Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters with Creamy Herb Garlic Sauce
These cheesy zucchini chicken fritters are tender inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with juicy chicken, fresh zucchini, herbs, and melted cheese. Served with a creamy herb garlic sauce, they make a delicious high-protein meal, appetizer, or easy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Fritters
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
For the Creamy Herb Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Squeeze firmly to remove as much excess water as possible. This step helps the fritters hold together and become nicely crisp.
Make the Fritter Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, ground chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Let the mixture rest for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb some moisture.
Cook the Fritters
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Scoop portions of the mixture into the skillet and flatten them gently into fritters.
- Cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Work in batches if necessary so the pan does not become overcrowded.
- Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels.
Make the Creamy Herb Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, dill, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the lemon, garlic, or seasoning as desired.
Serve
Serve the warm zucchini chicken fritters with the creamy herb garlic sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. They pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or cucumber and tomato salad.
Q&A
Q: Can I use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes. Finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken can be used, although the texture will be slightly different. Make sure the mixture is moist enough to hold together.
Q: How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?
A: The most important step is squeezing excess moisture from the zucchini. If the mixture still feels too wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs.
Q: Can I make these fritters in an air fryer?
A: Yes. Lightly spray the fritters with oil and air fry at about 375°F (190°C), turning halfway through, until golden and the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I make the sauce without mayonnaise?
A: Absolutely. Replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Mozzarella gives the fritters a soft, cheesy texture, while Parmesan adds extra flavor. Cheddar or Monterey Jack can also be used.
Q: Can I prepare the fritter mixture ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for several hours before cooking. Stir gently before forming the fritters.
Nutrition
Nutrition will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. The fritters provide protein from the chicken, eggs, Greek yogurt, and cheese, while zucchini adds vegetables and moisture. Using Greek yogurt in the sauce keeps it creamy while adding additional protein.
Serving Ideas
- Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
- Greek salad
- Roasted broccoli or cauliflower
- Garlic roasted potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Warm pita or flatbread
- A simple lemony lettuce salad
Conclusion
Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Fritters are an easy way to turn simple ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal. The crispy edges, cheesy chicken center, and cool creamy garlic-herb sauce make every bite delicious. They are especially good for meal prep because they can be reheated and served with different salads or vegetables throughout the week.
