Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties turn cooked chicken into a golden, cheesy meal with a crunchy exterior and tender center. Shredded cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings hold everything together while adding plenty of flavor.
These patties also provide a practical way to use leftover cooked chicken. You can finely chop or shred the meat, combine everything in one bowl, shape the mixture, and pan-fry the patties in just a few minutes.
Serve Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties warm with ranch dressing, garlic sauce, or another favorite dipping sauce. They work well as a quick lunch, casual dinner, appetizer, or protein-packed snack. Pair them with a salad, roasted vegetables, fries, or a simple slaw for a complete meal.
I started making chicken patties whenever I had cooked chicken in the refrigerator but didn’t want another sandwich or basic reheated dinner. What surprised me was how completely different the chicken tasted once I mixed it with cheddar, green onions, and seasonings. The skillet does most of the magic. The outside develops a deep golden crust while the cheese melts into the tender chicken mixture. I’ve found that giving the mixture a thorough stir before shaping makes forming the patties much easier. I also resist moving them too quickly in the skillet. Once that first side develops a proper crust, flipping becomes much easier and the patties stay together beautifully.
Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties: Easy Golden Chicken Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, parsley, and green onions to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Divide the mixture into about 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a medium-sized patty.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Arrange the chicken patties in the hot skillet without overcrowding the pan.
- Cook the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until deeply golden and crispy.
- Carefully flip the patties and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is golden and the center is hot.
- Transfer the cooked patties to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve warm with ranch, garlic sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Making the Chicken Patty Mixture
Combine the Chicken, Cheese, and Binders
Place 2 cups finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 large eggs, ½ cup breadcrumbs, and ¼ cup mayonnaise.
The eggs, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise help bind the chicken together so you can shape the mixture into patties. Meanwhile, cheddar adds cheesy flavor throughout the center.
For the easiest mixing, chop or shred the chicken into relatively small pieces. Large chunks make the mixture more difficult to shape and can cause the patties to break apart.
Stir the ingredients until the chicken and cheese become evenly coated.
The mixture should feel moist enough to hold together when pressed but firm enough to maintain a patty shape.
Add Herbs and Seasonings
Add 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and 2 finely chopped green onions.
Next, season the mixture with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Mix everything thoroughly.
The parsley adds freshness, while green onions provide mild onion flavor and color. Garlic powder and onion powder deepen the savory flavor without adding extra moisture.
Meanwhile, paprika adds another layer of seasoning and complements the golden exterior that develops during frying.
Once thoroughly mixed, press a small amount together in your hand. If it holds its shape, you’re ready to form the Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties.
Shaping Patties That Hold Together
Form Even Chicken Patties
Divide the chicken mixture into approximately 8 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a medium-sized patty, pressing the mixture together firmly enough to hold its shape.
Try to keep the patties relatively even in thickness. Consistent sizing helps them brown at approximately the same rate.
Avoid making them excessively thick. A moderate thickness allows the exterior to become crispy while the center heats through and the cheddar melts.
Place the formed patties on a plate while you finish shaping the remaining mixture.
If the mixture feels particularly soft, handle it gently and compress each patty between your palms.
Prepare the Skillet for Frying
Place a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 2 tablespoons oil and allow it to heat.
The skillet should be hot enough to start browning the patties when they make contact with the surface, but it shouldn’t be so hot that the exterior burns before the center becomes hot.
Medium heat provides a good balance.
Once the oil is hot, carefully arrange the Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties in the skillet.
Leave some space between them. If your skillet cannot comfortably hold all the patties, cook them in batches.
Crowding the pan can trap steam, which works against the crisp exterior you’re trying to create.
Frying the Chicken Patties Until Crispy
Cook Until Deeply Golden
Cook the first side for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Avoid constantly moving or lifting the patties during this stage. Giving them uninterrupted contact with the hot skillet helps create a deeper golden crust.
Once the underside looks browned and crispy, carefully flip each patty.
Cook the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Because the chicken starts fully cooked, you’re primarily heating the patties through, melting the cheese, setting the egg mixture, and developing that crispy exterior.
The finished Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties should look deeply golden on both sides.
Rest Before Serving
Transfer the cooked patties from the skillet to a plate.
Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
This brief resting period gives the hot cheese and chicken mixture a moment to settle.
Meanwhile, finish frying any remaining patties if you worked in batches.
Serve the patties while they’re still warm so you get the best contrast between the crisp exterior and cheesy interior.
A small bowl of dipping sauce makes an easy accompaniment.
Ranch dressing and garlic sauce both work particularly well, although you can use any dipping sauce you enjoy.
Serving Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties
Choose Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
These chicken patties work well with several dipping sauces because the seasoning remains savory and versatile.
Serve them with ranch for a cool, creamy contrast.
Alternatively, use garlic sauce for an extra savory finish.
You can also place several sauces on the table and let everyone choose.
For an appetizer, arrange smaller Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties on a platter with dipping sauce in the center.
For a main meal, make the patties slightly larger and serve two or three per person depending on appetite and side dishes.
Turn the Patties Into a Complete Meal
A simple salad provides a fresh contrast to the crispy, cheesy patties.
You can also serve them with roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, potato wedges, or fries.
For lunch, place a patty inside a sandwich bun with lettuce and your favorite sauce.
Alternatively, serve the patties on their own with sliced vegetables and dipping sauce for a lighter meal.
Because they use already-cooked chicken, Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties also offer an easy way to transform leftovers into something that feels completely different from the original meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil, for frying
Instructions
- Add the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar, eggs, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, parsley, and green onions to a large bowl.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Divide the mixture into about 8 portions and shape each portion into a medium-sized patty.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Arrange the patties in the hot skillet without overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until deeply golden and crispy.
- Flip carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side becomes golden and the center is hot.
- Transfer the patties to a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve warm with ranch, garlic sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties?
Yes. Cooked leftover chicken works perfectly. Finely chop or shred it before measuring 2 cups for the recipe.
How do I keep chicken patties from falling apart?
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and firmly shape each portion before frying. The eggs, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise help bind the chicken mixture together. Also, allow the first side to develop a crust before flipping.
What kind of cheese works best?
The recipe uses shredded cheddar cheese. It melts into the chicken mixture while providing plenty of cheesy flavor.
How do I get the patties crispy?
Heat the oil over medium heat before adding the patties. Then give each side approximately 3 to 4 minutes of uninterrupted skillet contact so a deep golden crust can form.
What can I serve with chicken patties?
Serve them with ranch, garlic sauce, salad, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, fries, or potato wedges. You can also put a patty on a bun for an easy chicken sandwich.
Conclusion
Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties transform simple cooked chicken into a golden, cheesy dish that’s easy enough for a quick family meal.
Cheddar provides plenty of flavor, while eggs, breadcrumbs, and mayonnaise create a mixture that holds together during frying. Fresh parsley, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add savory seasoning throughout every bite.
Most importantly, give the patties enough time to brown before flipping them. A few uninterrupted minutes on each side create that appealing crispy exterior while the cheddar melts inside.
Serve Crispy Cheesy Chicken Patties warm with ranch, garlic sauce, or your favorite dip. Whether you make them for lunch, dinner, appetizers, or to reinvent leftover chicken, they’re an easy recipe worth keeping handy.
