Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly cooked fritters with a spicy, cheesy kick? Look no further! These Cheesy Spicy Chicken Fritters are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a juicy, flavor-packed interior – this recipe is guaranteed to transform your ordinary meal into a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, 1 cup shredded cheese (choose between cheddar or pepper jack), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the cheese and spices are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
- Once the mixture is well combined, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the breadcrumbs to absorb some moisture and helps the fritters hold together better during cooking.
- While the mixture is resting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil) to the pan. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two.
- Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into small patties or fritters, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You should be able to make around 8 fritters with the mixture.
- Carefully place the fritters in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Cook the fritters for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side.
- Once cooked through and golden on both sides, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the cheesy spicy chicken fritters hot, garnished with extra hot sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your delicious fritters as a main dish or appetizer!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your skillet is at medium heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without burning the fritters.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep the mixture light and prevent dense, tough fritters.
- Moisture Control: Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to help breadcrumbs absorb moisture, which helps the fritters hold together.
- Batch Cooking: Don't overcrowd the pan – cook in batches to maintain crispy edges and even cooking.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or add finely chopped jalapeños for more heat.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the spiciness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
