🧀 Crispy Fried Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Bites

Servings: 3–4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

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🧺 Ingredients

Chicken & filling

• 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into thick chunks

• 150 g (5 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Breading station

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs or panko

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

For frying

• Vegetable oil, for deep or shallow frying

Optional dipping sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Chili flakes or paprika, to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.

2. Make a small slit in each piece and stuff with a cube of mozzarella.

3. Press gently to seal (toothpicks optional).

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2. Set up breading

1. Place flour in one bowl.

2. Whisk eggs with milk in a second bowl.

3. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.

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3. Bread the chicken

1. Dredge each stuffed chicken piece in flour.

2. Dip into egg mixture.

3. Coat evenly with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

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4. Fry

1. Heat oil to 170–175°C / 340–350°F.

2. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until:

   • Golden brown

   • Crispy outside

   • Cheese melted inside

3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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5. Make the sauce (optional)

• Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and seasoning until smooth.

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🍽️ Serving

• Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

• Serve hot with fries and dipping sauce.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Freeze breaded chicken for 10 minutes before frying to prevent cheese leakage.

• Air-fryer option: 200°C / 390°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once.

• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.