These cheesy chicken fritters are a quick, easy, and delicious meal or snack. They’re perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and seasonings.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, adds crispiness)
- Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
- Oil:
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken and Cheese:
- Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces.
- Shred the cheeses if you haven’t already.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese (if using), eggs, flour, breadcrumbs (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley/chives (if using).
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together.
- Form the Fritters:
- Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture.
- Form the mixture into small, flat patties (fritters).
- Cook the Fritters:
- Heat the vegetable oil or olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken fritters in the skillet, leaving some space between them.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a simple aioli.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable additions: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the fritter mixture.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavor combinations.
- Baking option: For a healthier option, you can bake the fritters. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown.
- Dipping sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to suit your taste.
- Leftovers: store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.