If you have been looking for a delicious, wholesome dish that blends tender chicken with fresh garden flavors, this Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe is exactly what you need. These fritters are wonderfully moist thanks to ricotta cheese and loaded with vibrant zucchini and tender chicken that make every bite a delightful experience. Crispy on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside, they strike a perfect balance between hearty and fresh. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward is one of the best parts about this recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing moisture, seasoning, or that lovely golden crust we all crave. All combined, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that truly shine.
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 1/4 lbs, grated): Combining green zucchini and yellow squash adds color and a mild sweetness to the fritters.
- 2 tsp salt (divided): Used to draw moisture out of the zucchini and season the fritters perfectly.
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken: The main protein source; ground chicken keeps the fritters light but satisfying.
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and flavor.
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives (finely sliced): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together flawlessly.
- 2 cloves garlic (pressed): Essential for a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 8 oz ricotta cheese: Provides creaminess and tenderness, making these fritters irresistibly soft inside.
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Used to achieve that perfect crispiness on the outside.
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Begin by grating the zucchini and giving it a good sprinkle of salt. This step might seem small, but it’s the secret to removing excess moisture so your fritters hold together beautifully and don’t turn soggy. After letting it rest for 10 minutes, squeeze out as much water as possible—you’ll be surprised at how much juice comes out!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Next, transfer your drained zucchini to a large bowl and add the ground chicken or turkey, the remaining salt, black pepper, green onions or chives, the egg, pressed garlic, and creamy ricotta. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and the batter comes together smoothly.
Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium heat, adding a few tablespoons of olive oil. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and shape it gently into a patty about one-third of an inch thick. Cook these fritters for 3 minutes uncovered until golden on one side, then flip, cover, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through. Add more oil as needed for each batch to keep that gorgeous crispy crust going.
How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
These fritters love a little fresh garnish to brighten them up. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or add a dollop of tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a cooling contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fritters adds a lively note that makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Zucchini Fritters with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a light, balanced meal. If you want something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf complement the fritters’ textures wonderfully. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility alongside both light and more filling sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Turn these fritters into sliders by placing them in mini buns with creamy sauce and fresh greens. You can even crumble them on top of a mixed greens bowl as a warm protein-packed salad topping. Great for entertaining or a fun family dinner, the presentation possibilities with this Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover fritters cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these fritters even longer, you’re in luck! Place cooled fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can always have this convenient and delicious meal ready to go.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the fritters in a skillet with a little olive oil over low-medium heat to crisp them back up, or use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps retain the delicate textures that make this Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground chicken or turkey works best for their mild flavor and lean texture, you can use ground pork or beef if you prefer a richer taste. Just keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly.
Do I really need to squeeze out the zucchini water?
Yes, this step is essential to avoid watery fritters that won’t hold together well. Pressing the grated zucchini removes excess moisture, giving you crispier fritters with a better texture.
Is ricotta cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?
Ricotta adds wonderful creaminess and moisture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with cottage cheese (well drained) or even cream cheese in a pinch. Just expect a slight change in texture.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check your seasoning ingredients for any hidden gluten if you’re serving to someone with allergies.
How do I know when the fritters are cooked through?
Cook them until golden brown on both sides and the internal chicken or turkey is no longer pink—usually about 6 to 7 minutes total. You can also cut one open to check that it’s cooked fully before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe truly brings joy to the table with every bite. It’s an easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish that can be customized and served in so many ways, making it a fantastic addition to any meal rotation. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new go-to recipe that your family and friends will ask for again and again!
Print
Chicken Zucchini Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-15 fritters
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Zucchini Fritters recipe combines ground chicken or turkey with fresh grated zucchini, garlic, green onions, and creamy ricotta cheese to create flavorful, tender fritters. The zucchini is salted and drained to remove excess moisture for perfect texture, then mixed with savory ingredients and pan-fried until golden and cooked through. These fritters make a healthy, protein-rich meal or snack that’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 1/4 lbs), grated (can use one green zucchini and one yellow squash)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz ricotta cheese (half of a 15 oz tub)
For Cooking
- 3–4 Tbsp extra light olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a colander or bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the salt to draw out the moisture. After resting, squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the zucchini by hand to prevent soggy fritters. Discard the drained juice and transfer the zucchini to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the fritter batter: Add the ground turkey or chicken, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, finely sliced green onions, pressed garlic cloves, beaten egg, and ricotta cheese to the bowl with zucchini. Combine all ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive mixture.
- Heat the pan: Warm a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of extra light olive oil, enough to generously coat the bottom of the pan for frying.
- Form and cook fritters: Take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a round patty about 1/3-inch thick using your hands. Place the patty in the hot skillet. Cook uncovered for 3 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip and finish cooking: Flip the fritters carefully, then cover the skillet and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the fritters are cooked completely through (no longer pink inside). Add more olive oil between batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Notes
- Squeezing out the zucchini juice is crucial to avoid watery fritters.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken according to preference.
- Ricotta cheese adds moisture and tenderness but can be replaced with cottage cheese for a different texture.
- Cook fritters on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning outside.
- These fritters are best served immediately but can be reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
