If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly dish that’s packed with flavor and a little bit of cheesy comfort, you’ve got to try my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe. I absolutely love how these turn out — crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with the goodness of chicken, broccoli, and melty mozzarella. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining friends, these fritters are a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Versatile: You can swap chicken for turkey or pork, and toss in extra veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
- Comfort Food, Guilt-Free: Packed with protein and veggies, these fritters make a nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Easy to Make: Just mix, shape, bake, and you’re done—no complicated frying needed.
- Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for these, especially with that crispy-cheesy combo and a tangy yoghurt ranch dip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe really starts with fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. I always recommend using good-quality chicken mince that isn’t watery and fresh broccoli that you steam till just tender – it keeps everything bright and tasty.
- Chicken mince: Opt for fresh, not watery – it makes a difference in texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Minced, to add just the right punch of aroma.
- Egg: Acts as the binder to hold those fritters together perfectly.
- Panko breadcrumbs: I love using panko for a bit of extra crispiness, but you can swap with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
- Broccoli: Steam until soft, then chop it finely so it blends beautifully into the mixture.
- Shallots: Finely chopped, adding sweetness and depth without overwhelming the fritters.
- Shredded mozzarella: Or your favorite cheese – I use mozzarella for wonderful melty stretchiness.
- Salt: Adjust depending on your cheese choice—less if using a salty, flavored cheese.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a mild kick.
- Oil spray: For baking, to get that perfect golden crispness.
- Optional: Yoghurt ranch sauce ingredients: Plain yoghurt, dried herbs, onion powder, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice to jazz things up.
Variations
I love to keep this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe flexible. Whether you’re adapting for what’s in your fridge or dialing up the veggies for more nutrition, these fritters are incredibly forgiving. Feel free to mix it up—it’s how I make sure no two meals feel quite the same!
- Add More Veggies: Sometimes I like to sneak in grated carrot or zucchini (just squeeze out excess water) for extra sweetness and moisture—they blend right in without changing the texture.
- Cheese Swap: Tried cheddar once, and it added a nice sharpness, just remember to reduce added salt!
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crush some almonds for an alternative crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or give it a good spray of oil. While it’s warming up, toss all your fritter ingredients—chicken mince, garlic, egg, panko, chopped broccoli, shallots, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper—into a large bowl. I like to give it a good mix with my hands to make sure everything is evenly combined without overworking the meat. When I first tried this, I found that a gentle hand kept the fritters tender rather than dense.
Step 2: Shape Your Fritters
Measure out about ¼ cup of the mixture, then pat it into fritter shapes roughly 6 cm wide and 1 cm thick. They will shrink up and puff out a bit while baking, becoming nicely golden and thicker than when raw. Don’t worry if the shapes aren’t perfect—I usually just press them gently with my hands, and they turn out great every time.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Arrange them evenly spaced on the tray, then generously spray the tops with oil. This is a trick I discovered to get that much-loved crispiness without frying. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each fritter, spray the other side with oil, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden. When I stick to this timing, the fritters never dry out—they come out moist inside with the perfect crunch outside.
Step 4: Optional – Whip Up the Yoghurt Ranch Sauce
While the fritters bake, mix your yoghurt ranch sauce by combining plain yoghurt with dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, and an optional squeeze of lemon. Set it aside for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can mingle—trust me, it makes all the difference! This sauce adds a fresh, tangy contrast that’s addictively good with the richness of the fritters.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
- Fresh Mince Matters: I always pick chicken mince without extra water to avoid soggy fritters—dry mince holds together better and crisps up nicely in the oven.
- Don’t Skip Panko: Switching to panko breadcrumbs transformed my fritters from good to great—its coarser texture gives a lighter, crispier bite.
- Oil Spray Hack: Spraying on oil rather than brushing or deeper frying keeps the fritters healthier but still golden and crisp on top.
- Chop Broccoli Very Fine: Finely chopping steamed broccoli prevents large chunks and helps it blend into the fritter batter smoothly, so every bite is balanced.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
I love keeping garnishes simple but fresh. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and an herbaceous brightness that complements the cheese and chicken perfectly. Sometimes, I grate a little extra cheese on top right after baking for an ooey-gooey finish!
Side Dishes
These fritters pair beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted potatoes, or even some garlic butter sautéed greens. For a fun twist, I sometimes serve them with sweet potato fries or a light quinoa salad for a wholesome, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to turn these fritters into finger food by serving them on a platter with small dollops of the yoghurt ranch sauce and a sprinkle of paprika. Another fun idea is to stack them with a slice of tomato and basil in between for mini fritter “sliders.” It’s always a hit at casual gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, they keep their crispiness surprisingly well if warmed in a skillet or oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe freezes wonderfully. I cool the fritters completely, then freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. That way, you can take out just what you need without worry. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the fritters in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy again. That’ll bring back their fresh-baked goodness better than microwaving, which can make them a bit soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it in—the last thing you want is soggy fritters. Fresh broccoli does give a bit more texture and flavor, but frozen works well in a pinch.
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Can I pan-fry the fritters instead of baking?
You definitely can pan-fry these if you prefer, using a little oil over medium heat. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Baking is my go-to because it’s less hands-on and lighter, but frying adds a lovely crunch if you don’t mind the extra oil.
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What other cheeses work well in the fritters?
While I love mozzarella for its melt and mild flavor, sharp cheddar, Colby, or even a tasty cheese can work well too. Just remember to adjust the added salt since these cheeses are usually saltier. Mixing cheeses can add an interesting depth of flavor.
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How do I make these fritters gluten-free?
Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans. You might need to tweak the binder slightly by adding a little extra egg if the mixture feels too loose.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites when I want something that’s quick yet special. What I love most is how it feels indulgent without being complicated, and the way everyone from picky kids to adults ends up going back for seconds. Give it a try—I’m pretty sure you’ll be making these often, just like I do!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 15 fritters (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli are a delicious, protein-packed snack or meal option featuring ground chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they provide a healthier twist on traditional fried fritters and come with an optional tangy yoghurt ranch sauce for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 500 g / 1 lb chicken mince (ground chicken), or turkey or pork
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 packed cups broccoli, soft cooked & finely chopped (about 1 medium head)
- ¾ cup finely chopped shallots
- 1½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or other cheese of choice)
- ¾ tsp salt (reduce to ½ tsp if using a flavoured cheese)
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- Oil spray
Yoghurt Ranch Sauce (optional)
- ⅔ cup plain yoghurt
- 1/8 tsp each dried dill, parsley, and chives
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 1–2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper or spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, minced garlic, egg, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped cooked broccoli, chopped shallots, shredded mozzarella, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Fritters: Measure approximately ¼ cup of the mixture for each fritter. Shape each portion into a round patty about 6 cm (2.25 inches) wide and 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick, noting they will shrink and thicken slightly while baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped fritters evenly spaced on the prepared baking tray. Generously spray the tops with oil to ensure a golden crust.
- Bake the Fritters: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, flip each fritter, spray the exposed side with oil again, and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until both sides are golden and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce (Optional): While the fritters bake, mix together plain yoghurt, dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce rest for at least 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Serve: Serve the warm fritters immediately with the optional yoghurt ranch sauce on the side.
Notes
- Chicken mince freshness: Choose chicken mince packets without excess water to ensure freshness and better texture.
- Broccoli prep: Use only the florets from about 1 medium head. Steam or boil until soft, then finely chop. The peeled stem can be used if desired, chopped very finely after cooking.
- Mozzarella cheese: It is low in salt and stretches well. If using more flavorful or salted cheeses like cheddar, reduce added salt to ½ tsp.
- Extra vegetables: This recipe can accommodate about 1½ cups of additional finely chopped or grated vegetables such as carrot, zucchini (with excess water pressed out), corn, peas, cabbage, spinach, green beans, or asparagus.
- Nutrition estimate: Nutrition facts assume 4 servings and exclude the optional sauce. The recipe yields about 15 fritters total.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 fritters
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
