Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe
I can’t wait to share this Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe with you! These fritters are a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and melty cheese that come together in little golden patties. They’re so flavorful and satisfying, yet quick enough for a weeknight dinner or a weekend snack when you want something a bit special without too much fuss.
What I love most about this Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe is how versatile it is — you can whip them up using simple pantry ingredients plus fresh herbs from your garden or local market. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or want a protein-packed appetizer for friends, these fritters never disappoint. I promise you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients sets the foundation for success with this Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe. The fresh herbs brighten the hearty chicken, while the cheese adds gooey richness — and a little mayo keeps things tender.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh is best, but if you grab frozen, thaw completely before using for even cooking.
- Large eggs: They bind the fritters together nicely.
- Light mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle tang without heaviness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Gives a nice burst of herbal freshness.
- Chopped fresh chives: Adds mild onion notes that balance the cheese well.
- Chopped fresh basil: This herb brings a sweet, aromatic depth that’s so pretty in every bite.
- Salt: You’ll want just enough to season but not overpower the delicate herbs.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle garlicky kick that melds perfectly with the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is ideal for some subtle heat.
- Dried dill weed: A surprise addition that adds a lovely, slightly tangy herbaceous note.
- All-purpose flour: Helps give structure so the fritters hold together well without being dense.
- Shredded 2% milk Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully inside, creating gooey pockets of goodness.
- Olive oil: For frying — it crisps the fritters to a golden, crunchy finish.
Variations
I love making this Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe my own by swapping herbs and cheeses depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect combo — that’s half the fun!
- Change up the cheese: I once tried sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella, and the flavor was fantastic — a bit sharper, with a nice bite.
- Use different herbs: Thyme or oregano can also give a Mediterranean twist. I often use whatever fresh herbs I harvested that week.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeño for a little heat. I do this when I want to add a kick for game nights.
- Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. I’ve done this easily, just watch cooking times as they may vary slightly.
- Make mini fritters: Great for party appetizers! I just reduce the portion size and cook them a bit faster.
How to Make Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Finely Dice the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts into the food processor. Pulse them in short bursts until the chicken is finely diced — you want small little pieces, not a paste. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries! Just finely chop with a sharp knife; it takes a bit more time but works just as well. The key is to keep the pieces pretty small so the fritters hold together and cook evenly.
Step 2: Mix Together the Ingredients
Transfer the diced chicken to a big bowl and add your eggs, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, basil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, dill weed, flour, and shredded mozzarella. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined. The mixture should be moist and sticky but not watery. Pro tip: If it feels too loose, sprinkle a little extra flour and mix again.
Step 3: Shape and Cook Your Fritters
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or griddle. Using a ¼ cup measure, scoop out the chicken mixture and place on the pan. Press down gently with the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten into patties about ½-inch thick. Make sure they’re spaced out — crowding the pan will steam them instead of crisping.
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on one side until you see a golden brown crust. Then flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. If you’re cooking in batches, add a bit more oil before starting the next round. I found that the second batch sometimes cooks faster because the pan is hotter, so keep an eye on them.
How to Serve Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top these fritters with a sprinkle of fresh herbs — more parsley or chives — just for that fresh pop of color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of a lemony yogurt sauce adds a lovely tang that balances the cheese richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
I like to serve these savory fritters alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a simple meal. My go-to is a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad dressed with a little olive oil and vinegar. If it’s a casual meal, some roasted sweet potato fries are fantastic too!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes make mini fritters and serve them on skewers with a side of dipping sauce — a garlicky aioli or spicy sriracha mayo works great. Another fun idea is to lay them on a platter lined with lettuce leaves and garnish with edible flowers or extra herbs for a colorful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before covering to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready, they’re perfect for a quick lunch!
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these fritters freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. I usually freeze them raw, then cook straight from frozen with a couple of extra minutes per side.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to keep the fritters crisp. A few minutes on each side and they’re just as good as when fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of dicing the breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and can actually save you time. Just be sure to mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the fritters tough.
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What is the best way to freeze these fritters?
Freeze the fritters uncooked on a baking sheet first to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable bag or container. When ready to cook, you can fry them straight from frozen.
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Can I make these fritters dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative, or even omit it if you prefer. You might want to add a bit more seasoning or herbs to boost flavor.
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How do I know when the fritters are fully cooked?
When both sides are golden brown and firm to the touch, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), your fritters are safely cooked. Using a kitchen thermometer is a good idea, especially if you’re cooking in batches.
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Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is possible but you’ll lose some crispiness. Spread the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides.
Final Thoughts
This Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe has become one of my kitchen go-tos because it’s flavorful, adaptable, and downright comforting. Whether you’re feeding family or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these fritters hit the spot every time. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do — trust me, you’re going to love how simple it is to bring fresh herbs and cheese into a tasty, protein-packed bite. Give it a try and tell me what your favorite variations are!
Print
Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 15 fritters 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters are a delicious and protein-packed dish featuring finely diced chicken breasts mixed with fresh herbs, spices, and mozzarella cheese, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or a satisfying main course, they combine tender chicken with aromatic herbs and melty cheese for a savory treat.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs raw boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 oz shredded 2% milk Mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bowl of your food processor and cover with the lid. Pulse a few times or turn on for a few seconds until the chicken breasts are finely diced. Alternatively, finely dice the breasts by hand if you do not have a food processor.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the finely diced chicken to a large mixing bowl and add the eggs, light mayonnaise, parsley, chives, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, dried dill weed, flour, and shredded Mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined. Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to portion out 15 equal piles of the chicken mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauté pan, skillet, or griddle pan and heat over medium heat until hot.
- Cook First Batch: Place half of the chicken piles into the pan, making sure they aren’t crowded or touching. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to gently press down each pile into a flat patty. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden, then flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove cooked fritters to a serving plate.
- Cook Second Batch: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and cook the remaining fritters the same way. Note the second batch may cook slightly faster. Transfer them to the serving plate when done.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm as a tasty main dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor and aroma in these fritters.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- For a lower fat alternative, you can use non-stick spray instead of olive oil, but the olive oil enhances flavor and texture.
- These fritters can be served with a fresh salad, dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal.
- WW Points per fritter: 2 Points, or two fritters for 3 Points (calculated via Weight Watchers recipe builder).
Keywords: Chicken fritters, herb chicken, cheese chicken fritters, pan-fried chicken, mozzarella chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken fritters
