Ingredients:
- 5 lb (700 g) Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless), finely minced or ground
- 1 large Egg, lightly whisked
- 1/4 cup Plain (All-Purpose) Flour
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk or Buttermilk
- 1/2 medium Yellow Onion, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced finely
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped finely
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Chives, chopped finely
- 1 tsp Salt (Kosher or Fine Sea Salt)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
- Approx. 1 cup Neutral Oil (Rapeseed, Canola, or Sunflower), for shallow frying
Instructions:
- Mince the Chicken: Using a food processor, sharp knife, or meat grinder, process the chicken breast until it reaches a medium-fine mince consistency.
- Prepare Aromatics: Grate the half onion and place it in a paper towel or muslin cloth. Squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture; this prevents the fritters from becoming soggy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Create the Fritter Base: Add the minced chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped herbs, flour, salt, and pepper to the wet ingredients.
- Mix Gently: Using a spatula or your hands, combine all ingredients until just homogenous. Do not overmix, or the texture will become tough.
- Chill Firmly: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes (up to 4 hours). This chilling allows the mixture to set and hold its shape during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the neutral oil into a heavy-bottomed frying pan to a depth of about 1 cm. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 170°C (340°F).
- Form the Fritters: Scoop out roughly 2 tablespoons of the chilled mixture per fritter. Gently shape them into thick patties (about 1 cm or ½ inch thick).
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place the fritters into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Doneness: Check the internal temperature; it must reach 74°C (165°F) to ensure the chicken is properly cooked through.
- Drain and Rest: Remove the cooked fritters using a slotted spatula and place them immediately on a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain the excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Season and Serve: Lightly sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt while still warm. Serve immediately with your preferred sauce.