If you’re after a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that combines juicy chicken, melty cheese, and a crisp outside, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe. These little patties are bursting with fresh veggies and loads of cheesy goodness, making them a perfect finger food for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or casual get-togethers. From the first savory bite, you’ll understand why these rissoles have earned a special spot in my heart and kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial part. From the lean chicken mince that forms the base, to the grated carrot and zucchini adding moisture and sweetness, and the cheese bringing that irresistible gooey texture, every component works in harmony for the perfect bite.
- 500g chicken mince: Fresh and drained to avoid excess moisture that could make the rissoles too soft.
- 1 medium carrot, grated: Adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the texture light and tender.
- 1 medium zucchini, grated: Keeps the rissoles moist while sneaking in some greens.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups Colby cheese, shredded: For that melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness that’s essential to this recipe. Cheddar or Monterey Jack works great too.
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides lightness and a subtle crunch to the mixture.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional): Adds a splash of freshness and color.
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle heat without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp canola oil: For frying those golden, crispy rissoles to perfection.
- Ketchup: Classic dipping sauce to accompany your rissoles.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
Start by combining the chicken mince, grated carrot, zucchini, egg, shredded cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parsley if using, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to gently mix everything until evenly incorporated. Your goal is a mixture that holds together but still feels light and moist—not overly dense.
Step 2: Shape the Rissoles
Wet your hands with a little water to stop the mixture from sticking, then scoop just under a quarter cup of the mixture. Shape each portion into a roughly 6 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick pattie. Wetting your hands before shaping helps keep the process smooth and ensures lovely rounded edges on the rissoles that will cook evenly.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add 5 to 6 rissoles at a time, giving them space to brown evenly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. If you prefer baking, see the notes below for oven instructions—though frying definitely locks in that amazing flavor and texture.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
While you finish cooking in batches, place the cooked rissoles on a wire rack set over a tray in a 100°C (210°F) oven to keep them warm and crisp. This little trick ensures every serving stays just as delicious as the first. Serve straight away with plenty of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few fresh herbs on top lifts these rissoles from tasty to show-stopping. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a tangy mustard mayo for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy chicken.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe shine alongside crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. They also make a fun addition to a burger bun with some lettuce and tomato, turning snack time into a full meal in seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little playful? Serve these rissoles skewered with toothpicks as party finger food, or nestle them in pita breads with fresh veggies and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. Their versatility means you can easily customize based on the occasion or your cravings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rissoles left (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay juicy and flavorful, ready to reheat for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
These rissoles freeze beautifully, so batch making is a great option. Lay them flat on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen rissoles straight into a moderate oven until heated through and crisp on the outside, or microwave briefly and then finish in a hot pan to bring back some crunch. Avoid microwaving alone to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken mince with another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even lean pork mince can work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, and keep an eye on moisture levels to maintain the perfect rissole texture.
What cheese works best for the Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe?
Colby cheese is fantastic for its mild flavor and excellent melting qualities, but cheddar, tasty, or Monterey Jack will all give you lovely gooeyness and flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the rissoles on a lined baking tray at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until browned and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different—less crispy—but still delicious.
How do I prevent rissoles from falling apart?
Make sure to drain any excess liquid from your chicken mince and grated veggies, and don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs—they are key binders. Also, wetting your hands before shaping helps the mixture hold together better.
Can I add herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Definitely! Fresh parsley is lovely, but basil, oregano, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can add a tasty twist. Just keep the balance so the cheese and chicken remain the stars.
Final Thoughts
There’s a genuine joy in making and sharing this Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe. They’re simple, satisfying, and full of flavor—a combination that rarely disappoints. Whether for family dinners, parties, or a weekday treat, these rissoles are sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Rissoles Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
These Chicken Rissoles are flavorful, tender patties made with ground chicken, grated vegetables, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Pan-fried to a golden perfection and kept warm in the oven, they’re perfect as a snack or main dish served with ketchup for dipping. With a good mix of protein and veggies, they’re a tasty and satisfying option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Rissoles Mixture
- 500g / 1 lb chicken mince (ground chicken), excess liquid drained and discarded
- 1 medium carrot, grated on a shallow angle
- 1 medium zucchini, grated on a shallow angle
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cup Colby cheese, shredded (or cheddar, tasty, Monterey Jack)
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- Ketchup – for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 100°C (210°F) for all oven types. Place a rack over a baking tray to keep the cooked rissoles warm while you prepare the rest.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken mince, grated carrot, grated zucchini, egg, shredded cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parsley if using, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form patties: Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then measure out just under 1/4 cup of the mixture. Shape each portion into a patty approximately 6 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick (about 2.4 inches by 0.6 inches). If the mixture feels too loose, refer to Note 1 to adjust.
- Cook rissoles: Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 5-6 rissoles at a time, frying each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through.
- Keep warm: Transfer the cooked rissoles onto the prepared rack in the oven to keep warm. Add more oil to the pan as needed and cook the remaining rissoles in batches.
- Serve: Serve the warm rissoles immediately with ketchup for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Note 1: Make sure to drain excess liquid thoroughly from the chicken mince to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and loose.
- Note 2: Grating the carrot and zucchini on a shallow angle results in longer shreds that bind better within the mixture.
- Note 3: You can substitute Colby cheese with cheddar, tasty cheese, or Monterey Jack depending on your taste preference.
- Note 4: Panko breadcrumbs add a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Note 5: Alternatively, rissoles can be baked in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lower-fat option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Australian