If you’re in the mood for something irresistibly tasty yet wholesome, the Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need on your table tonight. These fritters are golden, cheesy, and bursting with the fresh goodness of broccoli, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With a wonderful blend of textures—from the crispy outside to the tender, cheesy inside—this dish combines comfort and nutrition in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the juicy chicken mince to the vibrant broccoli and melty mozzarella, every element adds flavor, texture, and color to the fritters. Let’s take a look:
- 500 g / 1 lb chicken mince: The juicy protein base that keeps these fritters tender and flavorful.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds a subtle punch of aromatic warmth.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent to hold everything together perfectly.
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs: Give the fritters a delightful light crunch and stability.
- 2 packed cups soft cooked & finely chopped broccoli: Brings freshness and a pop of green, plus wholesome vitamins.
- ¾ cup finely chopped shallots: Adds a mild onion sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 ½ – 2 cups shredded mozzarella: The star that makes these fritters irresistibly cheesy and gooey inside.
- ¾ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust based on cheese saltiness.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth.
- Oil spray: Helps achieve that perfect golden crust when baking.
- For the sauce – 2/3 cup plain yoghurt: Creamy and tangy base that complements the fritters beautifully.
- 1/8 tsp dried dill, parsley, and chives each: Adds herby freshness to the dipping sauce.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Deepens the sauce’s flavor with a mild savory note.
- ½ garlic clove, minced: Boosts the sauce’s garlicky goodness.
- 1 – 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil: Makes the sauce silky and rich.
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional): Brightens the sauce and balances richness.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 200C (390F). While it’s heating, line a baking tray with baking paper or simply spray it with oil to prevent the fritters from sticking. Getting this step ready ensures a smooth cooking process and that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix Your Fritter Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, minced garlic, egg, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped cooked broccoli, shallots, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should hold together nicely without being too wet or dry.
Step 3: Shape Your Fritters
Take about ¼ cup of the mixture and pat it into a fritter shape—aim for approximately 6 cm (2.25 inches) wide and 1 cm thick. Keep in mind they’ll shrink a little as they bake and become thicker, so don’t worry if they look a bit thin at this point.
Step 4: Arrange and Oil
Place your shaped fritters on the prepared tray. Generously spray the tops with oil; this will help them develop a luscious golden color and slight crispness in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the fritters for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each one over. Spray the tops again with oil and return them to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and inviting. It’s best to serve them immediately to enjoy the perfect melty, cheesy texture inside.
Step 6: Whip Up the Tangy Sauce
While your fritters bake, mix together plain yoghurt, dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like. Add salt and pepper to taste then let this sauce rest for at least 20 minutes. This little rest allows all the fresh flavors to come together and complement your fritters superbly.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh herbs such as parsley or chives brightens each bite and makes your plate pop with color. A sprinkle of extra mozzarella or a light drizzle of olive oil can add a touch of indulgence if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
These fritters are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with simple salads, steamed vegetables, or even a crisp slaw for some crunch. For heartier meals, serve them alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or fragrant rice to round out the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe stacked like mini towers, layering them with dollops of sauce in between. Alternatively, pop a fritter on a skewer with veggies for a finger-food party platter that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any fritters left over, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them covered to maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze these fritters for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking tray to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy homemade goodness anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
Reheat leftover fritters in a preheated oven at 180C (350F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken mince with other meats?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with turkey or pork mince as well. Just keep the same quantities and adjust seasoning to your taste.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko is ideal here for lightness and crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if needed. Just note the texture might be denser.
Can I add other veggies to these fritters?
Yes! Feel free to mix in grated carrots, finely chopped spinach, or even corn for some extra color and nutrition.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack melt well and bring their own unique flavors—choose your favorite for a delicious twist.
How can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Simply swap out panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the texture light and crispy.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe is such a rewarding and tasty experience—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings alike. These fritters bring warmth, cheesy comfort, and a healthy hit of greens in one satisfying bite. I can’t wait for you to make them and share this deliciousness with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli are a delicious and nutritious baked snack or light meal. Featuring ground chicken combined with finely chopped broccoli, mozzarella, and fragrant seasonings, these fritters are baked to golden perfection, crispy on the outside yet tender inside. Served with a fresh herbed yogurt sauce, they make a perfect protein-packed dish ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
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 (approx. 1 head)
- ¾ cup finely chopped shallots
- 1 ½ – 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
- Oil spray, for greasing
Herbed Yogurt Sauce
- â…” cup plain yoghurt
- 1/8 tsp dried dill
- 1/8 tsp dried parsley
- 1/8 tsp dried chives
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- 1 – 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with baking paper or spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Fritter Ingredients: In a large mixing 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.
- Shape the Fritters: Using about ¼ cup of the mixture, pat into fritter shapes approximately 6 cm (2.25 inches) wide and about 1 cm (2/5 inch) thick. Note that they will shrink and become a bit thicker during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the shaped fritters on the lined baking tray. Generously spray the tops with oil to help them brown and crisp up.
- Bake the Fritters: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then carefully flip each fritter, spray the tops again with oil, and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Serve immediately with the prepared sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the fritters are baking, combine the yogurt, dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and optional lemon juice in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce sit for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Note 1: You can substitute chicken mince with turkey or pork mince if preferred.
- Note 2: Soft cooking the broccoli before finely chopping ensures a tender texture in the fritters.
- Note 3: Adjust salt quantity depending on the type of cheese used; reduce salt if using flavored cheeses.
- Make sure to spray the fritters generously with oil to get a crispy golden crust from baking.
- The herbed yogurt sauce can be prepared ahead and kept chilled, enhancing the fritters when served.
