Cheesy Chicken Fritters

These cheesy chicken fritters are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, with gooey mozzarella cheese that melts into every bite. Packed with fresh dill and seasoned to perfection, they’re a delightful alternative to traditional chicken nuggets. Paired with a simple garlic aioli dip, these fritters are sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners, snacks, or party appetizers.

Ingredients for Chicken Fritters

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (about 3 large)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/potato starch for gluten-free)
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/3 cups shredded)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)

Ingredients for Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional):

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

For the Fritters:

1. Prepare the chicken: Dice chicken into 1/3-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. (Tip: Partially frozen chicken is easier to slice.)
2. Make the batter: Add eggs, mayonnaise, flour, mozzarella, dill, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Stir until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Cook the fritters: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add oil. When hot, scoop a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture into the pan. Slightly flatten with the back of a spoon.
4. Sauté: Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until fully cooked through and golden on both sides. Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil as needed.

For the Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional):

1. Make the dip: Combine mayonnaise, pressed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or measuring cup. Stir until smooth.

Serve:

Serve the hot fritters with the garlic aioli dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• Doneness check: Cut a fritter in half—if the chicken is completely white inside, it’s cooked through.
• Adjusting heat: If the fritters brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly without burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes (+ chilling time)
Kcal: ~250 kcal | Servings: 4

Tips

• Add-ins: You can customize the fritters by adding chopped herbs or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Make ahead: The batter can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge, making for a quick dinner the next day.

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar or a blend of cheeses would work great as well.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier version.

Can I freeze these fritters?
Yes, freeze the cooked fritters in a single layer and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.