These Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters are the perfect blend of juicy chicken and fresh zucchini. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them super tasty!
Honestly, these fritters are a great way to sneak in some veggies. I love serving them with a little yogurt dip—yum! Plus, they’re quick to whip up for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for these fritters. Grating it makes it blend well into the mixture. If you don’t have zucchini, try using carrots or yellow squash instead.
Chicken: Cooked chicken is essential. I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. You can also substitute with cooked turkey or even canned chicken if you’re in a hurry.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Flour: This helps bind everything together. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Egg: Acts as a binder in the fritters. If you’re looking for an egg replacement, consider using a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).
What’s the Best Way to Remove Moisture from Zucchini?
Removing excess moisture from zucchini is crucial to avoid soggy fritters. After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist to squeeze out the water. This small step impacts the fritters’ texture significantly.
- Grate the zucchini finely.
- Transfer to a towel or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze firmly to extract moisture.
- Look for the zucchini to be mushy and not dripping.
Following this technique gives you a great base to work with, ensuring your fritters are crisp on the outside and light on the inside!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded or chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill, chopped (2 tablespoons)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to cook. So you’ll have delicious Chicken Zucchini Fritters ready in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini. Then, place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This will help keep your fritters from becoming soggy.
2. Mix All the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, cooked chicken, Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, minced garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you’re using. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and sticks together nicely.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the fritters but not smoking!
4. Shape the Fritters:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter and shape it into small patties with your hands. Don’t worry about them being perfect—just make them about the same size for even cooking.
5. Cook the Fritters:
Place the fritters in the heated skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches so they have plenty of space!
6. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help them stay crisp!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your warm Chicken Zucchini Fritters with a dip like sour cream, Greek yogurt, or your favorite tangy sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for the best texture, but if you only have frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before using. Squeeze out excess moisture just like you would with fresh zucchini.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can use shredded turkey, cooked ham, or even canned chicken. For a meatless option, try adding cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein!
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fritter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just mix well before cooking. Alternatively, you can fry the fritters and store cooked ones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheating them in a skillet helps maintain their crispiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes for extra crispiness!
