These Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delicious low carb dinner option that’s both filling and flavorful. They’re made with tender chicken, lots of melty cheese, and a handful of simple ingredients that come together quickly to make crispy, golden fritters. The cheesy crust and juicy inside make every bite a little crispy and a little gooey all at once.
I love making these fritters when I want something easy but satisfying. They don’t need any fancy prep or hard-to-find ingredients, which means I can whip them up even on busy weeknights. Cooking them in a bit of oil gives that perfect crunchy outside that I personally can’t get enough of. Plus, the cheesy flavor adds a fun twist that keeps everyone at the table happy.
My favorite way to enjoy these fritters is with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies on the side, making it a well-rounded meal without adding extra carbs. They’re also great dipped in a cool yogurt sauce or even a little salsa for a bit of extra zing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, these fritters always bring a little joy to dinner time and keep things easy and tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of the fritters. Ground turkey or finely chopped cooked chicken can work if you prefer. I find ground chicken keeps the texture tender and moist.
Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor and gooey texture. You can mix in mozzarella or mozzarella cheese for a milder taste. Parmesan adds a little bite and helps bind the fritters.
Almond Flour: This keeps the fritters low carb and acts like a binder. If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground pork rinds work well too for a similar effect.
Fresh Parsley & Spices: Fresh parsley gives a fresh note, but you can swap in cilantro or basil if you like. Smoked paprika and garlic powder add a nice flavor depth, but feel free to adjust spices to your taste.
How Do I Get Crispy and Well-Cooked Chicken Fritters Every Time?
The key to crispy fritters is cooking them slowly enough to brown without burning, but fast enough to cook the inside completely. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat the pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom – this helps form a crisp crust.
- Use a spoon to form even-sized fritters so they cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each fritter space so steam doesn’t build up and make them soggy.
- Cook each side about 4-5 minutes. When they look golden and release easily from the pan, it’s time to flip.
- If the fritters brown too fast before cooking inside, turn down the heat slightly.
- After frying, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the outside crisp.
Following these tips will keep your fritters golden, crispy, and cooked just right inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan – helps get a nice golden crust without sticking.
- Spatula – essential for flipping the fritters gently to keep them intact.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredient amounts just right for consistent results.
- Paper towels – handy for draining excess oil after frying to keep fritters crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or pork to change up the flavor and texture.
- Add finely chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies that blend well into the fritters.
- Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you like a little heat in your fritters.
- Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different cheese flavor and extra meltiness.
How to Make Low Carb Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour (for low carb binding)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Low-carb dipping sauce (such as a spicy mayo or ranch, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dinner option. Total time from start to finish is around 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well until the mixture is evenly blended.
2. Forming and Cooking the Fritters:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil. Use about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture for each fritter. Scoop and shape each portion into a small patty and carefully place it in the hot skillet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow the fritters to cook evenly.
3. Frying Until Golden and Done:
Cook each fritter for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Then carefully flip them over and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until it also turns golden and the chicken is cooked through. Add a little more oil between batches if needed. Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Serving Your Fritters:
Serve the cheesy chicken fritters warm with lemon wedges if you like a refreshing squeeze on top. Pair them with a low-carb dipping sauce such as spicy mayo or ranch for extra flavor. They’re perfect alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a healthy and tasty low-carb dinner.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using it. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture for better fritter texture.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground pork rinds work great as a low-carb binder. You can also try coconut flour, but use less since it absorbs more moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them crispy, or warm briefly in the microwave.
Can I Add Vegetables to These Fritters?
Absolutely! Finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well mixed into the batter for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition without adding many carbs.
