Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe
These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the perfect way to use up leftover chicken, or you can cook up fresh chicken for a tasty, quick meal. They’re crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, making them an irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil or olive oil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If you haven’t already, shred the cooked chicken using a fork or your hands. You can use any leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken for this recipe.
2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix well until everything is fully combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more flour until it thickens and holds its shape.
3. Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan for frying the fritters.
4. Form the Fritters:
- Scoop spoonfuls of the fritter mixture and form them into small patties (about 2 tablespoons per fritter). Flatten them slightly so they cook evenly.Olive Garden Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
5. Fry the Fritters:
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fritters into the pan. Cook in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
- Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Once all the fritters are cooked, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with a dipping sauce of your choice—ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or even a creamy garlic dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Chicken Fritters:
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Crispy and Golden: The fritters have a crispy golden exterior and a cheesy, savory interior that’s bursting with flavor.
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Quick and Easy: These fritters are super easy to make with minimal ingredients and can be on your table in under 30 minutes!
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Great for Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, this is an excellent way to repurpose it into a delicious new meal.
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Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding extra seasonings, vegetables like onions, or different types of cheese to suit your tastes.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Fritters:
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Add Veggies: You can stir in some finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the fritter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before frying. This can help the fritters hold their shape better while frying.
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Baking Option: If you prefer to bake them instead of frying, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
- Yes! Ground chicken will work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it through before adding the other ingredients. Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach
Q: Can I freeze these fritters?
- Yes! You can freeze the uncooked fritters before frying them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook, simply fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make these without cheese?
- You can omit the cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will change the texture and flavor. You could try adding breadcrumbs or more seasoning instead for a different texture.