Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delightful and savory dish that combines the tender, juicy texture of chicken with the creamy richness of mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or as a quick and satisfying snack. The fritters are paired with a tangy garlic aioli dip, which complements the savory flavors and adds a zesty kick to each bite.
I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover chicken breasts in a creative and delicious manner. The combination of chicken and cheese intrigued me, and once I tried it, I was hooked. The fritters were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the garlic aioli dip added a fantastic burst of flavor. This dish quickly became a favorite in my household, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fritters:
1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (3 large)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch or potato starch for gluten-free)
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
2 Tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high heat cooking oil)
For the Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional):
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Dice the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, dice the chicken breasts into 1/3-inch thick pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Tip: If the chicken breast is partially frozen, it will be a little bit easier to slice into uniform pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
Combine Ingredients:
In the large mixing bowl with the diced chicken, add the following ingredients:
2 large eggs
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch or potato starch for gluten-free)
1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/8 tsp black pepper
Stir the mixture until well combined. Ensure that all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the batter.
Refrigerate the Mixture:
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to form the fritters.
Step 3: Cook the Fritters
Heat the Oil:
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra light olive oil (or any high heat cooking oil).
Form and Cook the Fritters:
When the oil is hot, add the chicken mixture to the pan a heaping tablespoon at a time. Slightly flatten out the tops of each fritter with the back of your spoon.
Sauté the Fritters:
Sauté the fritters uncovered for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Then, flip and sauté for an additional 3 minutes on the second side, or until the outsides are golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Note: To test for doneness, cut a fritter in half; the chicken should be completely white inside. If your fritters are browning too fast, adjust the heat down.
Repeat:
Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional)
Combine Aioli Ingredients:
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 pressed garlic clove
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Stir together until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Fritters:
Serve the cheesy chicken fritters hot, accompanied by the garlic aioli dip if desired. They can be enjoyed as a main dish with a side salad, as an appetizer, or as a snack.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Cheeses: Try using other cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Herb Variations: Substitute fresh dill with parsley, cilantro, or chives according to your preference.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the batter for a spicy version.
Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or potato starch instead of all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Sauce Variations: Instead of garlic aioli, serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Fritters are an appealing and enjoyable dish that combines the tender texture of chicken with the creamy richness of mozzarella cheese. The addition of fresh dill and a simple garlic aioli dip elevates the flavors, making it a delicious and versatile dish suitable for any occasion.
The ease of preparation, along with the ability to customize the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, makes this dish a winner. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or snack, these fritters are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Cheesy Chicken Fritters, and savor the compliments that are sure to follow.
