These easy chicken zucchini fritters are a tasty way to enjoy dinner without much fuss. Full of flavor with juicy chicken and fresh zucchini, they’re perfect for any night!
I love how these fritters cook up quickly in just one pan. Plus, they make a great snack or lunch the next day. Who doesn’t love a dish that’s both yummy and simple? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken brings protein and flavor to these fritters. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If you want to switch it up, try yellow squash or even grated carrots. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from any veggie you use.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese enhances flavor. For a milder taste, substitute with mozzarella or cheddar. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the fritters. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for added nutrition or use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Eggs: They help hold everything together. For a vegan alternative, use flaxseed meal (1 tbsp mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) for each egg.
How Do I Prevent My Fritters from Getting Soggy?
One important step in making fritters is removing excess moisture from the zucchini. This prevents them from turning soggy when cooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Squeeze as much liquid out as you can. This will make sure your fritters are crispy!
- After this step, follow the rest of the recipe for perfectly crispy fritters.
How to Make Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters for Quick Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely shredded or chopped
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Finishing Touches:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes for cooking, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have delicious fritters ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
First, grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This is an important step to prevent soggy fritters!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, green onions, salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add about a tablespoon of oil. Let it heat up before adding the fritter mixture.
4. Cook the Fritters:
Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the fritter batter and drop it into the hot skillet. Use the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly into small patties. Don’t overcrowd the pan—leave some space between each fritter!
5. Flip and Brown:
Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Be gentle when flipping them to keep their shape!
6. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This will keep them crispy!
7. Finish Cooking:
Repeat cooking with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed until all fritters are done.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These fritters are best served warm. You can garnish them with extra parsley or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Enjoy your meal or snack anytime!
Happy cooking! These chicken zucchini fritters are quick, easy, and sooo delicious!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Just ensure to cook the chicken thoroughly first, then shred or chop it. You can grill, boil, or bake the chicken before incorporating it into the fritter mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can use yellow squash, grated carrots, or even mashed sweet potatoes. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from any veggie you use!
How Can I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for crispy results!
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
