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I've got the best trick for making old chicken taste brand new! These chicken fritters are mind-blowing - they mix juicy chicken with gooey cheese to make the most fantastic quick bite. They're ready in under 20 minutes, which is great when you're swamped but need something yummy and substantial.
The Secret Wonder of These Fritters
What's really cool about these fritters is how they can save even the most dried-out chicken leftovers. The trick lies in the cream cheese that keeps everything nice and juicy while the mozzarella brings that amazing cheese pull. They're super flexible too, so you can tweak them to match whatever food rules you follow.
What You'll Need
- Shredded Chicken: Leftover store-bought rotisserie breast is ideal, but any cooked chicken works fine.
- Egg: This glues everything together in the mix.
- Cream Cheese: Keeps things juicy and adds rich flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gives that stretchy, melty goodness.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose helps everything stick together.
- Salt: You can skip this if you're making them for kids.
- Oil or Butter: For getting that perfect golden crust when cooking.
The Cooking Adventure
- Step 1 - Prepare the Chicken
- Put your leftover chicken in a bowl and cut it into tiny bits with scissors or a knife. You want about 1.5 cups of small chicken pieces.
- Step 2 - Combine Everything
- Throw the chicken bits, cream cheese, mozzarella, egg, flour, and salt (if using) into a bowl. Stir it all up until it's mixed well.
- Step 3 - Get Cooking
- Put 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a frying pan and warm it over medium-low heat.
- Step 4 - Cook Your Fritters
- Drop big spoonfuls of the mix into the pan. Press them down a bit with a spoon to make flat fritter shapes. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they're golden and crispy.
- Step 5 - Cool and Enjoy
- Move the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towel to soak up extra oil. Let them cool a little before eating them warm with your favorite sauce.
Store Your Tasty Treats
These little guys will stay tasty in the fridge for a few days if you keep them in a sealed container. I always make extras to freeze - just put some baking paper between them so they don't get stuck together. When you want to eat them later, just warm them up in the microwave and they're good as new.
Clever Cooking Tips
Always grab kitchen scissors for cutting chicken - it's way faster than using a knife. Keep an eye on your fritters while they cook to get that perfect golden color. I love throwing in different spices to change things up - a bit of paprika and garlic powder makes them extra tasty.
Things People Ask Me
Folks often wonder if they can use dark meat chicken and they totally can - it's sometimes even tastier! You can switch things up with turkey or try making them with veggies instead. They turn out wonderfully crunchy on the outside but soft inside, so everyone from little kids to grown-ups loves them. We dunk them in all kinds of sauces but ranch and ketchup are the family favorites.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which type of chicken works best for this?
Cooked chicken of any type works fine—rotisserie, grilled, or roasted. Just chop it into bits. With drier chicken like breast meat, add extra cream cheese to keep things moist.
- → Can I make the patties in advance?
Prep the mix up to a day early and store it in the fridge. Fry them fresh for the best crunch. If already cooked, warm leftovers in the oven at low heat.
- → What sides go well with these patties?
Pair them with dipping sauces—ranch, marinara, or honey mustard are great. Or serve alongside a crisp salad or slaw. They're a great snack or slider option too!
- → How do I make sure the patties hold together?
Heat the pan properly before cooking. Don't turn them over until golden. Egg and flour keep them together while melted cheese helps bind them as they cook.
- → What extra seasonings can I use?
Add garlic, onion powder, Italian or cajun flavors for a kick. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley also work well. Be mindful of any seasoning already on the chicken.
Conclusion
Golden patties packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and lots of flavor. A quick fix for leftovers, ready in no time.