Cheesy Chicken & Potato Doughnuts (Crispy, Golden & Irresistible!)
If you’ve never turned mashed potatoes and shredded chicken into crispy, cheesy doughnuts, you’re in for something special. These Cheesy Chicken & Potato Doughnuts are golden on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and loaded with gooey mozzarella in every bite.
They’re the kind of snack that disappears fast at parties, makes kids (and adults) ridiculously happy, and can even double as a fun weeknight dinner.
As the creator behind Chef Maniac, I’m always looking for creative ways to reinvent comfort food—and this one checks every box.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about combining creamy mashed potatoes with seasoned shredded chicken and melting cheese. The doughnut shape isn’t just for fun—it creates more crispy edges, which means more crunch in every bite.
I love this recipe because:
- It uses simple pantry ingredients
- It’s freezer-friendly
- You can fry or air fry
- It works as a snack, appetizer, or main dish
- It’s customizable with spice and veggies
If you’re already a fan of comfort-forward meals like This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcutor hearty bakes like This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit, you’re going to fall hard for these savory doughnuts.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled and shredded
- 6 large potatoes, boiled
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely diced and boiled
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chicken powder
- 2–3 Serrano peppers, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Oil, for frying
For the Coating
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup water (to form thick slurry)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Heat level: Leave out Serrano peppers for a kid-friendly version.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Extra crunch: Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until mostly smooth. Add:
- Shredded chicken
- Boiled carrots
- Serrano peppers (if using)
- Bell peppers
- Green onions
- Egg
- Cornstarch
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, chicken powder
- Mozzarella cheese
Mix everything until fully combined and slightly sticky.
2. Shape the Doughnuts
Scoop a portion of the mixture and form into a ball. Gently press down and create a hole in the center to form a doughnut shape.
Place shaped doughnuts on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during frying.
3. Prepare the Coating
- In one bowl, mix flour and water to form a thick paste.
- In another bowl, add bread crumbs.
Dip each doughnut into the flour slurry, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
At this stage, you can freeze them for later use.
4. Frying Method
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry 2–3 minutes per side
- Flip carefully
- Cook until golden brown and crispy
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Air Fryer Option
- Lightly spray doughnuts with cooking oil
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes
- Flip halfway through
They’ll be beautifully crisp without deep frying.
Tips for Success
- Make sure potatoes aren’t watery—let them steam-dry before mashing.
- Freeze before frying to prevent breakage.
- Keep oil at medium heat—too hot and they brown too fast.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it binds everything together.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These savory doughnuts are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- With garlic aioli
- With spicy ketchup
- With ranch dip
- As a party appetizer spread
They pair perfectly with crowd-pleasers like These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fastfor game day.
Hosting? Add an elegant starter like This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests for balance.
For a full comfort-food dinner, serve alongside These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280–320
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
(Values vary depending on frying vs. air frying.)
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze (uncooked): Up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes or bake at 375°F until heated through.
They reheat beautifully and stay crispy!
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these crispy chicken potato doughnuts, you’ll definitely want to try:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Chicken & Potato Doughnuts are comfort food with a creative twist. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Did you fry or air fry? Did you add extra spice? Drop your feedback and follow along for more crave-worthy creations.
Happy cooking! 👨🍳
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