
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, layer with parchment in a container or zip bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 min
- Stovetop: Pan-fry with a tiny bit of oil
- Microwave: Not recommended – may become soggy
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix batter up to 1 day ahead, store covered in fridge
- Pre-fry and reheat as needed – great for lunchboxes!
Shelf Life Notes
- Best crispy on day 1
- Slightly softer but still delicious when reheated
📊 Nutrition (Per Fritter – Approximate)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbs: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Sodium: 280mg
Dietary Highlights: High-Protein | Low-Carb Friendly | Kid-Approved
Allergens: Contains Eggs, Dairy, Gluten (can be modified)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: No – this recipe works best with pre-cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t cook evenly in the short fry time.
Q: Can I bake instead of fry?
A: Yes! Spoon fritters onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: What if the mixture is too loose?
A: Add 1–2 tbsp more flour until it holds shape when scooped.
Q: Can I freeze them raw?
A: It’s best to freeze cooked fritters. Freezing raw batter is not recommended due to the egg content.
📖 Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe came from a “clean-out-the-fridge” kind of night – a bit of leftover chicken, a handful of cheese, and a craving for something crispy. I’ve since made these for family gatherings, school lunches, and solo snacking. They’re my go-to for impressing with almost no effort.
💬 Reader Interaction
Have you tried these fritters? Made your own twist?
👇 Share your version in the comments below or tag me on Instagram [@yourhandle] with your cheesy creations!
