Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delicious and mouth-watering dish that combines the tender, juicy flavors of chicken with the rich, gooey goodness of cheese. The recipe starts with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, which are preferred for their moistness and flavor. These pieces of chicken are cut into small, bite-sized chunks, ensuring that each piece can be easily coated and will cook evenly.

The chicken is then seasoned with a blend of spices – typically including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and perhaps a hint of paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. This spice blend is crucial as it infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor. After seasoning, the chicken is mixed with a generous amount of grated cheese. The type of cheese can vary, but commonly used cheeses include mozzarella for its meltability, cheddar for its sharpness, or a mix of both.

Next, to bind everything together and to give the fritters their characteristic texture, ingredients like beaten eggs and a small amount of flour are added to the chicken and cheese mixture. Some recipes also include finely chopped herbs like parsley or dill for an added layer of flavor.

Once the mixture is ready, it’s shaped into small patties. These patties are then pan-fried in a skillet with oil until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The frying process not only cooks the chicken but also melts the cheese, creating a gooey and delicious center.

Cheesy Chicken Fritters are often served hot, right out of the skillet, with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include cool and creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce. They make an excellent appetizer, snack, or even a light meal when paired with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables.

In summary, Cheesy Chicken Fitters are a delightful combination of tender chicken pieces, melted cheese, and a blend of spices, all combined into a patty and pan-fried to crispy perfection. They’re versatile, easy to make, and a hit with both kids and adults alike.

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)

Ingredients for 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

How To Make Cheesy chicken nuggets

• 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.
• 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 and 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.
• 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.
• 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.