Ingredients:
- 5 lbs (680 g) Chicken (Breast or Thigh), boneless, skinless, finely minced or diced
- 1 cup (120 g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
- 3 Tbsp (45 g) All-Purpose Flour (or Cornflour/Corn Starch)
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Full Fat Mayonnaise
- 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
- 2 stalks (30 g) Spring Onions (Scallions), finely sliced
- 2 Tbsp (15 g) Fresh Parsley or Chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 2–3 Tbsp (30–45 ml) Neutral Cooking Oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken and Flavorings: Mince the chicken very finely into pieces no larger than 1/4 inch. Finely chop the spring onions and herbs. Grate the cheddar cheese.
- Combine the Fritter Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Gradually whisk in the flour until just combined.
- Fold in the Solids: Add the minced chicken, grated cheese, spring onions, and herbs to the bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until everything is just incorporated.
- Chill for Setting: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for the fritters' structural integrity.
- Form and Cook the Fritters: Place the frying pan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp of oil. Scoop mounds of the chilled mixture and gently flatten them into patties about 1/2-inch thick.
- Pan Fry: Place 3–4 fritters in the hot pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked fritters to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat the process until all the mixture is cooked. Serve hot.