How to Make Irresistible Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts

Jump to Recipe

Ever stare into your fridge at leftover mashed potatoes and cooked chicken, wondering what on earth to do with them? Well, friend, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite thing: Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts. Yes, doughnuts. But savory. And crispy. And cheesy. Basically everything good in life, rolled into one bite-sized treat.

Whether you’re a busy mom trying to keep dinner exciting for picky eaters or a work-from-home warrior in need of a snack that hits the spot, this recipe checks all the boxes: quick, satisfying, and delightfully creative. Think of it as the lovechild of Chicken Doughnuts and loaded mashed potatoes—with a gloriously golden crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts

If the words “crispy,” “chicken,” and “doughnut” in the same sentence don’t already have your mouth watering, let me paint the picture. These little bites are warm and crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with the savory goodness of chicken and potato. They’re perfect for:

Using up leftovers in a fun, totally unexpected way
Getting your kids (or your partner) excited about dinner again
Serving as appetizers, party snacks, or a cozy couch dinner with your favorite show

Plus, you don’t need any fancy tools or pro-level skills—just a bowl, your hands, and maybe a little help from your air fryer or stovetop.

Pure Comfort

Imagine the warmth of mashed potatoes blended with seasoned chicken, shaped into rings, and fried to crisp perfection. It’s like your favorite comfort foods got together and made magic. These doughnuts are hearty, homey, and oh-so-delicious.

Ingredients – What You Need to make Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts

Flat lay of ingredients for crispy chicken and potato doughnuts, including mashed potatoes, chicken, cheese, eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, and spices.

2 cups mashed potatoes (cold, leftover works great)
1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
1 egg
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crisp)
Oil for frying

Time to Cook

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Steps to Make It the best Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts

Step 1: Mix the good stuff.

In a large bowl, combine your mashed potatoes, shredded chicken, egg, cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until it all comes together like one big happy family.

Step 2: Shape into doughnuts.

Scoop out some of the mixture and roll it into a ball (think golf ball size), then gently flatten and poke a hole in the center with your finger to create a doughnut shape. You can also use a small cookie cutter if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 3: Coat for crunch.

Roll each doughnut in flour, dip it lightly in a little beaten egg (optional, if you want extra adhesion), then coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Don’t skip the breadcrumbs—they’re what give you that addictive crunch.

Step 4: Fry to golden perfection.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each doughnut for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve and swoon.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, spicy mayo, or even a tangy barbecue. Trust me, you’ll want to dip.

Quick Tips for the Perfect Chicken Doughnuts

Cold mashed potatoes are your best friend here. They hold together better and make shaping easier.
Rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you’re short on time (or energy).
Want to bake or air fry instead? Go for it! Just spritz the doughnuts with a little oil spray and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Feeling extra? Add chopped jalapeños or crumbled bacon to the mix for a flavor upgrade

A Little Kitchen Storytime…

This recipe was born on a chilly Sunday night when my fridge was full of random leftovers and my patience was running on fumes. My kids had already voted a hard “no” on the idea of plain mashed potatoes—again—and I needed to get creative. Enter: the doughnut pan. Yes, you can bake these in a doughnut pan for a cute, less-messy option! But whether baked or fried, they disappeared faster than I could say “cheddar.”

FAQs About Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts

What is the difference between a potato doughnut and a regular doughnut?

Potato doughnuts use mashed potatoes for a softer, denser texture. Regular doughnuts rely on flour and are typically sweeter.

What is a chicken doughnut?

A savory ring made from chicken and potato, shaped like a doughnut and fried or baked until crispy.

What is the nutritional value of a potato doughnut?

One potato doughnut has about 200–250 calories, with protein, carbs, and moderate fat depending on ingredients.

How are potato doughnuts made?

They’re made by mixing mashed potatoes, chicken, and seasonings, shaped into rings, then fried or baked.

Are doughnuts healthy or unhealthy?

Traditional doughnuts are high in sugar and fat, but savory versions like these can be healthier with protein and less sugar.

How many calories are in a potato doughnut, and are there any benefits?

Around 200–250 calories; they offer energy, protein (if chicken is added), and are more filling than sweet doughnuts.

Conclusion

There you have it—Crispy Chicken and Potato Doughnuts that transform everyday leftovers into a crave-worthy dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, these savory doughnuts are a win in every bite.

So go ahead, dig out those mashed potatoes, grab that last bit of chicken, and turn your dinner rut into something deliciously fun. Because when chicken and doughnuts team up? Magic happens.

More Chicken Comforts You’ll Crave

If you loved the crispy, savory vibes of our chicken and potato doughnuts, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring more cozy, creative chicken dishes. Try the ultra-comforting Chicken and Dumpling Casserole or the cheesy goodness of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. For a brunch-worthy twist, don’t miss the Chicken Benedict Recipe. Need a quick fix? These Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer are crispy and quick. And if you’re feeling bold, the sweet-savory fusion of Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken is a must-try.