Keto Chicken Fritters with Cheese: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy, and protein-packed meal that fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle? If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying recipe to spice up your meal plan, these Keto Chicken Fritters with Cheese are a game-changer. Packed with juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of seasoning, these fritters are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
Whether you’re hosting a keto-friendly dinner or just looking for a way to use up leftover chicken, these fritters will quickly become a favorite. Plus, they’re so versatile you can easily tweak the recipe to match your taste buds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to prepare.
- Perfectly keto with high fat and protein.
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it into small, bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, poach or grill it first, then shred it once it cools.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Next, crack in the eggs and add sour cream. Stir until the mixture holds together—almost like a thick batter.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and form into patties or fritters, about 2-3 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too sticky, lightly oil your hands or chill it for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the fritters, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters
Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. To drain extra oil, take them out of the skillet and put them on a plate covered with paper towels.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
Macro Breakdown per Serving
- Serving size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Net carbs: 2g
Nutritional Benefits
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Low Carb: With almond flour and keto-friendly cheeses, these fritters stay well within your carb allowance.
- Healthy Fats: The combination of olive oil, sour cream, and cheese provides the healthy fats needed for energy on keto.
Tips for Perfect Keto Chicken Fritters
- Use Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken or leftovers work best for quick prep.
- Adjust the Texture: If the batter feels too wet, add a bit more almond flour. Too dry? Add another tablespoon of sour cream.
- Cheese Swap: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter option, bake the fritters at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freeze for Later: These fritters freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a freezer bag, and reheat in a skillet or air fryer when needed.
Keto Notes
These fritters fit seamlessly into a ketogenic diet because they are high in fats and protein while keeping carbs to a minimum. Plus, using almond flour keeps them grain-free and gluten-free.
Recipe Variations
- Add Veggies: Finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini can be added for extra nutrients. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
- Herbs and Spices: Try adding fresh parsley, dill, or even a dash of smoked paprika.
Common FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken for cooked chicken?
Raw chicken won’t work well for this recipe since it would release too much moisture while cooking. Stick to cooked and shredded chicken for the best results.
2. What dipping sauces go well with these fritters?
Low-carb options like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a spicy mayo are fantastic.
3. Can I make these fritters dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives and use coconut cream instead of sour cream.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! After making the batter, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Fry them fresh when ready to serve.
Wrap-Up
Keto Chicken Fritters with Cheese are everything you could ask for in a keto-friendly meal: simple, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a main dish, or even meal-prepping for the week, these fritters are bound to become a regular in your kitchen.
So, grab some chicken, cheese, and a handful of pantry staples, and whip up a batch today. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite spices or add-ins to make them your own!