There’s something oddly comforting about whipping up a dish that combines the crunchy goodness of fritters with the gooey delight of cheese—kind of like finding a forgotten $20 bill in your winter coat pocket. These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are not just a quick solution to weeknight dinner dilemmas; they’re a culinary hug. I made them last Tuesday while catching up on the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off, and let me tell you, the fritters were the real show-stoppers that evening.
Steps
- Cut the chicken breasts into pieces approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick and set them aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the eggs, mayonnaise, flour (or cornstarch), mozzarella cheese, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the diced chicken to the mixture, cover with plastic wrap, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, place heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the pan, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Cook uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, then flip to the other side and cook for another 3 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Repeat with the remaining mixture, transferring cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve the chicken fritters with garlic aioli dip if desired, and enjoy them on their own or as mini sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds (approximately 3 large) chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons (about 1/3 cup) mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or use cornstarch or potato starch for a gluten-free option)
- 4 ounces (approximately 1 1/3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Extra light olive oil, or any high-heat cooking oil, for sautéing
FAQ
- Can I prepare the chicken fritters in advance?
- Yes, you can marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or leave it overnight, making it a convenient make-ahead option.
- Is there a gluten-free alternative to flour in this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch to make the chicken fritters gluten-free.
- What type of cheese is best for these fritters?
- Shredded mozzarella cheese is recommended as it helps create a delicious cheese pull and forms part of the crispy outer crust.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, the recipe is easy to double, making it perfect for feeding a larger group of people.
- Do I need to use dill, or can I substitute it with other herbs?
- Fresh dill adds a unique flavor to the fritters, but you can experiment with other herbs if you prefer a different taste.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure that the fritters are exceptionally tender and juicy.
- For a consistent size and even cooking, use a flat ice cream scoop to portion the chicken mixture into the pan.
- Flatten the fritters slightly with the back of a spoon to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice golden brown crust.
- Consider using cornstarch or potato starch as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour without affecting the taste or texture.
Equipment
- Non-stick pan – If you don’t already have a reliable non-stick pan, you might consider purchasing one to ensure the fritters cook evenly without sticking.
- Flat ice cream scoop – This can be used to portion out the chicken mixture into uniform sizes, which is helpful for even cooking.
- Sharp knife – A good quality sharp knife is essential for dicing the chicken into the necessary thickness.
