Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe

If there’s one dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser at my table, it’s Cheesy Chicken Fritters. Picture this: juicy bits of chicken mingling with gooey mozzarella in a crispy, golden-brown patty, all served with a zingy garlic aioli dip. Each delicious bite bursts with fresh dill and that irresistible cheese pull, making these fritters absolutely memorable whether you’re hosting a party or whipping up a family-friendly weeknight dinner. Once you try these Cheesy Chicken Fritters, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Cheesy Chicken Fritters is how a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients blend together to create such big flavor. Every component in this line-up serves a purpose: bringing tenderness, creaminess, structure, and a pop of color to the finished fritters. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Diced small for the perfect juicy bite, chicken is the protein-packed backbone of every fritter.
• Eggs: These help everything bind together, giving the fritters that lovely, tender texture.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and moisture, keeping the chicken far from dry.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the batter its structure—sub in cornstarch or potato starch for a gluten-free version if desired.
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings the magic stringiness and creamy flavor that defines Cheesy Chicken Fritters.
• Fresh dill: Infuses each bite with fresh, springy flavor and adds a splash of bright green.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that make each flavor pop.
• Extra light olive oil (or any high-heat oil): Gets you that gorgeous golden-brown crust with every fry.
• Mayonnaise (for aioli): The base for a creamy, luscious dipping sauce.
• Garlic clove: Adds a punchy, aromatic note to the dip.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the dip with a little zesty tang.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Step 1: Dice the Chicken

Start by grabbing your sharpest knife and chopping the chicken breasts into tiny, ⅓-inch pieces. If you’ve ever struggled with slippery chicken, here’s a trick: pop the breasts in the freezer for about 20 minutes before slicing. It makes the job so much easier! Once they’re all diced, move the pieces to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

To your bowl of chicken, add the eggs, mayo, flour (or your chosen starch), mozzarella, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything up until all the chicken is nicely coated and the mixture looks cohesive. Once that’s done, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and tuck it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or even overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld together so every fritter tastes as good as the last.

Step 3: Cook the Fritters

When you’re ready to cook, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium with a generous layer of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, use a spoon to drop heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the pan. Gently flatten each mound so it cooks evenly. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden and crisp, then flip and give them another 3 minutes to finish through. Keep going in batches, adding a tad more oil as necessary so each fritter gets the perfect golden crust every time.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Aioli Dip

While the fritters cook, whip up the optional garlic aioli dip—it takes just a minute and absolutely elevates your Cheesy Chicken Fritters experience! Whisk together mayonnaise, pressed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until super smooth and creamy. This dip strikes just the right balance of richness, zing, and a hint of garlic bite.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Arrange those hot Cheesy Chicken Fritters on a platter with a side of garlic aioli. Watch as everyone dives in—this is a dish destined to disappear fast, so snag one for yourself while you can!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Garnishes

Garnishing is more than just making your dish pretty; it can add flavor and excitement! I love scattering a little extra chopped dill right over the fresh Cheesy Chicken Fritters for an herby pop. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some paper-thin lemon slices on the side adds brightness and an inviting finishing touch.

Side Dishes

For a satisfying meal, pair your Cheesy Chicken Fritters with a crisp green salad, a tangy slaw, or even some simple roasted veggies. If you’re in the mood for comfort, serve them alongside buttery mashed potatoes or oven fries—because honestly, who could resist?

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful here! Stack the Cheesy Chicken Fritters sky-high on a serving board with little cups of different dips (think spicy sriracha mayo or creamy ranch). Or slide a fritter or two into a slider roll with lettuce and tomato for a fun mini sandwich—perfect for parties and potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop any remaining Cheesy Chicken Fritters into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days. Keep the aioli separate to maintain that crispy fritter texture!

Freezing

Cheesy Chicken Fritters freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooked fritters on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months, and make for a fabulous make-ahead snack or emergency meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheesy Chicken Fritters in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and the outside regains its crispiness. A minute or two on each side in a hot skillet also revives their crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer even more juiciness and extra flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before dicing, and follow the same steps as with breasts.

Is there a good substitute for fresh dill?

If dill isn’t your favorite or you don’t have any, you can swap in chopped parsley or chives for a milder, but still fresh and delicious, touch.

Can I bake Cheesy Chicken Fritters instead of frying?

You can! Arrange the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but it’s a great alternative if you want to use less oil.

What’s the best way to make these gluten-free?

Just substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch—both work beautifully to bind everything while keeping the fritters light and crisp.

Can I make the batter in advance?

You sure can! Mix up the batter the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit actually intensifies the flavors, making Cheesy Chicken Fritters even tastier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family—or just treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner—give these Cheesy Chicken Fritters a whirl. They’re the kind of golden, cheesy comfort food you’ll crave week after week. Dive in, get creative with your sides, and don’t forget the garlic aioli for dipping! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite.

Print