Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These patties are a great way to use up fresh zucchini and sneak more vegetables into your meals. They’re low in carbs, high in protein, and can be pan-fried or baked depending on your preference. The chicken adds a satisfying heartiness, while the zucchini keeps them moist and tender. They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, and can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Zucchini, grated
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs or almond flour (for low-carb)
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped or grated
- Fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for frying or baking)
Directions
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out the excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but hold its shape.
- Form into small patties using your hands.
- Heat a little olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the patties for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve hot with yogurt dip, sour cream, or your favorite sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 10–12 patties.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Patties: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan to the mix.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, diced jalapeño, or hot sauce.
- Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Baked Version: For a lighter option, bake instead of frying.
- Greek Style: Add feta cheese and fresh mint or dill for a Mediterranean flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
They can also be microwaved, though the texture may soften.
To freeze, let patties cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
FAQs
How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini and use enough binder like egg and breadcrumbs.
Can I use cooked chicken instead of ground chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to finely shred or chop the cooked chicken and adjust the binding ingredients.
What sauce goes well with these patties?
Greek yogurt with lemon, garlic sauce, tzatziki, or ranch dressing all pair nicely.
Can I make these patties dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the cheese and use dairy-free dips or sauces.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely — they reheat well and can be frozen for future meals.
Can I make them vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with mashed chickpeas or beans, but the texture and flavor will change.
Why is my mixture too wet or too dry?
Too wet? Add more breadcrumbs. Too dry? Add a splash of milk or a second egg.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, finely shredded carrots or spinach work well when mixed in.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re mild in flavor, easy to eat, and can be served with fun dips for picky eaters.
Conclusion
Zucchini Patties with Chicken are a healthy, easy-to-make meal that’s full of flavor and great for any time of day. With a simple ingredient list and a short cooking time, you can whip these up for a quick dinner, meal prep lunch, or freezer-friendly snack. Whether pan-fried, baked, or air-fried, they’re a delicious way to enjoy lean protein and veggies in one bite.
PrintZucchini Patties with Chicken
Zucchini Patties with Chicken are savory, protein-packed patties made with grated zucchini, ground chicken, and simple seasonings. These easy-to-make, veggie-filled bites are perfect for healthy dinners, meal prep, or kid-friendly lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 patties
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan Fry or Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour (for low-carb)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for frying or baking)
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until evenly combined. The mixture should be moist but able to hold its shape.
- Form into 10–12 small patties using your hands.
- Heat a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat. Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes on a lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, be sure to squeeze all the water out of the zucchini.
- Add shredded cheese like mozzarella or parmesan for extra flavor.
- These patties freeze well — bake a double batch and store extras for future meals.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a light salad for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
