Cheesy Chicken Fritters Recipe

2 cups cooked chicken, finely shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great!)
¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
1 cup (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2–3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado)

💡 Pro Tips:
Don’t overmix—stir just until combined for tender fritters.
Use cold chicken—warm chicken melts the cheese too soon.
For extra crunch: Add 2 tbsp corn kernels or finely diced bell pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Crispy, Cheesy, Foolproof)

1. Prep the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, whisk egg and milk.
Add wet ingredients to dry. Stir until just combined.
Fold in chicken, cheese, and herbs (if using).

2. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat ¼ inch of oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
Test with a pinch of batter—it should sizzle gently and turn golden in 2–3 minutes.

3. Fry to Golden Perfection

Drop 2–3 tbsp of batter per fritter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with a spatula.
Fry 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.

4. Serve Immediately

Sprinkle with flaky salt while hot.
Serve with:
- Lemon aioli (mayo + lemon juice + garlic)
- Ranch or honey mustard
- Marinara sauce for dipping

Serving & Storage Tips

Best served fresh—they lose crispness over time.
Reheat: Crisp in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
Make ahead: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately; combine just before frying.
Freeze uncooked: Drop batter onto a tray, freeze solid, then store in a bag. Fry from frozen (+1–2 mins).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake or air-fry these instead?
A: Yes! Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Baking yields softer fritters—pan-frying gives the best crunch.

Q: My fritters fell apart—what happened?
A: Likely too much chicken or not enough binder. Stick to the 2-cup chicken max, and ensure egg/milk ratio is correct.

Q: Can I use turkey or ham?
A: Absolutely! Leftover holiday turkey makes fantastic fritters.

Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend and check baking powder for gluten.

A Comforting Bite, Any Time of Day

These Cheesy Chicken Fritters aren’t just a recipe—they’re a rescue mission for leftovers and a celebration of simple, satisfying food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself after a long day, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

So grab that leftover chicken, shred that cheese, and let your skillet do the rest. Because sometimes, the best meals are the ones that are crispy, cheesy, and gone before you know it.

Have you made chicken fritters before? Do you add hot sauce, herbs, or keep them plain?
Share your twist in the comments! And if this just upgraded your leftover game, pass it on to a fellow home cook who believes in the magic of cheese + chicken + crunch. 🧀🍗✨