If you’re looking for a crave-worthy appetizer that’s bursting with tangy, savory flavor, you have to try these Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters. Each bite packs in juicy ground chicken, the unmistakable zing of dill pickles, melty cheddar, and a subtle blend of spices—a combination that’s honestly hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game night or whipping up a quick weeknight snack, these fritters will disappear faster than you can say “pass the ranch.” Grab your skillet, because this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters lies in how simple the shopping list is—yet every item adds its own unique magic. Crisp pickles bring big flavor, while shredded cheese makes things delightfully gooey. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- Ground Chicken (1 pound): The foundation for ultra-tender fritters that stay juicy as they cook.
- Finely Chopped Dill Pickles (1/2 cup): Don’t skimp! These provide that signature tangy crunch in every bite.
- Pickle Juice (1/3 cup): Adds bright acidity and ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the patties, adding richness and a hint of sharpness.
- Almond Flour or All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Helps bind everything together and makes the fritters hold their shape.
- Large Egg (1): Essential for keeping the mixture cohesive, so your fritters don’t fall apart while frying.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a dependable punch of savory depth.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings subtle sweetness and balances the tangy notes.
- Dried Dill (1/2 teaspoon): Doubles up on dill flavor and gives the fritters that classic pickle-shop aroma.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): A pinch or two goes a long way in enhancing all those layers of flavor.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil (2 tablespoons, for frying): Crisp up those patties without overpowering the delicate pickle flavors.
How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters
Step 1: Mix the Fritter Base
Begin by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—trust me, you’ll want plenty of space. Add in the ground chicken, chopped pickles, pickle juice, cheddar cheese, flour (your choice of almond or all-purpose), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. With clean hands or a sturdy spatula, thoroughly mix everything until all the ingredients look evenly scattered throughout. It might seem a little loose, but that’s perfect for juicy, not dense, fritters.
Step 2: Shape the Fritters
Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture at a time and gently form it into a small, flat patty—think slider-sized. Placing the shaped fritters on a parchment-lined tray can help them keep their shape before they meet the hot pan. For extra crispy results, pop the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes while you heat up your oil.
Step 3: Fry Them Up
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the fritters in batches, with enough space so they aren’t crowded. Let each fritter cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping only when the underside is deeply golden. The goal is a crisp, savory crust and an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain each fritter briefly on a paper towel-lined plate as you finish the batch.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Slide those hot Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters onto your favorite serving platter. They’re irresistible while warm, especially when paired with a cool, creamy dipping sauce like ranch or even more pickle juice whisked into a bit of Greek yogurt. Grab one (or three) before they disappear!
How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters
Garnishes
Freshness is key when it comes to presentation. Shower your platter with extra chopped dill, thin slivers of fresh pickle, and maybe a sprinkle of flaky salt. A drizzle of ranch or your go-to dipping sauce on the side just seals the deal. Trust me, these finishing touches not only look beautiful, they really dial up the flavor too.
Side Dishes
Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters are the star, but they love supporting acts. Serve them alongside crisp veggie sticks, a simple green salad, or homemade potato wedges. The briny tang of the fritters pairs perfectly with crunchy textures and cool, creamy sides—it’s a flavor party on one plate!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try tucking these fritters into slider buns with lettuce and more pickles for mini sandwiches. They also shine cut up on top of a hearty salad bowl, or skewered with cherry tomatoes for easy party bites. However you serve them, guests will be asking for the secret recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters, simply let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and tangy, perfect for a quick lunch or snack!
Freezing
Want to enjoy these fritters straight from the freezer? Just arrange cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep well for up to two months—just write the date on the bag so you never forget about them.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-pan crispness, reheat fritters in a skillet over medium heat for a couple minutes per side, or pop them into a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the texture is at its best when reheated with a bit of heat and air movement.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for chicken in this recipe. Just know that it has a slightly different flavor and may be a bit leaner, so consider adding a teaspoon of olive oil to the mixture if your turkey is very low-fat.
What kind of pickles are best for Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters?
Classic dill pickles are the way to go for that tangy punch the fritters are famous for. Avoid sweet pickles, as they’ll change the overall flavor balance. Kosher dills work great, but feel free to play with garlic-dill varieties for some extra oomph!
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
Definitely. Arrange the formed fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get golden edges and juicy centers—plus less cleanup in the kitchen.
Are Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters gluten-free?
Yes, if you opt for almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, these fritters are gluten-free! Just double-check your pickles and spices to make sure they’re gluten-free as well, if needed.
How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?
Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly so the egg and flour distribute evenly. Chilling the mixture before shaping and cooking also helps bind everything together, ensuring sturdy yet tender fritters.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters—they hit all the right notes for easy comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist. Next time you need an appetizer that thrills a crowd or a snack that wakes up your taste buds, reach for this recipe. I promise, once you give them a try, you’ll want to make them again and again!
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Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters are a delicious and unique way to enjoy ground chicken. Packed with tangy dill pickles and cheddar cheese, these crispy fritters are perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/3 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, chopped pickles, pickle juice, cheese, flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape Fritters: Scoop 2 tablespoons of mixture and shape into small fritters.
- Fry Fritters: Heat oil in a skillet, fry fritters in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, chill the fritter mixture for 15 minutes before frying.
- To bake, preheat oven to 400°F and bake fritters for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
