Description

Cheesy Chicken Fritters are crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, combining tender shredded chicken with melted cheese in a golden, crunchy bite. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they are quick to make, kid-friendly, and highly versatile with endless customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
2 large eggs
¾ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
2 green onions, finely chopped, or 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, cilantro, or dill)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder or paprika
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Optional Variations

1–2 finely chopped jalapeños or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for spice
½ cup grated zucchini, corn kernels, or finely chopped bell peppers
Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs
Different cheeses like pepper jack, feta, or parmesan
Additional fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or dill

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Cheese Mixture: Start with cooked chicken, shredded finely to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients. Combine the shredded chicken with your chosen cheeses, green onions or herbs, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder or paprika) in a large mixing bowl. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your fritters.
Bind the Ingredients: Crack in the eggs and mix them into the chicken and cheese blend thoroughly. The eggs will act as the binding agent. Then, gradually add breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together but isn’t too dry. Aim for a consistency that’s easy to shape into patties.
Shape the Fritters: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small, evenly sized patties, about two to three inches wide. This ensures even cooking and gives you perfectly sized fritters for snacking or plating.
Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Heat a generous layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain an even temperature and crispness.
Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve while hot for optimum gooey cheesiness and crunch.

Notes

Use day-old cooked chicken such as roasted or grilled chicken for extra flavor.
Before frying the whole batch, cook a small sample fritter to ensure it holds shape well.
Maintain oil temperature at medium heat to avoid burning the fritters’ exterior while cooking thoroughly inside.
Adjust fritter thickness to your preference: thinner for crisper texture, thicker for a tender interior.
Serve immediately for best texture and flavor — fresh from the pan is ideal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 fritters
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: cheesy chicken fritters, chicken appetizers, crispy chicken bites, cheesy snacks, easy chicken recipes