If you’re looking for a scrumptious new way to enjoy chicken, let me introduce you to my flavorful favorite: Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters! These delightful bites are packed with herbaceous goodness and melty mozzarella cheese, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prepared in under 30 minutes, these fritters make a perfect weeknight meal.
- Flavour Explosion: Each fritter is loaded with fresh herbs and creamy mozzarella, giving a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Kid-Friendly: These little bites are perfect for picky eaters and can be made into a fun finger food.
- Adaptable: Easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a simply irresistible dish. Each element plays a vital role in bringing out the flavor, texture, and color of the fritters.
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and healthy protein base.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, chives, and basil bring a bouquet of fresh flavors that complement the chicken beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts deliciously, adding a creamy texture and subtle richness.
- All-purpose Flour: Helps bind the fritters together while keeping them light and fluffy.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with these fritters! This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it based on personal tastes, dietary needs, or just whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Cheese Swap: Try using cheddar or parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
How to Make Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a food processor and pulse until finely diced. If you prefer, you can also dice the chicken by hand for more texture. This creates the perfect base for mixing in all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Mix it Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with eggs, mayonnaise, herbs, cheese, and flour. Stir everything together until well integrated. Use a ¼ cup measure to portion out 15 equal mounds of the mixture.
Step 3: Fry to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken mounds, flattening them with a spatula to become patties. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked.
Pro Tips for Making Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters
- Perfect Temperature: Ensure your pan is heated to medium. If it’s too hot, the outside will cook too fast and burn.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Ingredient Selection: Go with fresh herbs for the best flavor explosion in every bite.
- Shaping Fritters: Use a damp spoon to prevent sticking when flattening the patties.
How to Serve Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters
Garnishes
Top these fritters with a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs or a dollop of light sour cream for added freshness and tang.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful fritters with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a light citrus dressing to brighten the meal. A basket of warm, crusty bread would complement their savoriness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by stacking the fritters or serving them with spiralized veggies on a skewer for a fun and visually appealing plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re a great quick lunch when reheated!
Freezing
Freeze the cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave will also do the trick, but may soften their crisp exterior.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Yes, using ground chicken is a convenient substitute, but the texture may differ slightly; the fritters might be softer.
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What can I use to replace mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option that will maintain creamy texture.
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Are these fritters suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour or almond flour to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs.
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How can I add more flavor to these fritters?
Incorporate additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add spices like smoked paprika or cumin for more depth.
Final Thoughts
These Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. They’re versatile, deliciously flavored, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try soon—you won’t regret it!
Print
Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 fritters 1x
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters are flavorful, tender snacks made with diced chicken, fresh herbs, cheese, and a light batter. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these fritters are quick to prepare and perfect for a protein-packed meal or snack, served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 1/2 lbs raw boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz shredded 2% milk Mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
Flour and Oil
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bowl of your food processor, cover with the lid, and pulse a few times or run for a few seconds until finely diced. Alternatively, finely dice the chicken breasts by hand.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the diced chicken to a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, basil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, dill weed, flour, and shredded mozzarella. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Fritters: Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop out the mixture and form 15 equal-sized piles on a plate.
- Cook Fritters: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Place half of the chicken piles into the pan, pressing down gently with a spatula to flatten into patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove to a serving plate. Repeat with remaining oil and fritters, adjusting cooking time if needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken fritters warm, accompanied by your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a crispier exterior, you can coat the fritters lightly with additional flour before cooking.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- This recipe is versatile; add your favorite herbs or spices for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (about 20 grams)
- Calories: 114 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 82 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
