If you’re craving a tasty, wholesome snack or a quick meal that your whole family will gobble up, then you absolutely need to try this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe. I love these fritters because they’re packed with juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese all baked to golden perfection. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or lunchboxes and come together faster than you’d expect. Stick around, and I’ll share everything you need to nail this recipe, including my best tips for success.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These fritters come together in under 40 minutes, perfect when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.
- Great for Picky Eaters: The gooey mozzarella and mild chicken flavor make these a crowd-pleaser, even for kids who sneak in extra veggies without noticing.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you want to swap chicken for turkey, or toss in other veggies, this recipe is super forgiving.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich broccoli—comfort food that’s actually good for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe uses simple ingredients that combine beautifully to give you a moist, cheesy, veggie-packed bite every time. I always make sure to get fresh, high-quality chicken mince and look for tender broccoli heads. Using panko breadcrumbs gives the fritters a lighter texture than regular crumbs—trust me, it makes a difference!

- Chicken mince: Fresh is best for less moisture and better texture; avoid watery packets to keep fritters from getting soggy.
- Garlic clove: Adds subtle warmth—mince it finely so it blends evenly.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together nicely.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These give a lovely lightness and crispness to the fritters.
- Broccoli: Soft cooked and finely chopped; you can include peeled stems for extra nutrition.
- Shallots: I love their mild onion flavor that keeps the fritters from tasting too strong.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly and stretches beautifully—if you prefer, other cheeses work too.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust salt depending on your cheese choice—mozzarella is low salt, flavored cheeses mean you’ll want less.
- Oil spray: For a light coating to crisp up the fritters in the oven.
- Optional Ranch Yogurt Sauce: A quick mix of plain yogurt, herbs, garlic, and a splash of olive oil to dip and add freshness.
Variations
I love playing around with this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe to suit whatever’s in my fridge or to cater to different dietary needs. It’s so versatile that you can easily make it your own. Here are some ways I’ve tweaked it:
- Use Different Meats: Sometimes I swap chicken for turkey or pork mince, depending on what I have on hand—they all work great and change the flavor profile slightly.
- Load up on Veggies: I often add grated carrot, zucchini (with excess water squeezed out), or peas to sneak in more nutrients and flavors. It never disappoints.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely—just remember to adjust salt and breadcrumbs for binding.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes into the batter gives a fun, spicy kick.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). I love baking these fritters for an easy cleanup and less oil mess. Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly spray it with oil—that helps prevent sticking without extra grease.
Step 2: Mix the Fritter Batter
In a large bowl, add your chicken mince, minced garlic, egg, panko breadcrumbs, cooked and finely chopped broccoli, shallots, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Now, give it a good mix until everything is combined evenly. I usually use my hands here—it’s the easiest way to make sure all ingredients come together perfectly. Make sure not to overmix, or the fritters can turn out tough.
Step 3: Shape Your Fritters
Grab about a ¼ cup of the mixture and press it into a flat, round shape roughly 6 cm (2.25 inches) wide and 1 cm (0.4 inch) thick. They do shrink as they cook and get a bit thicker, so don’t worry if they feel a little thin now. Placing them evenly on your lined tray with a bit of space in between helps them cook nicely on all sides.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spray the tops of your shaped fritters generously with oil spray—this is the secret to achieving that golden, crispy edge without frying. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes, then flip each one carefully, spray again with oil, and bake for another 8–10 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. The smell that fills the kitchen at this point? Absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Whip Up the Yogurt Ranch Sauce
While your fritters bake, mix together the yogurt ranch sauce ingredients: plain yogurt, dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a touch of brightness. Season with salt and pepper, give it a stir, and let it sit for at least 20 minutes to marry the flavors. This sauce is my go-to dip—it adds a fresh, herby contrast that balances the richness of the fritters perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
- Avoid Watery Chicken: When buying chicken mince, pick packets without excess liquid—this keeps the fritters from becoming soggy and helps them hold together better.
- Finely Chop Your Broccoli: Soft cooked and finely chopped broccoli blends seamlessly without large chunks—my trick to fooling even picky veggie eaters.
- Don’t Skip the Oil Spray: Spraying oil before and after flipping ensures the fritters get that gorgeous golden crust without deep frying.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They’re lighter than regular crumbs and give the fritters a better texture—trust me, this makes a world of difference.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a fan of keeping it simple here—fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and a bit of freshness that complements the cheesy richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top can brighten things up even more.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a light slaw to balance out the richness. On colder days, I like serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or steamed rice. For a fun twist, try them with some roasted sweet potato wedges—my family always requests this combo!
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual get-together, I sometimes stack the fritters on a platter with dollops of the yogurt ranch sauce scattered around for easy dipping. They also make fantastic sliders—just tuck them into mini buns with a swipe of sauce and some fresh greens for a party-friendly bite. It’s always a hit when friends come over!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop any leftover fritters into an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within 2–3 days to maintain their flavor and texture. I find stacking them with parchment paper in between helps prevent sticking, especially if you’re storing multiple layers.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze the uncooked shaped fritters on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully and can go straight into the oven from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to baking time. This trick has saved me more than once on hectic days.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the fritters in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crust intact. Reheating in a toaster oven works well too for individual portions.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe without mozzarella?
Absolutely! Mozzarella is my favorite because it melts well and gives that stretchy cheese effect, but you can swap it for cheddar, Colby, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just remember to adjust the salt amount if your cheese is already salty to keep the flavors balanced.
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What’s the best way to cook the broccoli for these fritters?
I prefer steaming or boiling the broccoli until it’s soft but not mushy—usually just a few minutes. Then finely chop it so it blends into the mixture smoothly. This way, the broccoli adds moisture and texture without large chunks disrupting the fritters.
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Can I fry these fritters instead of baking?
You definitely can! Frying in a shallow pan with a little oil will give a crispier exterior, but baking is easier and cleaner. If frying, cook on medium heat for about 3–4 minutes each side until golden, and be mindful not to overcrowd the pan.
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How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?
Using an egg and enough panko breadcrumbs helps bind the fritters together. Also, make sure not to add too much moisture—drain and squeeze excess water from your broccoli or any added veggies. When shaping, press the mixture firmly but gently to compact it without overworking.
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Is the yogurt ranch sauce necessary to serve with the fritters?
Not at all—though I highly recommend it because it adds a fresh, herby zing that balances the savory, cheesy fritters. You can also try hummus, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce for variety.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe turns out every time—moist, cheesy, with just the right touch of veggie goodness. When I first tried making chicken fritters, they often fell apart or tasted dry, but this version fixed all that and became a family favorite. I know you’ll enjoy how easy they are to whip up and how well they please both grown-ups and kids alike. Give this recipe a go, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dishes before long!
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15 fritters, serves 4
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Mince Fritters with Broccoli are a delicious and healthy snack or meal option. Made with ground chicken, soft cooked broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant shallots, these baked fritters are golden, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They are served best warm with a refreshing yoghurt ranch sauce on the side, making them perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
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 (1 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 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with baking paper or spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Fritter Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, minced garlic, egg, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped cooked broccoli, shallots, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Shape Fritters: Measure about ¼ cup of the mixture and press it into a round fritter shape approximately 6 cm (2.25 inches) wide and 1 cm (2/5 inch) thick. Note they will shrink slightly and become thicker when cooked.
- Prepare for Baking: Place each shaped fritter onto the prepared baking tray. Spray the top of each generously with oil to help them crisp and brown nicely.
- 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 the fritters are golden and cooked through.
- Make Sauce (Optional): While the fritters bake, mix yoghurt, dried dill, parsley, chives, onion powder, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice if using, in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for 20+ minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the warm cheesy chicken and broccoli fritters immediately with the yoghurt ranch sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Chicken mince: Choose chicken mince that isn’t watery to ensure better texture; packets without excess water are best.
- Broccoli preparation: Use about one medium head of broccoli, steam or boil until soft, then finely chop. You can also include peeled and finely chopped stems.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a mild saltiness and melts well, perfect for this recipe. If substituting with a flavorful cheese like cheddar, reduce added salt.
- Additional vegetables: You can add up to 1.5 cups extra veggies such as grated carrot, zucchini (squeezed dry), corn, peas, cabbage, spinach, or finely chopped cooked green beans/asparagus.
- Nutrition info: Nutrition values provided assume 4 servings and do not include the optional yoghurt ranch sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3-4 fritters (approx. 150 g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg

