Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters
Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, these Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters combine lean ground chicken, fresh zucchini, Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs into tender, juicy patties with a perfectly crisp exterior. Ready in about 35 minutes, they're perfect for dinner, lunch, appetizers, or meal prep.
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Box grater
- Kitchen towel or cheesecloth
- large skillet
- spatula
- paper towels
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, eggs, flour, Parmesan, mozzarella, zucchini, shallot, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the hot oil and gently flatten into circles about 3 inches wide. Cook only 3 to 4 fritters at a time.
- Cook each fritter for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil if needed.
- Serve immediately with garlic aioli, ranch dressing, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the zucchini before mixing to prevent soggy fritters. Cook over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or skillet to restore crispness.