Chicken donuts are a savory twist on the classic sweet donut, combining ground chicken, herbs, and spices into a delicious, crispy ring. I shape the seasoned mixture into a donut form and fry it until golden brown, creating a snack that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. These are perfect for parties, kids’ meals, or even a creative appetizer for dinner. With easy-to-find ingredients and a quick cooking process, chicken donuts are a fun, flavorful addition to my kitchen lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s unique, kid-friendly, and packs serious flavor in every bite. The donut shape makes them playful and perfect for dipping, while the seasoned chicken mixture satisfies my craving for something hearty and delicious. Whether I serve them hot at a gathering or reheat them for a quick lunch, chicken donuts never disappoint. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile—I can bake, fry, or even stuff them with cheese for extra indulgence.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
directions
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture I start by mixing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, and all the spices in a large bowl. I make sure everything is well combined, and if it feels too sticky, I just add a bit more breadcrumbs until the texture feels right for shaping.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts Next, I take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. I gently flatten each one and poke a hole in the center using my finger or a round cutter, shaping them into donuts. I try to keep them all the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Heat the Oil In a large skillet, I pour about 1/2 inch of oil and heat it over medium-high. To test if it’s ready, I drop in a small piece of the mixture—it should sizzle and float.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts I carefully place the chicken donuts in the oil, working in batches so the pan doesn’t get crowded. I fry each one for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy I love serving these hot with a side of ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard. Whether as a snack or part of a meal, they’re always a hit.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 10–12 chicken donuts and serves 4 people. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
I like switching things up with these tasty tweaks:
Baked Version: I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
Gluten-Free: I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour without sacrificing texture.
Vegan: I substitute ground chicken with mashed chickpeas or lentils and use a flax egg instead.
Low-Carb: Almond or coconut flour works great for a low-carb version.
Cheese-Stuffed: I stuff them with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar before shaping.
storage/reheating
I keep leftovers fresh using these methods:
Refrigeration: I store chicken donuts in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: I reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, straight from the fridge or freezer, until crispy and heated through.
FAQs
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
I sometimes use crushed cornflakes, almond flour, or even oats as a substitute for breadcrumbs. They each give a different texture but still hold the mixture together well.
Can I air-fry these chicken donuts?
Yes, I’ve made them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They turn out crispy with much less oil.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Absolutely. I mix everything and refrigerate it for up to a day in advance. This even helps the flavors meld together more.
Are chicken donuts kid-friendly?
Very! I find that kids love the fun shape and mild flavor. I sometimes tone down the spices for younger eaters.
What dipping sauces go well with chicken donuts?
I enjoy them with ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a spicy ketchup blend. They’re super versatile with dips.
Conclusion
Chicken donuts are a delightful, creative dish that brings a fresh twist to both appetizers and meals. I love how easy they are to make and how adaptable they are to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether I fry them for indulgence or bake them for a lighter option, they always deliver on taste and texture. With the right storage and a few fun variations, these savory treats fit right into my cooking routine—and they’re always a crowd favorite.
Chicken donuts are a savory twist on traditional donuts, made with ground chicken, herbs, and spices, then fried to crispy perfection. They are a fun, kid-friendly snack or appetizer with bold flavor and a playful presentation.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and oregano until well combined. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture is too sticky.
Shape the mixture into small balls, flatten them slightly, and make a hole in the center to form donut shapes.
Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Test with a small piece of the mixture to ensure it sizzles.
Fry the donuts in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
Notes
For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Try stuffing with cheese for added indulgence.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for crispiness.
