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I've gotta tell you about my go-to trick for using up chicken leftovers! These fritters are seriously mind-blowing, mixing juicy chicken with smooth cheese for an incredibly tasty fast dinner. The best part? They only take 20 minutes to whip up, so they're just right for those crazy days when you want something hearty and yummy.
The Secret Wonder of These Fritters
What really sets these fritters apart is how they can save even the most dried-out leftover chicken. The trick lies in using cream cheese which keeps everything nice and juicy while the mozzarella brings that can't-resist cheese pull everyone loves. They're also super flexible so you can tweak them to match whatever food needs you have.
What You'll Need
- Shredded Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken breast if you have it, but any cooked chicken works great.
- Egg: This glues all your ingredients together.
- Cream Cheese: Brings juiciness and stops the fritters from drying out while adding great taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour helps maintain the fritter shape.
- Salt: You can skip this if you're making them for little ones.
- Oil or Butter: For cooking your fritters until they're beautifully golden.
Creating Your Tasty Fritters
- Step 1 - Cut Your Chicken
- Put your leftover chicken in a bowl and snip it into tiny bits with scissors or chop with a knife. You want about 1.5 cups of finely cut chicken.
- Step 2 - Combine Everything
- Throw the chicken pieces, cream cheese, mozzarella, egg, flour, and salt (if using) into a bowl. Stir until everything's mixed together well.
- Step 3 - Warm Your Pan
- Put 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a frying pan and let it warm up over medium-low heat.
- Step 4 - Shape and Fry
- Drop big spoonfuls of mix onto the hot pan. Press them down gently with a spoon or spatula to make fritter shapes. Cook about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're crispy and golden.
- Step 5 - Cool and Enjoy
- Move your cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Serve them while they're still warm with your top choice of dip.
Store Your Tasty Treats
These little gems will stay tasty in your fridge for a few days if you keep them in a sealed container. I always make a big batch to freeze just don't forget to put some baking paper between them so they won't stick together. When you want to eat them later just warm them up quickly in the microwave and they'll taste fresh again.
Clever Tips From My Kitchen
Using scissors to cut up chicken saves so much time compared to a knife. Keep an eye on your fritters while they cook since you want that perfect golden color. I like to mix things up by throwing in different spices my top picks are paprika and garlic powder.
Questions You Might Ask
People always wonder if they can use dark meat chicken and yes it works amazingly sometimes even better! You can switch things around by using turkey or going veggie style too. They come out with a wonderful crunchy outside and soft inside just right for anyone from small kids to grown-ups. We grab all kinds of dips but mostly stick with ranch and ketchup in our house.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which type of leftover chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken is fine, like grilled, rotisserie, or baked. Chop it well, and if it's dry, stir in extra cream cheese for moisture, especially with breast meat.
- → Can I prep these snacks in advance?
Make the mix the day before and keep it chilled in the fridge. For the crispiest results, fry them fresh. Already fried ones can be reheated on low heat in an oven.
- → What goes well with these snacks?
Dip them in sauces like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. Pair with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete plate. They also work great in sliders.
- → How do I keep the snacks from falling apart?
Heat your pan before frying and avoid flipping too early. The eggs, flour, and melted cheese do all the binding to keep everything intact.
- → What spices can I add to the mix?
Spice it up with cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or Italian spices. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are great too. Check if the chicken's already seasoned first!
Conclusion
Transform your leftover chicken into crunchy, cheesy snacks with cream cheese and mozzarella. Quick to make and easy to enjoy!