There’s something about the smell of sizzling fritters in a skillet that instantly draws everyone to the kitchen. That’s exactly what happened the first time I made these Cheesy Chicken Fritters. I had some leftover chicken breasts, a bit of cheese in the fridge, and a craving for something crispy and comforting. I didn’t expect much beyond a quick snack, but what came out of the pan was nothing short of irresistible.
I remember that first bite vividly. The outside was golden and perfectly crunchy, giving way to a creamy, cheesy center with just the right touch of seasoning. It was a texture and flavor match made in heaven. Since then, these fritters have become a staple in my kitchen — requested constantly by family and even friends who’ve had a chance to try them. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly versatile, which makes them ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
If you love recipes that come together in under 30 minutes and still feel special, you’re in for a treat. These Cheesy Chicken Fritters can be served as appetizers, a light dinner, or even a protein-packed snack. Plus, they pair beautifully with a range of sides and dips. If you enjoy cozy skillet recipes like my Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe or hearty comfort food like Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, you’ll definitely want to add this to your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe
These fritters are everything a comfort food lover could ask for. The blend of cooked chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy golden coating creates an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. They’re incredibly customizable, so you can add herbs, spices, or even vegetables to suit your taste.
Unlike many deep-fried recipes, these fritters are pan-fried with minimal oil, giving you the satisfying crisp without the heaviness. They also use simple pantry ingredients you likely already have, which makes them a great last-minute meal idea. Whether you serve them hot out of the skillet or save a few for later, they remain flavorful, moist, and utterly delicious.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing guests with homemade bites, Cheesy Chicken Fritters will never let you down. They’re a surefire hit for any occasion.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by finely chopping or shredding cooked chicken breast. You want the texture to be small enough to bind easily with the rest of the ingredients but still meaty enough to taste. About 2 cups of cooked chicken works perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Fritter Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese, eggs, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a bit of all-purpose flour. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for a hint of depth. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
Using a spoon or your hands, form small patties from the mixture, pressing them lightly to flatten. Place them on a plate or parchment paper until you’re ready to fry.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a light coating of oil. Once hot, fry the fritters in batches, about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
One of the best things about Cheesy Chicken Fritters is how easy they are to customize. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack if you want extra flavor or heat. If you’re looking to lighten things up, Greek yogurt works as a substitute for mayo without sacrificing creaminess.
For those following a gluten-free diet, almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs are great alternatives to regular flour. Want to add a bit of freshness or crunch? Try folding in chopped scallions, grated zucchini (well-drained), or finely diced bell peppers.
You can also spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mix. And if you’d rather bake them, simply place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are so versatile that you can enjoy them in countless ways. I often serve them with a side of garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect light meal, while a warm bowl of tomato soup adds a comforting touch.
For something heartier, try pairing them with mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. They also work beautifully in wraps or pita pockets with crunchy lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. Whether as appetizers or the main event, these fritters adapt effortlessly to whatever you’re serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often in my house), you can store these fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze them, arrange the cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating is simple. For best results, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to regain their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If using the microwave, keep in mind they might lose some of that lovely crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for these fritters?
Cooked chicken breast works wonderfully for this recipe. You can also use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Yes, the fritter mixture can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Are these fritters gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make them gluten-free by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular flour.
Can I make these fritters in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
What’s the best dip to serve with them?
Garlic aioli, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo all make excellent dips for these savory fritters.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you loved these Cheesy Chicken Fritters, you’re in for a treat with some of my other favorites. Try the Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich, indulgent dinner that comes together in one pot. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but comforting.
Another great option is the Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce. This recipe is a fan favorite thanks to its cheesy, hearty filling and velvety sauce that’s impossible to resist.
For a satisfying twist, check out my One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta, which delivers bold, smoky flavor with minimal cleanup. These dishes all follow the same theme of comfort food made simple and delicious.
Save and Share This Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Cheesy Chicken Fritters recipe on your Pinterest board so you can always come back to it when you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. If you try it and love it (which I’m sure you will), share it on social media and tag me so I can see your delicious creations.
You can also send this recipe to a friend who needs new dinner inspiration or save it to your bookmarks for easy access later. Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to good food!
Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the perfect mix of savory, crispy, and creamy in every bite. Made with shredded cooked chicken, melty mozzarella cheese, and a seasoned binder of mayo and egg, these golden brown fritters are pan-fried to perfection. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a make-ahead snack, these chicken fritters are a deliciously simple solution. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and sides for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, shredded mozzarella, eggs, mayo, garlic, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Form small patties with the mixture using your hands or a spoon.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil.
- Fry the patties in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These fritters freeze well. Just let them cool, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container.
- For baking instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Great served with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or ranch dip.
