If you’re craving a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a beautifully crispy exterior, this Crispy Chicken Cakes Recipe is an absolute must-try. These chicken cakes bring together simple ingredients like shredded chicken, green onions, and fragrant spices, all pan-fried to golden perfection. They offer a delightful texture contrast and a rich, savory flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, these chicken cakes will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crispy Chicken Cakes Recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender cooked chicken to the aromatic parsley and seasoning, every component comes together harmoniously.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use finely shredded or chopped cooked chicken as the hearty base of your cakes, offering rich protein and great texture.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: These provide structure and help give the cakes a lovely crispness when pan-fried.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle creaminess that keeps the cakes juicy.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
- 2 green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle tanginess that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers depth with its savory and slightly sweet notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile alongside the fresh green onions.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and balances the seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a delightful herbaceous brightness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking, it helps develop a golden, crispy crust on the cakes.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Cakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by placing your shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onions, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Using a spoon or your hands, mix everything thoroughly until it’s evenly combined. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Shape Your Chicken Cakes
Next, take about 1/4 cup of the mixture and gently shape it into a small, compact patty. Repeat this process to form 8 evenly sized chicken cakes. Making them uniform helps them cook consistently and develop that irresistible golden crust.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken cakes in batches. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the cakes feel firm to the touch. Transfer the cooked cakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil – this keeps them crispy without being greasy.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Cakes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped green onions add a fresh herbal note and a splash of color. For an extra punch, a dollop of tangy tartar sauce or a swipe of spicy mayo makes the perfect dipping companion that complements the savory chicken.
Side Dishes
These chicken cakes pair wonderfully with crisp side salads, steamed vegetables, or even a light slaw. The freshness and crunchiness of these sides provide a nice contrast to the rich, tender chicken cakes, balancing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a little fancy? Serve your chicken cakes atop a bed of greens with a lemon wedge for some zesty brightness, or make mini sliders with soft buns and pickles for a fun party appetizer. You can also top them with avocado slices or roasted red peppers to add more layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy your crispy chicken cakes again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze uncooked chicken cakes separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for about 1 month. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To maintain their crispiness, reheat cooked chicken cakes in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the exterior soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor while saving you prep time. Just make sure it’s finely shredded or chopped for the best texture.
What can I use if I don’t have mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, but mayonnaise gives the richest moistness to the cakes.
How can I make the chicken cakes extra crispy?
Try lightly coating the formed chicken cakes in extra breadcrumbs before frying. Using a higher heat and not overcrowding the pan also helps achieve a crispier crust.
Are these chicken cakes suitable for freezing after cooking?
While you can freeze cooked chicken cakes, the texture may change slightly. For the best crispy texture, freeze them uncooked and cook fresh from thawed.
What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Tartar sauce, aioli, spicy mayo, and honey mustard are all fantastic companions that enhance the flavors and add a tasty flair to each bite.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Cakes Recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that is surprisingly easy to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these chicken cakes deliver on texture, taste, and satisfaction. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to for quick and delicious dinners!
Print
Crispy Chicken Cakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 chicken cakes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
These flavorful Chicken Cakes are a quick and easy way to transform leftover cooked chicken into a delicious main course. Made with shredded chicken, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, then pan-fried to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying texture and taste. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh side salad for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Cake Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken (finely shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large egg
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, egg, green onions, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until fully combined to form a consistent mixture.
- Form Patties: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a small patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture to create 8 evenly sized chicken cakes.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring the pan is hot before adding the patties for a good sear.
- Cook Chicken Cakes: Cook the chicken cakes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the cooked chicken cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Serve: Serve the chicken cakes warm with your choice of dipping sauce such as tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy mayo, or alongside a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience and deeper flavor.
- Serve with tartar sauce, aioli, or spicy mayo to enhance the taste.
- For a crispier texture, lightly coat the cakes in additional breadcrumbs before pan-frying.
