Crispy Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a delicious way to enjoy chicken? Try these crispy cheesy chicken fritters! Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. Plus, with the option to make a garlic aioli dip, you can take these fritters to the next level. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fritters:
- 1 and 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts (about three large breasts)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup of cornstarch, potato starch, or all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil or any high-heat cooking oil
For the Garlic Aioli (Optional):
- 1/3 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Juice from half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1/3-inch pieces using a sharp knife. Partially freezing the chicken breasts can make slicing easier.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with the eggs, mayonnaise, starch or flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Fritters: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add heaping tablespoonfuls of the chicken mixture to the pan. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten the tops of the fritters. Cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat if the fritters brown too quickly.
- Make the Aioli (Optional): In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Tips
- Partially freezing the chicken breasts before slicing makes them easier to cut into uniform pieces.
- For extra flavor, consider adding additional herbs or spices to the batter, such as paprika or garlic powder.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken fritters to ensure they get crispy on the outside.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan would work well.
Q: Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
A: While frying gives the fritters a crispy exterior, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the batter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking the fritters.