The unconventional pairing of chicken and cheese in donut form offers an intriguing blend of savory flavors. These donuts are crafted from minced chicken and cheese, and seasoned to perfection. For a healthier option, air fry them for 5-6 minutes on each side, resulting in a delicious, high-protein meal.
Ingredients for chicken and cheese donuts
Chicken
You need minced chicken for this recipe but you can make it like I did by using one chicken breast which was 1 lb. Cut into small cubes and shred it using a food processor.
Spices
I like to use a variety of spices for this recipe, which are usually available in my pantry. I used salt, red chili flakes, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add some oregano and red chili powder according to your taste. I recommend using less salt because the cheese in the recipe is also salty.
Cheese
I used a combination of fresh grated mozzarella and Colby jack. You can use any cheese of your choice. Once all ingredients are mixed, freeze them for a minimum of 30 minutes before frying.
Onion and cilantro
For some freshness, I used finely chopped onion, and cilantro. I also like to use chopped green chilies sometimes for extra spiciness.
Ingredients for coating
Bread crumbs
I used fresh bread crumbs for this recipe. Take 6 pieces of bread and put them in the food processor. Pulse it a couple of times and your bread crumbs are ready. I like to season my bread crumbs with salt and red chili powder. For 2 cups of bread crumbs, I used 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of red chili powder to season. Store bought bread crumbs works just fine as well.
Eggs
Take two eggs and whisk them with a pinch of salt and pepper. As we season every layer, remember not to add too much salt to the donuts.
All-purpose flour
You will also need about half a cup of all-purpose flour to coat the donuts. To begin the coating process, coat donuts with flour, shake the excess off, dunk in the egg, and then roll them in the bread crumbs.
Fry or Air Fry
I have fried these donuts as I was serving these as appetizers, and I don’t mind some extra calories after fasting all day, but for a healthier version, air fry them after spraying them with some nonstick spray until nice and crispy.
A Pro Tip for Coating
A pro tip is to use one of your hands to dip in wet better and then the other hand for dry ingredients that way you can easily coat all of the donuts without wasting your materials.
Why resting the chicken donuts is important
Once coated leave them in the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes because chicken donuts are very soft and also have cheese. It will melt while frying. Freezing them will ensure even frying without losing cheese in the frying process.
How to serve chicken donuts
Chicken donuts make an excellent appetizer for any occasion and also a school lunch item. I like to serve them right away after frying when they are still very warm with ketchup. You can use any other condiments of your choice.
How to store chicken donuts
After shaping them put on a tray in a single layer. Once frozen transfer into a freezer bag and freeze for a couple of months. If you have any leftover fried donuts then keep them in the fridge for a few days in an air-tight container.
Chicken and cheese donuts
Ingredients
- 1 lbs minced chicken
- 2 slices bread or 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheese
For coating
- 1 cup Bread crumbs season it with a pinch of salt and red chili powder
- 2 eggs add a pinch of salt and pepper and whisk
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
Oil for Frying
- 3 cups oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, add minced chicken, spices, bread crumbs, chopped cilantro, and onion. Mix it well.
- Now take a little bit of oil on your hands and shape it into a patty and then make a hole in the center to shape like a donut. If your mixture is too sticky add more bread crumbs or leave the mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
Coating the chicken donuts
- Now take 3 bowls and add all-purpose flour in one. Eggs in the second and bread crumbs in the third one. Season them all with the mentioned spices.
- Dip the donuts one by one in the flour, then the egg, and then in the bread crumbs. Leave them in the freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan, and fry them in batches over medium heat until nice and golden to your liking. They’ll take 6-7 minutes to cook per side.
- You can also air-fry them until golden.