Cheesy Chicken Fritters with Garlic Aioli Dip

These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the perfect combination of tender chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and a savory mix of dill and seasoning. Lightly sautéed until golden and crispy on the outside, they make for a delicious snack, appetizer, or main dish. Paired with a creamy garlic aioli dip, these fritters are bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken fritters are easy to make, flavorful, and can be enjoyed by everyone. They’re packed with cheesy goodness, the freshness of dill, and the savory taste of chicken. The garlic aioli dip adds a smooth and tangy complement to the fritters, making them irresistible. Whether served for a quick dinner, a fun snack, or a party appetizer, these fritters are versatile, satisfying, and incredibly tasty!

Ingredients for Chicken Fritters

1 ½ lbs chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch or potato starch for gluten-free)
4 oz mozzarella cheese (about 1 ⅓ cups shredded)
1 ½ tbsp chopped fresh dill
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
⅛ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp extra light olive oil (or any high-heat cooking oil)

Ingredients for Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional)

⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
½ tbsp lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Using a sharp knife, dice the chicken into ⅓-inch thick pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Tip: If the chicken is partially frozen, it will be easier to slice.
Add the remaining batter ingredients to the mixing bowl: eggs, mayonnaise, flour (or cornstarch/potato starch), shredded mozzarella, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld together.

2. Cook the Fritters

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of oil.
Once the oil is hot, scoop a heaping tablespoon of the chicken mixture into the pan. Slightly flatten the top of each fritter with the back of a spoon.
Sauté uncovered for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until the fritters are golden and the chicken is fully cooked through. To test for doneness, cut one fritter in half—the chicken should be completely white inside.
Repeat with the remaining fritters, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

3. Make the Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional)

While the fritters are cooking, prepare the aioli. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the mayonnaise, pressed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the fritters hot with the garlic aioli dip on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional fresh dill or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (for each batch of fritters)
Total Time: 30-45 minutes (including refrigeration time)

Variations

Make them Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the fritter mixture for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheese: Swap the mozzarella for cheddar, parmesan, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Add Veggies: Mix in some finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the fritters in a pan over medium heat, or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful fritter.

2. Can I make these fritters ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, the fritters are best enjoyed fresh.

3. Can I freeze these fritters?

Yes, you can freeze the fritters after they have cooked. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.

4. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or potato starch to make them gluten-free.

5. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

You can bake them at 375°F on a lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will be less crispy than fried, but still delicious.

6. Can I use a different dip instead of garlic aioli?

Yes, you can use a simple ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a different flavor.

7. How do I know when the fritters are done?

The fritters should be golden brown on both sides, and when cut open, the chicken inside should be fully cooked with no pink.

8. Can I make these fritters without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese, but the fritters will be less rich and may not hold together as well without it.

9. How do I keep the fritters crispy?

To maintain their crispiness, serve the fritters immediately after cooking. If you need to store them, reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave to retain their crispness.

10. Can I use store-bought mayonnaise for the aioli?

Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works perfectly fine for the aioli dip. If you want a more homemade flavor, you can make your own mayo or use a different creamy dip base.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful, and they pair wonderfully with the tangy garlic aioli dip. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them as an appetizer at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. Quick to make, easy to customize, and full of delicious flavors, these fritters will become a regular in your cooking rotation. Enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken Fritters with Garlic Aioli Dip

Cheesy Chicken Fritters with Garlic Aioli Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Fritters

Ingredients for Garlic Aioli Dip (Optional)