Golden, crispy, and irresistibly savory — these Savory Chicken Donuts are a fun twist on the usual fried chicken snack. Imagine tender chicken blended with aromatic herbs, shaped into playful donuts, then fried to crunchy perfection. It’s comfort food elevated with a touch of whimsy.
Perfect for brunches, parties, or even a cozy movie night, these donuts surprise everyone at first glance and win them over at first bite. Dip them in your favorite sauces or enjoy them as they are — either way, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)
To make Savory Chicken Donuts, you’ll need a food processor (to finely grind the chicken mixture for the best texture), a donut mold or cutter (to get that signature ring shape), and a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (for even, golden frying). Don’t skip a kitchen thermometer — it ensures your oil stays at the perfect temperature, so you get crispy outsides without undercooked centers. Finally, use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to safely lift the donuts from the hot oil.
Ingredients for the Savory Chicken Donuts
- Ground Chicken: The star ingredient, providing a juicy, tender base.
- Breadcrumbs: They add structure and help the donuts hold their shape.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring everything sticks together.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Bring depth and savory notes to the chicken mix.
- Paprika: Adds mild heat and beautiful color.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Flour: Lightly coats the donuts before frying for an extra crispy crust.
- Oil for Frying: Creates that golden, crunchy exterior we crave.

How To Make the Savory Chicken Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended but avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
Step 2: Shape into Donuts
Divide the mixture into equal portions. Using a donut mold or shaping by hand, form each portion into a ring. Make sure the hole is well-defined so it holds during frying.
Step 3: Coat for Crispiness
Lightly dust each donut with flour, shaking off the excess. This helps create a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts in batches, frying until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to lift the donuts onto a paper towel-lined plate. Let them drain briefly before serving.
How to Serve and Store These Savory Chicken Donuts
Serve these donuts fresh and hot with dipping sauces like spicy mayo, ranch, or honey mustard. They’re fantastic as an appetizer, main course with a fresh salad, or even packed into lunchboxes for a savory treat. For storing, let the donuts cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back their crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of chicken should I use?
Ground chicken breast or a mix of breast and thigh works best for a balance of flavor and tenderness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
How do I keep the donuts from falling apart?
Make sure the chicken mixture is cold and don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs — they are key for binding.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze them after shaping (before frying) or after cooking. For uncooked, thaw before frying; for cooked, reheat directly from frozen.
What sauces pair best?
Spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, BBQ sauce, or even a tangy yogurt dip complement these donuts beautifully.
Want More Chicken Snack Ideas?
If you love these Savory Chicken Donuts, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
- Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy delight.
- Taco Ranch Bites with zesty southwestern flavors.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for creamy, indulgent comfort.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls packed with spicy, crispy goodness.
- Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce for a wrap bursting with garlicky charm.
Save This Recipe for Later
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I’d love to hear how your Savory Chicken Donuts turned out! Did you go spicy, cheesy, or classic? Share in the comments — your tips might help another home cook!


Savory Chicken Donuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 donuts
Description
Golden, crispy, and savory, these chicken donuts are the ultimate fun twist on a classic snack. Perfect for brunch, parties, or cozy nights, they blend tender ground chicken with aromatic spices, shaped into playful donuts and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
500g ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup flour (for coating)
3 cups oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Mix gently. Shape mixture into donut rings using a mold or by hand.
Dust donuts lightly with flour, shaking off excess.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or pot.
Fry donuts in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
Remove with slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and serve hot.
Notes
Keep the chicken mixture cold for easy shaping.
Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain frying temperature.
For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
