Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Crispy on the outside and soft, cheesy, and juicy inside—these Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a family favorite that combines the comfort of fried chicken with the creamy richness of melted cheese. Made with finely diced chicken, herbs, and a blend of cheeses, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer. The Mediterranean touch comes from fresh herbs like dill and parsley, along with a hint of garlic and paprika for balanced flavor.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken Fritters:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, finely diced or ground
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour/breadcrumbs for variation)
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan — or a mix)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or buttermilk for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives, or basil)
½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning
Oil, for frying (olive oil or neutral oil like canola)
To Serve (optional):
Greek yogurt or tzatziki dip
Lemon wedges
Side salad or roasted vegetables
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, eggs, flour, cheese, mayonnaise (or buttermilk), garlic, herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the texture is slightly sticky.
Rest the Batter:
Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the flour to absorb moisture and the flavors to meld together.
Heat the Oil:
Pour about 2–3 tablespoons of oil into a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Shape and Fry the Fritters:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture per fritter into the pan, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 5–6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted inside.
Drain and Serve:
Transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Tips
Uniform size: Make sure your chicken pieces are evenly diced so the fritters cook evenly.
Binding consistency: If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs. If too dry, mix in a teaspoon of mayonnaise or a splash of buttermilk.
Frying temperature: Medium heat is key. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will brown before the chicken cooks through.
Cheese choice: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, cheddar adds sharpness, and parmesan brings saltiness and aroma.
Healthier version: You can bake the fritters on parchment at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–14 minutes.
Make-ahead tip: Mix the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before cooking.
Variations
Mediterranean Spin: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta for extra depth.
Spicy version: Stir in red chili flakes or a touch of harissa paste.
Herb swap: Use oregano or thyme for a more Greek-inspired taste.
Low-carb version: Replace flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
Mini fritters: Make smaller rounds for party appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.
Q&A
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of diced?
A: Yes, ground chicken works perfectly and makes mixing easier. The texture will be softer but still flavorful.
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A: You can, but the fritters may be drier. Mix in a tablespoon of extra mayo or buttermilk to keep them moist.
Q: How do I store and reheat them?
A: Store cooked fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm and crisp again.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, freeze cooked fritters for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
Q: What’s the best dip to serve with them?
A: Tzatziki, garlic aioli, or a simple yogurt-lemon sauce pair beautifully.
Nutrition
(Per 2 Fritters)
(Approximate, using chicken breast and olive oil)
Calories: 280
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Sugar: 1 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the perfect blend of comfort and freshness — crispy edges, gooey cheese, and juicy chicken in every bite. They’re easy to make, family-friendly, and versatile enough to serve as a main dish, snack, or appetizer. Whether you enjoy them hot from the pan with a dollop of tzatziki or tucked into pita bread with salad, they’ll quickly become a regular in your kitchen rotation.