Chicken potato cheese ball
Chicken potato cheese ball is a easy Indonesian recipe that serves 4. 410 calories per serving. Recipe by Liza Kusinera on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 59 min
Cost: $8.87 total, $2.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Chicken Breast (cooked, shredded)
- 2 medium Potatoes (peeled, boiled until tender, mashed)
- 100 g Cheddar Cheese (sharp, grated)
- 100 g Breadcrumbs (plain panko or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 large Egg (beaten)
- 2 tbsp Corn Starch (for light coating)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for deep frying (e.g., canola))
Instructions
Cook the Potatoes
Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork‑tender, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Poach the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C. Remove, let cool, then shred with two forks.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: simmer
Mash and Mix
Drain the potatoes and mash them in the mixing bowl. Add shredded chicken, grated cheddar, black pepper, and salt. Mix until a uniform, slightly sticky dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Shape the Balls
With damp hands, scoop about 2‑tablespoon portions of the mixture and roll into smooth balls (size of a walnut). Place them on a tray.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Coating Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with corn starch, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
Time: PT3M
Coat the Balls
Roll each ball first in corn starch, dip into the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully covered. Place coated balls back on the tray.
Time: PT5M
Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into the frying pan to a depth of about 2 cm. Heat over medium‑high heat until the oil reaches 180°C (350°F).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 180°C
Fry the Balls
Carefully lower a few coated balls into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 180°C
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried balls with tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 410
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Egg, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: cooked turkey, canned chicken
- Instead of Potatoes: sweet potatoes
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: mozzarella, gouda
- Instead of Breadcrumbs: crushed crackers, cornflakes
- Instead of Egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (vegan)
- Instead of Corn Starch: all‑purpose flour
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: peanut oil, sunflower oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Thermometer (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Poach the chicken until fully cooked (75°C internal)
- Maintain oil temperature at 180°C for a crisp, non‑greasy crust
- Coat each ball in corn starch, then egg, then breadcrumbs to ensure adhesion
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped herbs to the mixture
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture
- Serve with sweet chili sauce or a garlic aioli for dipping
Troubleshooting
Balls fall apart during coating
Make sure the mixture is cool enough and slightly sticky; add a tablespoon of flour or extra cheese if needed.
Coating becomes soggy
Dry the balls on paper towels before coating and ensure oil is hot enough before adding them.
Oil splatters
Pat the balls dry after the egg dip and lower them gently into the oil using tongs.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked balls in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot oven to restore crispness.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, coated balls on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Cook from frozen, adding 1‑2 extra minutes to frying time.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the dairy and meat content.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chicken‑potato mixture and shape the balls up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered in the refrigerator
- Coated but unfried balls can be frozen and cooked directly from frozen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls in Indonesian cuisine?
While not a traditional Indonesian dish, fried snack balls combining meat, starch and cheese have become popular street‑food inspired treats, reflecting Indonesia’s love for crispy, bite‑size appetizers served at gatherings and markets.
What are the traditional regional variations of cheese‑filled fried balls in Indonesian cuisine?
In Java, similar snacks called "perkedel" often use mashed potatoes and minced meat without cheese, while in Bali, coconut milk may be added. Modern versions incorporate cheese to appeal to younger palates.
How is Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls traditionally served in Indonesia?
They are typically served hot as a snack or appetizer, accompanied by sweet chili sauce, sambal, or a simple soy‑vinegar dip, and are enjoyed with tea or soft drinks.
What occasions or celebrations feature Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls in Indonesian culture?
These bite‑size fried balls are common at family gatherings, birthday parties, and informal get‑togethers, especially when a quick, crowd‑pleasing finger food is needed.
What other Indonesian dishes pair well with Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls?
Serve them alongside fresh cucumber slices, pickled vegetables (acar), or a small bowl of soto ayam broth for a balanced snack platter.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the mixture uses plain potatoes, minced chicken, and breadcrumbs. Modern recipes add cheese for richness; substitutes include sweet potatoes for potatoes, mozzarella for cheddar, and crushed crackers for breadcrumbs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken (making it dry), not drying the balls before coating (causing soggy crust), and frying at too low a temperature, which results in greasy balls.
Why does this recipe use a three‑step coating (corn starch, egg, breadcrumbs) instead of just flour and breadcrumbs?
Corn starch creates a dry surface that helps the egg adhere, while the egg acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs, producing a lighter, extra‑crisp crust compared to a single flour coating.
Can I make Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Shape and coat the balls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. For longer storage, freeze the coated balls on a tray and transfer to a zip‑top bag; fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls?
The exterior should be golden‑brown and crisp, while the interior remains soft, moist, and slightly cheesy. A slight crack on the surface indicates a perfect fry.
How do I know when Chicken, Potato & Cheese Balls are done cooking?
When the coating turns a uniform deep gold and the balls float to the surface, a quick internal temperature check should read at least 75°C, confirming the chicken is fully cooked.
What does the YouTube channel Liza Kusinera specialize in?
The YouTube channel Liza Kusinera focuses on easy‑to‑follow Indonesian home‑cooking recipes, often featuring everyday ingredients and practical tips for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Liza Kusinera's approach to Indonesian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Liza Kusinera emphasizes quick, budget‑friendly meals with clear visual steps, using common grocery items and minimal equipment, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or specialty ingredients.
What other Indonesian recipes is the YouTube channel Liza Kusinera known for?
Liza Kusinera is popular for recipes such as Nasi Goreng, Sambal Terasi, Gado‑Gado, and various fried snacks like tempeh crisps and bakwan vegetable fritters.
Last updated: August 31, 2026






