If you are craving something irresistibly crispy on the outside and delectably melty on the inside, the Cheesy Potato Pancakes with Chicken & Mozzarella Recipe is the answer. This dish brings together the comforting earthiness of grated potatoes with tender cooked chicken and gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a perfect combination that satisfies every bite. The subtle spices and fresh parsley add brightness and depth, making these pancakes not only a treat but also a smart, flavorful meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at brunch, this recipe is straightforward yet packed with heartwarming goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the secret to perfectly textured and flavorful pancakes. Each component in this recipe plays a key role, from binding the batter to boosting the dish’s rich taste and inviting aroma.
- 3 large potatoes: These provide the crispy, tender base essential for that wonderful potato pancake texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Adds protein and a savory, meaty depth that makes this more than just a side dish.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella: Melts beautifully inside, delivering gooey comfort in every bite.
- 2 eggs: Act as binders to hold all ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps to firm up the batter for perfect shape and crispiness.
- 2 tbsp parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a touch of herbal freshness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a gentle kick that enhances all flavors.
- Salt to taste: Essential to balance and bring out the full flavor of the ingredients.
- Oil for frying: Choose one with a high smoke point to achieve the perfect golden crust.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Pancakes with Chicken & Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Grate and Drain the Potatoes
Start by peeling your potatoes and grating them finely. This creates the ideal texture for crispy pancakes. Then, squeeze out as much moisture as you can with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth—excess water will prevent your pancakes from crisping up properly, so don’t skip this crucial step.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the shredded cooked chicken, mozzarella, eggs, flour, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything evenly until you have a cohesive batter that holds together well when shaped.
Step 3: Form the Patties
Take portions of the mixture and gently shape them into round, flat patties about the size of your palm. Don’t press too hard—keeping the pancakes a little loose helps them stay light inside while crisping outside.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat a generous layer of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place your patties in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a crispy golden-brown crust. Flip gently to keep the melty cheese inside intact.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re warm for that ultimate gooey and crispy experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Pancakes with Chicken & Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and chicken. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side also brings a tangy creaminess that balances the savory pancakes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Potato Pancakes with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Roasted vegetables or a light tomato salsa also complement this dish wonderfully, giving a nice variety of textures and tastes on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking two or three pancakes with layers of arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant brunch presentation. Alternatively, cut them into wedges and serve with assorted dips like spicy mayo, honey mustard, or a smoky chipotle sauce to turn this comfort food into fun finger food for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered preserves their moisture and flavor without letting them dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen but allow a few extra minutes in the pan to ensure thorough cooking.
Reheating
For reheating, a non-microwave method is best to maintain crispiness. Warm leftovers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again on both sides. You can also use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack can bring sharper, bolder flavors. Just pick one that melts well for that gooey inside effect.
Is it necessary to drain the grated potatoes?
Yes, draining is vital to avoid soggy pancakes. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy exterior and prevents the batter from becoming too wet to hold shape.
Can I prepare this recipe with raw chicken?
This recipe uses cooked chicken for convenience and safety. If you want to use raw chicken, you would need to cook it thoroughly first before mixing it into the batter.
What oil is best for frying these potato pancakes?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. These oils help create that golden crust without burning or adding unwanted flavors.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just be sure the flour you choose works well as a binder in savory recipes.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Cheesy Potato Pancakes with Chicken & Mozzarella Recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary! The combination of crisp potatoes, tender chicken, and gooey cheese is pure joy on a plate. It’s an easy recipe that delivers maximum comfort and flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a satisfying meal anytime. Don’t wait to add this to your rotation — your taste buds will thank you!
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Cheesy Potato Pancakes with Chicken & Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Potato Pancakes with Chicken & Mozzarella are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, making them an irresistible meal or snack. Combining shredded potatoes with cooked chicken, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant herbs and spices, they’re pan-fried to golden perfection and perfect served warm for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 3 large potatoes, grated and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Cooking
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Grate and Drain Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes, then place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step ensures your potato pancakes will be crispy and not soggy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the cooked chicken, shredded mozzarella, eggs, flour, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive batter.
- Form Patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties, pressing them firmly to help them hold together during frying.
- Fry Pancakes: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the patties in the oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat if necessary to avoid burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Serve Warm: Remove the potato pancakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels if desired. Serve immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is melty inside. These pancakes pair well with sour cream or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the grated potatoes thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or your favorite melting cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover pancakes reheat well in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Adding finely chopped onions or green onions can enhance flavor.
