Who wouldâve thought that the worlds of crispy fried chicken and fluffy mashed potatoes could collide into one heavenly creation? Thatâs exactly what happened the first time I tasted Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts. The concept was inspired by a family gathering where leftovers took a delicious twist mashed potatoes, seasoned shredded chicken, and a golden crispy coating, all shaped into playful doughnut rings. It was such a hit that this has now become a staple recipe at home. Kids love it. Adults fight over it. Itâs familiar, fun, and flavor-packed.
Why Youâll Love This Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts Recipe
Thereâs a reason Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts are quickly becoming a kitchen legend. Theyâre a comforting hybrid of crunchy and creamy, savory and satisfying. The crispy outer shell gives way to a warm, herby chicken-potato filling thatâs unlike anything youâve had before. Whether youâre feeding a hungry family or impressing brunch guests, these are a showstopper. Plus, theyâre freezer-friendly, fun to make, and downright irresistible.
đ Ingredients Notes for Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold and firm)
1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the coating:
½ cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
For frying:
Vegetable oil (enough to deep or shallow fry)
Optional for serving:
Hot honey
Ranch dip
Sweet chili sauce
Ingredient Tips:
Cold mashed potatoes work best for shaping. Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal. You can also substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
đ¨âđł How to Make This Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts Recipe
In a mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, cheese, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Mix until well combined and smooth
Scoop a portion and roll into a ball, then flatten slightly and poke a hole in the center to create a doughnut shape
Place on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 20â30 minutes to firm up
Set up three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in the third
Dredge each doughnut in flour, dip in egg, and coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs
Heat oil in a skillet or fryer to 350°F
Fry each doughnut for 2â3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce
đĽ Expert Cooking Tips for Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts
For perfect Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts, chilling the shaped dough is key it keeps them from falling apart in the oil. If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F, spray the doughnuts with oil, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a doughnut cutter or a wide-mouth bottle cap to help form the center hole. For extra richness, mix a tablespoon of sour cream into the potato filling.
đż Variations and Substitutions for Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts
These Crispy Chicken and Doughnuts are as customizable as they are craveable. Here are some twists to try:
Add chopped cooked bacon for a smoky flavor
Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a gooey, stringy interior
Try sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes for a unique sweetness
Go spicy with jalapeĂąos or a dash of cayenne in the filling
For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add roasted veggies
If you love clever savory fusions, check out these Garlic Butter Bacon Alfredo Pizza Twists they also reinvent comfort food in a deliciously crispy form.
đ˝ What to Serve with This Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts Recipe

Serve Crispy Chicken and Doughnuts as a stand-alone appetizer, a side dish, or the star of the meal. They pair beautifully with: Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce for a creamy, cool contrast
Easy Shrimp Wraps to round out a crispy-themed spread
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Hot honey or BBQ sauce
Classic ranch or blue cheese dip
For dessert, bring balance with something sweet like Ultimate Banana Brownie
đŻ FAQs About Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and bread the doughnuts, then freeze them. Fry or bake straight from frozen just add 2â3 minutes to the cook time.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes and chicken?
Absolutely. This recipe was made for repurposing leftovers.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Use an oil spray to help them crisp.
How long do they keep?
Refrigerated leftovers will last 2â3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to bring back crispiness.
Are these good for meal prep?
Totally. You can freeze uncooked or cooked doughnuts and reheat as needed.
Whatâs the best oil for frying these?
Vegetable or canola oil is perfect for neutral flavor and high smoke point.
đ Conclusion
Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts are proof that comfort food can be exciting and unexpected. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something memorable that brings smiles to the table. Theyâre crunchy, creamy, satisfying and endlessly versatile. Whether youâre making them for family dinner, brunch with friends, or a cozy solo treat, these doughnut-shaped delights are guaranteed to impress.
Happy cooking with Rita chef â¤ď¸!
Print
Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6â8 doughnuts 1x
Description
Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts are golden-fried savory rings made with mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and spices perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes, cold
1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 egg
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
Scoop the mixture and form into balls, flatten slightly, and make a hole in the center to form a doughnut shape.
Place doughnuts on a tray and refrigerate for 20â30 minutes to firm up.
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Dredge each doughnut in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry doughnuts for 2â3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with sauces like hot honey, ranch, or sweet chili.
Notes
Chilling the doughnuts helps them hold their shape during frying. You can bake or air-fry for a lighter version. Substitute cheese or seasonings as desired. For best results, use cold mashed potatoes and freshly shredded chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 doughnut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: crispy chicken and potato doughnuts, mashed potato chicken rings, savory chicken doughnuts, chicken and cheese fritters