Some recipes just have a way of bringing people together, and these Cheesy Chicken Fritters are one of them. There’s something magical about that crispy golden crust giving way to a tender, cheesy bite—comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, an easy dinner, or a high-protein snack, these fritters deliver big on flavor with minimal effort.
I first made these on a busy weeknight when I had leftover chicken thighs and a craving for something indulgent yet simple. The combination of juicy chicken, melty mozzarella, and seasoned breadcrumbs created the perfect balance of crispy and creamy.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can serve them with a fresh coleslaw for a crisp contrast or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. What makes this recipe stand out? The diced chicken thighs keep them extra juicy, while the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add a subtle herby kick.
Plus, with just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes. It’s no surprise they’re trending—high-protein, low-effort meals are the heroes of busy kitchens everywhere! So, grab your skillet and let’s make something delicious.
Why This Recipe Stand Out?
- The perfect crispy bite: The golden crust gives way to cheesy, juicy goodness in every bite. It’s comfort food done right!
- Quick & easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- High-protein & satisfying: These fritters pack lean protein and healthy fats, making them a filling option for any meal.
- Make them your own: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, add a pinch of paprika, or try baking instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether for game nights, family dinners, or meal prep, these fritters never fail to impress.
Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Dice the chicken thighs into small ¼-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, mozzarella, egg, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and shape them into small patties.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 190kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 344mg |
Smart Cooking Tips For Next-Level Chicken Fritters!
- Use chicken thighs over breast meat – They stay juicier and more flavorful even after frying. If you must use chicken breast, add a teaspoon of oil to the mixture for moisture.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Gently combine the ingredients to keep the fritters tender. Overmixing can make them dense and chewy.
- Chill the mixture before frying – If you have time, refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes. This helps the fritters hold their shape better when cooking.
- Keep the oil at the right temperature – Aim for 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low, and they absorb too much oil.
- Test one fritter first – Before frying the whole batch, cook a small one to check seasoning and texture. Adjust salt or spices if needed.
- Make them extra crispy – For a crunchier texture, roll the patties lightly in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- Try air-frying or baking – Want a healthier option? Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
- Don’t press them down while frying – Let them cook undisturbed to develop a beautiful golden crust. Pressing releases moisture and makes them less crispy.
- Add a spicy kick – If you love heat, mix in some red chili flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for an extra punch of flavor.
- Make-ahead & freeze – You can freeze uncooked fritters on a tray, then transfer them to a bag. Fry directly from frozen—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
