These healthy chicken zucchini fritters are tasty little bites, packed with juicy chicken and fresh zucchini. They’re perfect for any meal or snack!
Cooking these fritters is so easy! I love to whip them up in under 30 minutes—they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for a busy day! 🥒🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If you can’t find zucchini, try summer squash or even grated carrots for a different flavor.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders. If you’re vegetarian, mashed chickpeas or cooked lentils can be a great substitute.
Flour: Whole wheat flour is my go-to for added fiber, but almond flour is a delicious gluten-free option. Use whatever suits your diet!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds richness, but if dairy’s a no-go, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor without the lactose.
Fresh Corn: While optional, corn provides sweetness. Frozen corn works just as well if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw it first!
How Do I Remove Excess Water from Zucchini?
Getting rid of the moisture in zucchini is key for crispy fritters. Here’s what I do:
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out as much water as you can. The drier, the better!
This technique helps prevent soggy fritters and ensures they hold together beautifully during cooking.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup whole wheat flour or almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Olive oil or avocado oil for frying
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep plus 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying your healthy chicken zucchini fritters in just about 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis into a bowl. Then, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and place the grated zucchini inside. Squeeze it tightly to remove excess moisture. This will ensure your fritters are crispy!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, cooked chicken, corn (if using), eggs, flour, Parmesan, onion, garlic, chives, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until well mixed. This should resemble a thick batter.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Get a large skillet and put it over medium heat. Add a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
4. Form and Cook the Fritters:
Use a spoon to scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter, placing them in the hot skillet. Gently flatten them with the back of the spoon to create small patties. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Make sure to leave space in the pan, cooking in batches if necessary.
5. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully transfer the fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. When ready to serve, plate your fritters warm and garnish with fresh chives. Serve them with lemon wedges and a side of Greek yogurt or sour cream for dipping.
Enjoy these healthy chicken zucchini fritters as a tasty appetizer, snack, or light meal. They’re full of flavor and perfect for any time of the day!
FAQ for Healthy Chicken Zucchini Fritters
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
While fresh zucchini is best for maintaining texture, if you only have frozen zucchini, you can use it. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before mixing it into your batter.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or cooked ground beef are great alternatives. You can also go vegetarian by using cooked lentils or black beans, which will still give you a hearty fritter!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but for extra crispiness, warming them in the skillet is best.
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fritter mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready, simply cook as directed!
