These High Protein Chicken and Zucchini Fritters are tasty little bites packed with flavor! Made with ground chicken and shredded zucchini, they are both healthy and fun to eat.
Honestly, they disappear so fast that I have to hide a few for myself! 😄 I love how easy they are to make; just mix, fry, and enjoy a delicious snack or meal any time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini is key for moisture and texture. Squeeze out as much water as possible, or you might end up with mushy fritters. If zucchini isn’t available, you could try grated carrots or even yellow squash instead!
Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken provides protein while keeping the dish light. For a twist, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Almond Flour: Almond flour adds a nice nutty flavor and keeps the fritters gluten-free. You can substitute it with breadcrumbs or regular flour, though I find almond flour gives a better texture.
Parmesan Cheese: This is optional but enhances the flavor. You can leave it out for a dairy-free version or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
Herbs and Seasonings: Feel free to customize with other herbs like basil or thyme. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
How Do I Prevent My Fritters from Getting Soggy?
Getting the right texture for these fritters is all about handling the zucchini properly. Too much moisture will ruin them, so be sure to squeeze out the excess with a clean kitchen towel.
- Grate the zucchini and spread it on a towel.
- Wrap it up and twist to squeeze out as much moisture as possible—don’t rush this step!
- Avoid overmixing the fritter batter, as that can add too much air and moisture to the mix.
How to Make High Protein Chicken and Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fritter Mixture:
- 2 cups zucchini, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 pound ground chicken (preferably lean)
- ½ cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
- Serving suggestion: Ketchup or Greek yogurt for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 30 minutes. In no time, you’ll have delicious and crispy fritters ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This step is important to keep your fritters from becoming soggy!
2. Mix the Fritter Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, almond flour, (optional) Parmesan cheese, eggs, minced garlic, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spatula until well combined.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat up for a minute until it’s nice and hot!
4. Cook the Fritters:
Scoop about ¼ cup of the fritter mixture and carefully place it in the skillet, leaving some space between each fritter. Use the back of a spatula to flatten them slightly. Cook the fritters for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Feel free to add a bit more olive oil as needed when flipping!
5. Drain and Serve:
Once the fritters are cooked to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy! Serve them warm with a side of ketchup or Greek yogurt for dipping, and sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a lovely garnish if you’d like.
Enjoy your delicious and protein-packed chicken and zucchini fritters!
Can I Use Different Ground Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey, pork, or even beef. Just keep in mind that different meats may slightly alter the flavor and cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
No worries! You can easily swap almond flour for regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, crushed cornflakes or oats can also work as a substitute!
How Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the fritter mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying. For cooked fritters, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for the best results!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fritters?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, layer the fritters between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or skillet for a crispy finish!
