Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Why You’ll Love It:
Simple and Tasty: A cinch to assemble and full of cheesy, herby delight.
Versatile Dish: Serve these fritters as a main course, sandwich filling or protein for salads.
Kid-Friendly: These fritters are a hit with kids and grown-ups alike, thanks to the melty cheese and neutral seasonings.
Meal Prep-able: Cook once, eat twice throughout the week.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Cube the chicken into small pieces for a more uniform texture. If your chicken needs cutting, it’s easier if it’s partially frozen.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella adds melty goodness. For a bolder flavor, add some shredded Parmesan or cheddar.
Fresh Dill: Brightens it up with a burst of fresh, herby flavor. If you don’t love dill, use parsley or chives instead for a different flavor.
Mayo: Helps hold the fritters, and helps keep them moist. Greek yogurt is a lighter choice that can serve just as well.
For gluten-free: Substitute cornstarch or potato starch for the flour without sacrificing any texture.
Garlic Aioli: An optional dip with tanginess and depth. Add garlic and lemon juice to taste.
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into small (1/3 inch) pieces. Tip: If cutting the chicken seems daunting, try partially freezing it first.
Mix Ingredients:
Mix the chicken, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup flour, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 tablespoon dill in a large mixing bowl and season it with salt and pepper. Combine until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Refrigerate:
Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For optimum texture and flavor, you should refrigerate overnight.
Cook the Fritters:
Meanwhile heat oil in the same big non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
Using heaping tablespoons, drop the chicken mixture into teaspoon and flatten down slightly with the back of spoon.
For 3-4 minutes each side, or until golden brown & cooked through.
To make the aioli, whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
Serve the fritters hot, with the garlic aioli on the side, if you like. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions:
These fritters are delish served over steamed veggies or stuffed into baked sweet potatoes, or even tossed onto a fresh green salad as a main dish.
Wrap or Sandwich: Stuff the fritters into pita pockets or tortillas, slather with greens, tomato and garlic aioli.
Appetizer: Haddock fritters are excellent party finger food when they are served with toothpicks, and can be made to go with a variety of dips, from tart tzatziki to spicy sriracha mayo.
Breakfast: Squeeze on for breakfast with scrambled eggs and fresh slices of avocado.
Storage/Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerate: Within an airtight container, the leftover fritters will keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot non-stick pan (without added oil, you want it greasy) or at 350°F (175°C) to stay crisp.
Freezing: Arrange fried fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator; reheat as above.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture and keep it in the refrigerator overnight for an easy dinner the next day. This resting period also serves to meld the flavors.
Variations:
Cheese Swap: To change up the flavors, use a different cheese sharp cheddar, gouda or Monterey Jack.
Herb Swaps: If you don’t like dill, use basil, cilantro, even scallions can give you flavor.
Veggie Boost: For added nutrition, stir in chopped red or green bell peppers, spinach or grated zucchini.
Spicy Fritters: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely minced jalapeños for some heat.
Crusty Coating: For added crunch, coat the fritters in a thin layer of panko breadcrumbs before frying.
Conclusion:
Guaranteed to be a new family favorite, you NEED these Cheesy Chicken Fritters in your life. They’re ideal for hectic weekday evenings or festive get-togethers with their rich, cheesy taste and effortless execution. Whether eaten plain, with the zesty garlic aioli or with your favorite side dishes, these fritters make a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
