Crispy Chicken Fritters Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Chicken Fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack. These golden, crunchy bites packed with tender chicken are sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients
- 2 (12.5-oz) cans white premium chunk chicken breast
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (see notes)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
- Additional bread crumbs for coating
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain the chicken very well by placing it in a colander for several minutes. Press down on the chicken with a heavy bowl to remove excess liquid.
- Step 2: Roughly chop the drained chicken into uniform 1/4-inch pieces to ensure consistent texture and prevent bits from poking out of the coating.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs. Stir with a fork until well blended.
- Step 4: Pour additional bread crumbs into a shallow bowl or pie plate. Divide the chicken mixture into six portions. Shape each into a tight, compact fritter about the size of a hockey puck, then coat thoroughly with the bread crumbs.
- Step 5: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully fry the fritters, cooking each side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure to drain the canned chicken thoroughly to prevent soggy fritters and help the coating stick better.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture.
- Try using panko bread crumbs for an even crispier texture.
- Serve with a dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for added interest.
Storage
Store leftover chicken fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the fritters and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They will be less crispy but still delicious.
PrintCrispy Chicken Fritters Recipe
These Crispy Chicken Fritters are a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast chunks mixed with flavorful spices, coated in breadcrumbs, and pan-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. Ideal for a quick dinner or appetizer, these fritters deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite and are perfect served with your favorite dipping sauce or fresh garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 fritters 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 (12.5-oz) cans white premium chunk chicken breast
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
Coating & Frying
- Additional bread crumbs (about 1 cup)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1/4 inch depth)
Instructions
- Drain Chicken: Drain the canned chicken very well by placing it in a colander for several minutes, then press down firmly with a heavy bowl to remove excess moisture. This step ensures your fritters won’t be soggy and helps the mixture bind better.
- Chop Chicken: Roughly chop the drained chicken into uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size. This provides consistent texture in the fritters and prevents stray chicken bits from poking out of the coating, giving a neater appearance and better bite.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, egg, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs. Stir with a fork until the mixture is well combined and holds together.
- Prepare Fritters: Pour additional bread crumbs into a shallow bowl or pie plate. Divide the chicken mixture into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a tight, compact puck resembling a small hockey puck, then thoroughly coat each fritter in the additional bread crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Pan-Fry Fritters: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the fritters and fry on each side until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels if desired.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. These fritters go well with your choice of dipping sauce or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is well drained to avoid soggy fritters.
- Uniform chopping of chicken creates a consistent texture and prevents bits poking through the coating.
- You can adjust spices to taste or add herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture for added freshness.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil around 350°F for even frying if available.
- Leftover fritters can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven for best texture.
Keywords: crispy chicken fritters, chicken appetizers, pan-fried chicken, easy chicken recipes, savory fritters

