Cheesy Chicken Patties

Cheesy Chicken Fritters

These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a fantastic way to transform leftover or rotisserie chicken into something crispy, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy. Made with sharp cheddar and a simple egg-and-flour batter, they fry up beautifully golden on the outside while staying tender and melty inside. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1/4 cup onion or green onions, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or avocado), as needed
• Lemon wedges and dipping sauce, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Add the chicken, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, and herbs to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. Pour this batter over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well combined and holds together.

Step 2: Heat the Oil
Add about 1/4 inch of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. To test, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil—it should sizzle gently without browning too fast.

Step 3: Cook the Fritters
Scoop out roughly 1/4-cup portions of the mixture and carefully place them into the hot oil. Lightly flatten each one with the back of a spoon. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.

Step 4: Drain and Keep Warm
Cook in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded. Transfer the fritters to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain. If needed, keep cooked fritters warm on a rack in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.

Step 5: Serve
Enjoy the fritters hot while the cheese is still gooey. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard.