These easy chicken zucchini fritters are a fun twist on dinner! They combine juicy chicken and fresh zucchini into crispy bites that are delicious and light.
I love how simple they are to whip up! You just mix, shape, and cook. Plus, they’re great for hiding veggies in meals—perfect for picky eaters! 🥒🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are perfect for this recipe. If you have other summer squash like yellow squash, those work well too! Just remember to squeeze out the moisture to keep the fritters crispy.
Chicken: Use cooked chicken, such as shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re vegetarian, you can try replacing the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a different flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps these fritters light. For a gluten-free option, almond flour works well. You could also use chickpea flour for added flavor and nutrition.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a nice flavor kick, but feel free to swap it with feta or mozzarella. Feta would make the fritters tangy, while mozzarella can make them extra cheesy!
How Do I Cook the Fritters Just Right?
The key to great fritters is getting the cooking method right. Too much oil can make them greasy, while too little can cause sticking. Here’s how to get them perfect:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.
- Let each side cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown, ensuring they’re cooked through. Flip carefully!
- If you’re unsure, cut one open to check that it’s cooked in the middle. Aim for crispy on the outside and tender inside!
Using a paper towel after cooking helps to soak up excess oil and keeps your fritters light and delicious!
Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and about 15-20 minutes to cook. Overall, you can have these delicious fritters ready in about 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is essential to prevent soggy fritters!
2. Mix the Fritter Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained grated zucchini, cooked chicken, flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and dried oregano if you’re using it. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and forms a thick batter.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying the fritters—this helps them get golden and crispy!
4. Shape and Cook the Fritters:
Using a scoop or your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small patties. Carefully place them into the heated skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you can cook in batches if needed.
5. Transfer and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining mixture, adding more oil as needed.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your chicken zucchini fritters warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or yogurt) or alongside a fresh garden salad. Enjoy the crunch and delicious flavor of these easy fritters!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini is best due to its moisture content, you can use frozen zucchini if necessary! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the mixture.
Can I Make These Fritters Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or chickpea flour, which will work great for achieving a crispy texture without gluten.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Mixture?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. Finely chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach would all be great additions. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture from additional vegetables to keep the fritters crisp!
