Cheesy Chicken Fritters with Garlic Aioli

$To make cheesy chicken fritters, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging) - Olive oil (for frying) These ingredients make the fritters rich and flavorful. The blend of cheeses gives a creamy texture, while the chicken provides a nice protein boost. For the garlic aioli, you will need these simple items: - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt to taste This aioli adds a zesty kick to the fritters. The garlic and lemon juice balance the creaminess of the mayonnaise perfectly. You can customize your fritters with these options: - Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda for different flavors. - Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. - Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the aioli for a lighter dip. These changes can make the dish unique to your taste. Feel free to explore and try new flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get a large bowl. Add 1 pound of shredded cooked chicken. Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. Crack 2 large eggs into the mix. Then, add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well. You want a thick, sticky mixture that holds together. Now, take a shallow dish and fill it with 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. With your hands, grab a portion of the chicken mixture. Form it into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide. Lightly coat each patty in flour. Shake off any extra flour before frying. Once the oil is hot, place the fritters in the skillet in batches. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Use a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil after frying. For the garlic aioli, take a small bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 minced garlic cloves. Add in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. This aioli adds a nice zing to the fritters. Serve it alongside your cheesy chicken fritters for a delightful dip! To get that perfect crunch, use enough oil in the pan. A good rule is to heat about 1/4 inch of oil. This depth helps fry the fritters evenly. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches for even cooking. Flip each fritter only once. This way, you get a nice golden crust. One common mistake is not letting the oil heat enough. If the oil isn’t hot, the fritters will soak up too much oil. Another mistake is adding too much flour. A light coat is all you need to keep them crispy. Lastly, make sure to drain the fritters on paper towels. This step removes extra oil and keeps them from becoming soggy. Seasonings can take your fritters to the next level. Besides garlic and onion powder, try adding herbs like parsley or thyme. A pinch of cayenne can add a fun kick. You can also mix in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. When you make the garlic aioli, use fresh garlic for a bolder taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor too. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, making it a great way to reduce food waste. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique flavor twist in your fritters. Chill the Mixture: If the fritter mixture feels too loose, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before forming patties to help them hold their shape better during frying. Adjust the Aioli: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic aioli for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in these fritters. I love using mozzarella for its meltiness. However, you could try cheddar for a sharper taste. Feta adds a nice tang. For a creamier texture, go for cream cheese. Mixing cheeses can create fun flavors too! Want a healthier twist? Use ground turkey instead of chicken for leaner meat. Swap out breadcrumbs for oat flour or almond flour to cut carbs. You can also replace mayonnaise in the aioli with Greek yogurt for a lighter dip. These swaps keep the fritters tasty and nutritious! Get creative by adding veggies! Chopped spinach or grated zucchini blends well. You can also throw in some finely diced bell peppers for color and crunch. If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. These small changes make your fritters more exciting. To keep your fritters fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This helps avoid steam build-up. You can store them in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. For reheating, I suggest using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fritters on a baking tray. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a skillet. Just add a little oil and warm them up on medium heat. To freeze, let the fritters cool completely. Lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. No, using raw chicken is not safe here. The recipe calls for cooked chicken. Cooked chicken ensures your fritters are safe to eat. Raw chicken needs longer cooking times. This could leave your fritters undercooked. Always use cooked chicken for best results. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers. For the dredging, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour. This maintains the fritters’ crispiness while keeping them safe for gluten-free diets. If you want an alternative to garlic aioli, try ranch dressing. It adds a creamy touch and nice flavor. You can also serve a simple yogurt dip with herbs. Another option is a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. Each dip brings a new taste to the fritters. In this post, we covered how to make cheesy chicken fritters from scratch. We discussed the main ingredients needed, the step-by-step instructions for cooking, and tips for perfecting the recipe. Exploring variations and storage options allows you to customize this dish to your taste. Remember to avoid common mistakes for the best results. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and have fun in the kitchen. You can impress everyone with these easy, tasty fritters!$

Cheesy Chicken Fritters with Garlic Aioli

Delicious chicken fritters packed with cheese and served with a creamy garlic aioli.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
to taste olive oil (for frying)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, green onions, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
In a shallow dish, place the flour for dredging.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
With your hands, take a portion of the chicken mixture and form it into small patties (about 2-3 inches in diameter).
Lightly dredge each patty in flour to coat, shaking off the excess flour.
Once the oil is hot, add the fritters to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For the garlic aioli, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the cheesy chicken fritters warm with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.

Notes

Arrange the fritters on a platter and drizzle some garlic aioli on top. Garnish with extra green onions or herbs for a fresh touch. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing.

Keyword appetizer, cheese, chicken, fritters, garlic aioli