Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters: A Delicious Low-Carb Meal for Any Occasion
If you’re on the keto diet and craving something savory, satisfying, and full of flavor, these Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters are the perfect solution. This recipe takes a classic, comfort food dish and transforms it into a keto-friendly delight. Packed with lean chicken, gooey cheese, and a blend of seasonings, these fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re a great option for a low-carb lunch, dinner, or even as a tasty snack to enjoy any time of the day.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick and easy recipe to satisfy your hunger, these cheesy chicken fritters are not only keto-friendly but also a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle. With the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbs, these fritters will leave you feeling full and satisfied without ruining your progress.
Let’s dive into the recipe details, where I’ll guide you through every step with measurements, instructions, and some useful tips to ensure you make the best Cheesy Chicken Fritters!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Keto Dieters
Keto dieters focus on consuming high amounts of healthy fats, moderate protein, and very low carbs to maintain a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This recipe is ideal for keto because it’s low in carbs, free from gluten, and rich in protein and fats, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious, low-carb meal.
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: The primary protein source in this recipe is chicken, which is low in fat (if you opt for chicken breast) or higher in fat (if you choose thighs). Either way, it’s a great source of protein while keeping the carbs at bay.
- Cheese: The cheese provides both fat and flavor while being very low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for a keto meal. We recommend using shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend for optimal taste and meltability.
- Almond Flour: Instead of using breadcrumbs, which are high in carbs, we’re using almond flour to bind the ingredients together. Almond flour is keto-friendly, low in carbohydrates, and rich in fiber and healthy fats, making it the ideal alternative.
- Eggs: Eggs provide essential protein and healthy fats and help hold the fritters together, contributing to their texture.
Key Ingredients for Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters
- Chicken Breast (1 lb or approximately 450g)
- Chicken breast is lean, providing high protein with minimal fat. It’s the primary protein source in this recipe. For those who prefer more fat content, chicken thighs can be used instead.
- Nutritional Info (per 4 oz of cooked chicken breast):
Calories: 180
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 4g
- Shredded Cheese (1 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese adds a deliciously gooey texture to the fritters, while also contributing to the richness and flavor. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any preferred cheese that melts well.
- Nutritional Info (per 1 oz of shredded mozzarella):
Calories: 80
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 6g
- Almond Flour (½ cup)
- Almond flour is a great gluten-free, low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs. It’s perfect for binding the fritters together and gives them a crispy texture when fried.
- Nutritional Info (per ¼ cup):
Calories: 160
Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 6g
- Eggs (2 large)
- Eggs are used in this recipe for binding and texture. They are rich in protein and healthy fats, essential for any keto meal.
- Nutritional Info (per large egg):
Calories: 70
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
- Cream Cheese (2 oz)
- Cream cheese adds extra fat and a creamy texture to the fritters, making them rich and satisfying. It also helps bind the ingredients together and adds flavor.
- Nutritional Info (per 1 oz of cream cheese):
Calories: 100
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Garlic powder adds an aromatic, savory depth of flavor to the fritters. It’s an essential seasoning that complements the chicken and cheese perfectly.
- Nutritional Info (per 1 tsp):
Calories: 5
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 1g
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp)
- Oregano provides a savory, Mediterranean flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the fritters.
- Nutritional Info (per 1 tsp):
Calories: 3
Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 0g
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- Seasonings like salt and pepper are essential to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese in the fritters.
- Olive Oil (for frying)
- Olive oil is a healthy fat that is used to fry the fritters, giving them a crispy texture on the outside while maintaining a juicy, tender interior.
- Nutritional Info (per 1 tbsp):
Calories: 120
Carbs: 0g
Fat: 14g
Instructions for Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by cooking the chicken breast. You can either grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken breast until it’s fully cooked. For optimal flavor, season with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder while cooking. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it into small pieces using two forks.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, ½ cup of almond flour, 2 eggs, 2 oz of cream cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky, cohesive dough. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure all ingredients are well-combined.
Step 3: Form the Fritters
- Once the mixture is well-mixed, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round fritters or patties. Depending on the size of the fritters you prefer, you can make them small or larger. Aim for about 6 to 8 fritters, depending on your desired portion size.
Step 4: Heat the Olive Oil
- Heat about 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but you don’t need to deep fry the fritters.
Step 5: Fry the Fritters
- Once the oil is hot, gently place the fritters into the pan. Fry each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure the inside is fully cooked and the cheese has melted. Use a spatula to carefully flip the fritters.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
- Once the fritters are cooked to your desired crispness, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the cheesy chicken fritters hot, either on their own or with a side of keto-friendly dipping sauce like ranch or a sugar-free marinara sauce. These fritters also pair wonderfully with a side salad or sautéed vegetables.
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 Fritter)
- Calories: 210
- Total Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 1g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 18g
Smart Points (WW)
- For those following the Weight Watchers program, this Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritter recipe comes in at 4 SmartPoints per serving (based on 6 servings).
Tips for Perfecting Your Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters
- Use Shredded Chicken: For the best texture, make sure the chicken is finely shredded. This ensures the fritters hold together well when fried and gives them a great bite.
- Use the Right Cheese: Mozzarella is the best cheese for these fritters because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. You can use other cheeses like cheddar or a cheese blend if you prefer a sharper flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the fritters, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add-ins like chopped herbs, diced jalapeños, or cooked bacon for an extra flavor boost.
- Store Leftovers: Leftover fritters can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or heat them up in a skillet with a little olive oil.
Conclusion
These Keto Cheesy Chicken Fritters are a delicious, savory, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for anyone on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. With minimal carbs, high protein, and plenty of healthy fats, they check all the boxes for a nutritious meal. Whether you serve them on their own, as a snack, or paired with a keto-friendly dip, they will undoubtedly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and impossible to resist!