Chicken fritters are a versatile and delicious dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main meal. This recipe combines tender chicken with creamy mozzarella cheese and fresh dill, creating a crispy golden exterior and a flavorful, cheesy interior. Whether you're serving these fritters to your family for dinner or bringing them to a party, they are sure to be a hit!

 

 

Ingredients:

 

For Chicken Fritters:

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (approximately 3 large breasts)

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch or potato starch for a gluten-free option)

• 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 (or to taste)

• 2 tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil for sautéing)

 

For Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional but highly recommended):

• 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 Fritters

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by dicing the chicken breasts into 1/3-inch thick pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. If you find it difficult to slice the chicken, partially freeze it first—it will be easier to slice when firm.

2. Mix the Batter: To the mixing bowl with the chicken, add the remaining ingredients: eggs, mayonnaise, flour (or cornstarch/potato starch for gluten-free), shredded mozzarella, dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine everything. You want to make sure the chicken is fully coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken mixture for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the fritters easier to shape and cook.

4. Cook the Fritters: After the mixture has chilled, heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, scoop a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture and drop it into the pan. Slightly flatten the top of the mixture with the back of your spoon.

5. Sauté the Fritters: Cook the fritters uncovered for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until they are golden brown. Flip the fritters over and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. To ensure the fritters are done, you can cut one open, and the chicken should be completely white inside. If the fritters are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

6. Continue Cooking: Repeat the process with the remaining chicken mixture, adding more oil to the pan as necessary to prevent the fritters from sticking.

7. Prepare the Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional but recommended): While the fritters are cooking, prepare the garlic aioli dip by combining the mayonnaise, pressed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well-mixed. This creamy dip complements the crispy fritters perfectly.

 

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy chicken fritters can be served as a meal on their own or as an appetizer for parties, gatherings, or special events. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve them as a snack with the optional garlic aioli dip on the side for extra flavor.

 

Calories and Nutritional Information

Each cheesy chicken fritter has approximately 150-200 calories depending on the size and the amount of oil used. This makes it a relatively light and protein-packed option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful dish without overindulging.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the calories for the entire recipe:

• Chicken breasts (1 1/2 lbs): Around 600-700 calories

• Mozzarella cheese (4 oz): Around 300 calories

• Eggs (2 large): Around 140 calories

• Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Around 240 calories

• Flour (1/3 cup): Around 110 calories

• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Around 240 calories

This recipe yields around 20-25 fritters, so each fritter is approximately 100-120 calories.

 

Best Time to Serve These Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Chicken fritters are versatile enough to serve at any time of day:

• Lunch or Dinner: Serve these fritters with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a satisfying, balanced meal.

• Appetizer or Snack: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a quick snack when you're hungry but want something substantial.

• Game Day or BBQs: Cheesy chicken fritters are ideal for sharing at a barbecue or on game day with your favorite dipping sauces.

 

Benefits and Considerations

Who Would Benefit from This Recipe?

• High Protein Needs: The chicken in this recipe provides a great source of lean protein, making it a good option for those who need more protein in their diet.

• Low-Carb Diets: If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, these fritters can be made gluten-free by using cornstarch or potato starch instead of flour, and they still make for a great filling meal.

• Anyone Looking for a Quick, Flavorful Meal: This recipe is easy to prepare, quick to cook, and offers a delicious meal for the whole family.

Who Should Avoid This Recipe?

• People with Dairy Sensitivities: If you are lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to dairy, mozzarella cheese may not be suitable. Consider using a dairy-free alternative or omitting the cheese.

• People on a Low-Fat Diet: The recipe uses mayonnaise and oil, which adds fat and calories. If you’re watching your fat intake, you may want to opt for a lighter version of the recipe or reduce the oil used in cooking.

• People on a Low-Sodium Diet: This recipe does contain some salt, and those who need to monitor their sodium intake should adjust the amount of salt to suit their needs.

 

Energy-Efficient Cooking Tips:

To save energy while making these cheesy chicken fritters, here are a few tips:

1. Use a Cast Iron Pan: Cast iron retains heat very well, allowing you to cook the fritters at a lower temperature, which saves energy.

2. Cook Multiple Fritters at Once: Instead of cooking one fritter at a time, batch cook the fritters in a few rounds. This will help you use less energy overall.

3. Use a Lid: When cooking the fritters, use a lid to trap heat and cook more efficiently, allowing you to lower the heat and save energy.

 

Final Thoughts

Cheesy chicken fritters are a tasty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Whether you serve them as a meal or a snack, they provide a delicious blend of flavors and textures, from the crispy exterior to the cheesy interior. They are also easily customizable to meet dietary needs, such as gluten-free or low-carb, making them a versatile option for a wide range of diets.

By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a dish that is not only quick and easy to prepare but also nutritious and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a party, cheesy chicken fritters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.