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These Herb and Cheese Chicken Fritters are a fresh and low-carb way to enjoy chicken with a delicious herbaceous twist. They come out crispy on the outside while staying moist and tender inside, making them perfect for a quick meal or snack. Whether served on their own, with a dip, or on a slider bun, these fritters add satisfying flavor and protein to your table.
I first made these on a busy weeknight and my whole family couldn’t stop asking for seconds. My picky six-year-old even called them pesto chicken burgers and loved them, which was a total win.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: One and a half pounds of raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely diced chicken creates the perfect texture for tender fritters
- Eggs: Two large eggs bind the mixture together so the fritters hold their shape
- Light mayonnaise: One tablespoon adds moisture and a touch of richness without overpowering the herbs
- Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, chives, each herb brings its own bright and fresh flavor, choose vibrant green and fragrant bunches for best results
- Salt and garlic powder: Half a teaspoon salt and garlic powder are essential to season and build flavor throughout
- Pepper and dill: Quarter teaspoon black pepper and dried dill weed add subtle spice and a hint of earthiness
- Flour: Third cup all-purpose flour helps firm up the batter so fritters fry up crispy but tender inside
- Mozzarella cheese: Four ounces shredded 2 percent milk Mozzarella cheese melts into the fritters for gooey, cheesy pockets
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons for frying and achieving the perfect golden crust
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Place the chicken breasts into the food processor bowl. Pulse just a few times or run for several seconds until the chicken is finely diced. This step makes the chicken easy to mix and keeps the texture just right. If you don’t have a food processor, take the time to finely chop the chicken by hand.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- Transfer the diced chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, chives, basil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, dill weed, flour, and shredded Mozzarella cheese. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a cohesive batter.
- Form the Fritters:
- Using a quarter cup measuring cup, scoop out the chicken mixture into 15 equal piles. This ensures uniform size so the fritters cook evenly. Lightly press each pile into a patty shape.
- Cook the Fritters:
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, place half of the fritters in the pan without crowding or touching each other. Press each fritter gently with the back of a spoon or spatula to flatten slightly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes or until cooked through. Remove cooked fritters to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat with the second batch. The second batch often cooks a little faster due to the pan’s heat.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while warm with your favorite dip or as part of a meal.
My favorite ingredient has to be the fresh herbs. They give these fritters brightness and an almost garden-like freshness that makes the dish special. One weekend when my family had friends over I made a big batch, and these fritters flew off the platter faster than any other appetizer.
Storage Tips
Cool the fritters completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, use an air fryer at 400 degrees for about six minutes to keep the crisp exterior intact.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, a teaspoon of good quality dried Italian seasoning can work though the flavor depth will be different. Swap Mozzarella for any mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mild Cheddar. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and add an extra egg for binding.
Serving Suggestions
Try these fritters on toasted slider buns with sliced tomato and a smear of garlic aioli for a tasty sandwich. Alternatively, chop and toss them over a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a light meal. They also pair well with roasted vegetables as a protein side.
Serve these fritters warm for the best texture and flavor. They reheat well and make a great make-ahead snack.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What herbs are used to flavor the chicken patties?
Fresh parsley, basil, and chives are combined to give the patties a vibrant, fresh herb flavor.
- → How should I cook the fritters for best results?
Cook the patties in olive oil over medium heat, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- → Can these patties be frozen for later use?
Yes, after cooking and cooling, wrap them individually and store in a sealed freezer bag for convenient reheating.
- → What is the texture of these chicken patties?
They are crispy on the outside while moist and tender inside due to finely diced chicken and cheese blend.
- → Are these patties suitable for low-carb meals?
Yes, they have a low carbohydrate count, making them a great choice for low-carb eating plans.
- → Can I use a food processor to prepare the chicken?
Using a food processor finely dices the chicken quickly and evenly, improving texture and reducing prep time.