Introduction
Chicken Zucchini Fritters are a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese into bite-sized treats that everyone will love. They make for a perfect appetizer, a healthy snack, or even a main course when served with a refreshing sour cream sauce. This recipe from Damn Delicious is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your preferences.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 ½ pounds zucchini, grated (about 3 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups leftover shredded rotisserie chicken
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⅔ cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or roasted)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Sour Cream Sauce:
¾ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
27 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
– Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink.
– Add 1 teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine.
– Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
– Using a clean dish towel or cheesecloth, squeeze and drain the zucchini completely.
2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
– In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, corn kernels, Parmesan cheese, flour, beaten egg, chopped chives, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
– Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
– Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Cook the Fritters:
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
– Working in batches, scoop 3-4 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter, flattening them with a spatula in the skillet.
– Cook until the underside is nicely golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
– Flip and cook on the other side for about 2 minutes longer, until cooked through.
4. Prepare the Sour Cream Sauce:
– In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice, and grated garlic.
– Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
– Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Serve:
– Serve the fritters immediately, accompanied by the sour cream sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Zucchini Fritters!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini:
– Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink.
– Add 1 teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine.
– Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
– Using a clean dish towel or cheesecloth, squeeze and drain the zucchini completely.
Make the Fritter Mixture:
– In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, corn kernels, Parmesan cheese, flour, beaten egg, chopped chives, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
– Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
– Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Cook the Fritters:
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
– Working in batches, scoop 3-4 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter, flattening them with a spatula in the skillet.
– Cook until the underside is nicely golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
– Flip and cook on the other side for about 2 minutes longer, until cooked through.
Prepare the Sour Cream Sauce:
– In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice, and grated garlic.
– Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
– Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve:
– Serve the fritters immediately, accompanied by the sour cream sauce.
Notes
Zucchini Preparation:
– Properly draining the zucchini is crucial to ensure the fritters are not soggy.
Chicken Options:
– Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience or any cooked chicken that you have on hand.
Cooking Technique:
– Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters to achieve a nice golden crust.
Serving Suggestions:
– These fritters can be served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Storage Instructions:
– Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Zucchini
Place grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine all fritter ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring a thorough mix for even distribution of flavors and textures.
Cooking the Fritters
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and cook fritters in batches, flattening them for even cooking. Monitor the heat to achieve a golden brown color without burning.
Making the Sour Cream Sauce
Blend the sauce ingredients in a bowl and allow chilling in the refrigerator before serving to meld the flavors.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs instead of rotisserie chicken.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked fritters. Assemble them, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
What can I serve with Chicken Zucchini Fritters?
They pair well with the sour cream sauce, but you can also serve them with a side salad or other dipping sauces.
Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini?
Yes, you can experiment with grated carrots, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
The Chicken Zucchini Fritters are a delightful and versatile dish that perfectly combines the flavors of zucchini and shredded chicken, making them a perfect option for lunch or dinner. The added crunch from corn and the creamy sour cream sauce elevate this dish, turning it into a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy these fritters fresh and hot, and don’t hesitate to experiment with various ingredients to make them your own!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Fritters
Use mashed sweet potatoes and black beans instead of zucchini and chicken for a vegetarian twist. Add spices like cumin and chili powder for an extra kick.
Cheddar and Spinach Fritters
Incorporate fresh spinach and sharp cheddar cheese into the fritter mixture for a savory flavor. Pair with a yogurt-based dipping sauce for a refreshing complement.
Cauliflower and Herb Fritters
Substitute grated cauliflower for the zucchini and add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fragrant and delicious variation.
Quinoa and Feta Fritters
Mix cooked quinoa and crumbled feta cheese into the batter for a protein-packed, Mediterranean-inspired fritter that’s great for snacking.
Carrot and Pea Fritters
Create a colorful version by using grated carrots and sweet green peas. Serve with a tangy yogurt sauce for a light and tasty dish.
