Chicken and zucchini fritters are a delicious and healthy way to combine protein and vegetables in one savory dish. These fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken & Zucchini Fritters:
Chicken & Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or finely chopped cooked chicken breast)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and press out as much moisture as possible. This step is important to prevent the fritters from being too soggy.
2. Mix the Fritter Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, parsley (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly thick but able to hold its shape when formed into patties. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Fritters:
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small patty with your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Cook the Fritters:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the fritters to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. You can cook them in batches if necessary.
- Cook the fritters for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Serve the chicken and zucchini fritters warm with a side of yogurt dip or a simple tartar sauce, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon for added flavor.
Tips:
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken if you prefer.
- Shredded carrots can be added to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- If you want to make them extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs and let the fritters cook on medium-high heat for a slightly longer time.
- For a healthy dip, try mixing Greek yogurt with a bit of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a refreshing complement.
These chicken and zucchini fritters are great for meal prep or as a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy!