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Tender Chicken Fritters

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

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Everyone that tries these cheesy chicken fritters, loves them! They are easy to prepare and very flavorful. The cheese in the batter forms part of the outer crust and a creates an irresistible cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Marinating the chicken makes it incredibly tender and juicy.

You’ll want to marinate 2 hours or overnight; so there’s a make-ahead option! I served them with a really simple garlic aioli dip but these fritters are still super yummy without the dip (see, I highlighted all of the really important points for my speed readers).

This recipe is really easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. One of my readers, Nadia, shared these”Kotleti Nezhnost” or Tender Kotleti with us; a recipe her children and family love.

These really are super tender! Nadia used cornstarch (gluten free option) instead of flour but I tested it both ways and I didn’t notice a difference in taste or flavor so you can really use either one for your batter.

Oh and I added some fresh dill which which added great flavor. Somehow dill makes everything taste more Ukrainian. I’d love to claim it as a Ukrainian herb but I’d get hit with a firestorm in the comment section so I won’t go there. lol.

Watch How to Make Tender Chicken Fritters:

Ingredients for Tender Chicken Fritters:

1 1/2 lbs (3 large) chicken breasts
2 large eggs
5 Tbsp (about 1/3 cup) mayonnaise
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch or potato starch for gluten free option)
4 oz (1 1/3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Extra light olive oil, or any high heat cooking oil to sautee

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

How to Make Chicken Fritters (Kotleti):

1. Using a sharp knife, dice chicken into 1/3″ to 1/2″ thick pieces and set aside.

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

2. In a medium bowl combine batter ingredients: 2 eggs, 5 Tbsp mayo, 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/3 cups mozzarella, 1 1/2 Tbsp dill, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Stir until well combined. Stir in diced chicken, cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, or overnight.

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

3. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp oil and when oil is hot, add the chicken mixture a heaping tablespoon at a time (I used a flat ice cream scoop for uniform sizes).

Pat down the fritters with the back of your spoon to flatten them slightly. Saute uncovered 3 – 4 min on the first side then flip and saute uncovered 3 min on the second side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Repeat with remaining fritters. Remove to a paper towel lined plate.

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

Serve these chicken fritters with garlic aioli dip if desired and enjoy!! They’d also be great as mini sandwiches (sliders).

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

Tender Chicken Fritters

4.95 from 114 votes
Author: Natasha Kravchuk
The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!
The cheese in the batter forms part of the outer crust and a creates an irresistible cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Marinating the chicken makes it tender and juicy. Marinate 2 hours or overnight.
Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 16 fritters
  • 1 1/2 lbs 3 large chicken breasts
  • 2 large eggs
  • 5 Tbsp about 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, or cornstarch or potato starch
  • 4 oz 1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • Extra light olive oil, or any high heat oil to sautee

Instructions

  • Using a sharp knife, dice chicken into 1/3" to 1/2" thick pieces and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl combine batter ingredients: 2 eggs, 5 Tbsp mayo, 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/3 cups mozzarella, 1 1/2 Tbsp dill, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Stir until well combined. Stir in diced chicken, cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  • Heat a large non-stick pan over med heat. Add 2 Tbsp oil and when hot, add the chicken mixture a heaping Tbsp at a time (I used a flat ice cream scoop). Pat down fritters with the back of your spoon to flatten slightly. Saute uncovered 3 - 4 min on the first side then flip and saute uncovered 3 min on the second side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Repeat with remaining fritters. Remove to a paper towel lined dish.

Nutrition Per Serving

33kcal Calories2g Carbs1g Protein2g Fat1g Saturated Fat1g Trans Fat20mg Cholesterol8mg Sodium11mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar33IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C4mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Tender Chicken Fritters
Amount per Serving
Calories
33
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
20
mg
7
%
Sodium
 
8
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
11
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
33
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Russian
Keyword: Chicken Fritters
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 33
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

Nadia, thank you so much for sharing this new family favorite with us! 🙂

 

The cheese in these chicken fritters forms a crisp outer crust and a lovely cheese pull as you bite into these yummy chicken fritters. Juicy and delicious chicken patties!

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.95 from 114 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  • Marina
    March 21, 2024

    Great recipe! I ground my chicken up, add fresh garlic and onion puréed and they so tasty!

    Reply

  • Kazekage
    March 17, 2024

    I’ve made this plenty of times. Please let me know if I can use shredded parmesan cheese instead. Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 17, 2024

      I have not tested Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella cheese melts differently so I’m not sure how it will affect the recipe. Let us know how they turn out if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Sharon
    March 4, 2024

    I have made these several times. I have done them by the original recipe here & I have made them & added some diced up peppers. I used Mexibelle, Cajun & Gypsy peppers. It give it a bit more of a zing. They are a great quick meal. Served with rice or potatoes & a small salad. Ive also made the fritters then cut them up into medium chunks & put in a large mixed salad from veggies Ive home grown than choice of dressings. They are also just as good left over. Ive heated them & made fritter sandwiches. A very versatile recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 4, 2024

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Sharon!

      Reply

  • KT
    October 30, 2023

    Can they be made in an air fryer?
    If yes, temperature and time.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 30, 2023

      Hi KT! I haven’t tested this yet with an air fryer to advise. If you want to experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Melissa
    May 13, 2023

    These are amazing! And we are not a Mayo family either, but you can’t taste it, the Mayo flavor cooks out. Soooo good!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 13, 2023

      Hi Melissa! I’m so glad you loved the recipe. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Jess
    April 15, 2023

    Hi,
    I plan on making this tonight, but can I use Swiss? I only have bagged mozzarella that is made with cream cheese and worry it won’t work!

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 15, 2023

      Hi Jess. I think that would work fine. Let us know how it turns out.

      Reply

  • Anne Cadle
    October 23, 2022

    Delicious! Even my 17 year old son who doesn’t like cheese had several. They turned out beautifully. Wish I could share a photo.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 23, 2022

      So glad you love this recipe! You can share a photo on our Facebook page or group so others can see your creation too.

      Reply

  • Vita
    October 18, 2022

    These are mighty fine. They’ve been our family fave and regularly on our menu. To make it easier and a tad bit more healthy I bake them in the oven on parchment paper at 425F. Taste just as great, saves time with frying and no oil to clean up. These also go well with Chick-fil-A sauce. Thank you Natasha. Your recipes never disappoint.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 18, 2022

      You’re so very welcome! Thank you! 🙂

      Reply

  • Vinnie
    September 10, 2022

    They look delicious. Can I substitute parsley instead of dill ?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 11, 2022

      That is absolutely fine!

      Reply

  • Jocelyn
    June 27, 2022

    How far in advance can you make these? I would like to pre make the mix a take them camping.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 27, 2022

      Hi Jocelyn. I don’t premake the batter. I just cook the whole batch. They are even good cold but can easily be reheated. They are good for a few days.

      Reply

  • Maryanne Fenstermacherma
    May 18, 2022

    I made this delishious recipe the other day I substituted fresh basil and dried oregano instead of the dill it was so yummy My hubby ate 4 fritters it is going to be a regular meal at our house …thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 18, 2022

      You’re welcome! So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Maryanne.

      Reply

  • Denise LaBarre
    February 17, 2022

    Hi, wondering what flavor dipping sauce would go well with these?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 17, 2022

      Hi Denise, Everyone loves these along with our aioli sauce.

      Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 17, 2022

      We love them with this simple garlic aioli dip. You can find the recipe here.
      https://natashaskitchen.com/crisp-zucchini-bites-with-aioli-dip/

      Reply

  • Cindy
    January 18, 2022

    Hi Natasha. How can I fry these in my air fryer? I saw someone asked in May. I was wondering if you have had a chance to test them in an air fryer. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 18, 2022

      Hi Cindy, I haven’t tested this yet with an air fryer to advise. If you want to experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

    • Aviva
      February 7, 2022

      I just made these in my air fryer and they turned out great! Used a 1/4 cup scoop, and cooked at 365 for 5 minutes, then flipped and cooked for another 2-3 minutes. I did not add any oil.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        February 7, 2022

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us!

        Reply

  • Emily Hotaling
    July 10, 2021

    Hi Natasha!! Can you substitute a different cheese if you don’t have mozz?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 10, 2021

      Hi Emily, Colby Jack and Mexican cheese work with this recipe. I hope you love it!

      Reply

      • Emily Hotaling
        July 10, 2021

        Thank you for your expeditious reply!! I just used taco blend shredded cheese. I love your recipes and videos. You have a great sense of humor. I enjoy your fun gestures. I’ll let you know soon how it turned out!! Keep up the great work!!

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 10, 2021

          You’re welcome Emily! And thank you for your lovely comment.

          Reply

  • Donna
    May 17, 2021

    How would I adapt this recipe to use in a ninja air fryer? Have had super results making these per the directions but have a new toy to play with and wondering how to make them in it. THanks for all the great recipes, reviews and hints.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 17, 2021

      Hi Donna, I haven’t tested this yet with an air fryer to advise. If you want to experiment, please share with us how it goes.

      Reply

  • Constance
    May 15, 2021

    These are so good. Made them several times and always a big hit!
    Thank you for your recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 15, 2021

      That’s so great, Constance! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Judy
    May 14, 2021

    Can you bake these?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      May 14, 2021

      Hi Judy, one of our readers reported great results baking these. She wrote: ” I baked for 20 minuets and broiled for about a minute on each side to give it that crispy outside.”

      Reply

  • Connie
    May 7, 2021

    Can you freeze this before cooking

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 7, 2021

      Hi Connie, I think they would freeze fine after they are cooked but I’m not sure about freezing the raw batter. I just haven’t tested it to say for sure.

      Reply

  • Eileen
    April 11, 2021

    Hello, I only have dill seed. Is that suitable to add? And how much? Also, if I were to add garlic powder, how much do I add?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      Hi Eileen, I haven’t tried using seeds yet to advise. As for the garlic powder, you can just a little to the mix to taste.

      Reply

  • Marco
    April 9, 2021

    This is one from my favourite from your site 🙂 Easy to make, every family member likes them and they taste amazing. We love them with a nice salad with our self made family dressing 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 9, 2021

      Hello Marco, thank you for your great feedback and review! I’m glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

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