Introduction
To create a delicious and satisfying dish that utilizes leftover ingredients, consider making zucchini fritters with shredded rotisserie chicken. These flavorful fritters are packed with nutrients and make for a great appetizer or main dish. Paired with a creamy sour cream sauce, they are sure to please guests and family alike.
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
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 fritters
Instructions
1. Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Using a clean dish towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, corn kernels, Parmesan cheese, flour, beaten egg, chives, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 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. Cook until the underside is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for about 2 minutes longer.
4. Serve immediately with the sour cream sauce.
For the sour cream sauce:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini
Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, using a clean dish towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, corn kernels, Parmesan cheese, flour, beaten egg, chives, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste for flavor enhancement.
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 and flatten them gently with a spatula. Cook until the underside is golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, flip the fritters and cook on the other side for an additional 2 minutes until they are evenly cooked.
Prepare and Serve with Sour Cream Sauce
Serve the fritters immediately alongside the sour cream sauce for dipping.
For the Sour Cream Sauce
Mix the Sauce Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped chives, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until it is ready to be served alongside the fritters.
Notes
Storage
The fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to the batter for a variation in flavor. Options like bell peppers or spinach work well.
Serving Suggestions
These fritters make a great appetizer or side dish. Pair them with a fresh salad or serve them as a main dish with additional sides.
Cook techniques
Grating the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor to create even shreds. This texture helps ensure that the fritters hold together and cook evenly.
Draining Moisture
After grating the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and allow it to sit in a colander. This process draws out excess moisture, preventing the fritters from becoming soggy.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl gently but thoroughly. This ensures that the flavors meld together and the fritters have a consistent texture.
Heating the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to the right temperature. Test the oil by dropping a small amount of the batter into it; it should sizzle immediately.
Cooking the Fritters
Scoop the batter for the fritters into the heated oil, spacing them apart. Flatten each fritter slightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Flipping Fritters
Carefully flip the fritters when the underside is golden brown. This will help achieve a crispy exterior on both sides.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like grated carrots, squash, or sweet potatoes, but adjust the moisture content accordingly.
How do I make the fritters gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the fritters gluten-free.
Can these fritters be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake the fritters at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spraying them lightly with oil, until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked fritters. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This delicious zucchini fritter recipe not only makes great use of leftover rotisserie chicken but also combines fresh ingredients in a delightful way. The combination of flavors, textures, and the creamy sour cream sauce elevates these fritters to a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side. Embrace simplicity and creativity in your cooking with this satisfying meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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Layer grated zucchini, corn, and cheeses in a baking dish for a creamy, comforting casserole baked until golden.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
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Cheesy Zucchini Bread
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Vegetable Omelette
Whisk eggs with shredded zucchini, leftover chicken, and fresh herbs for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option.
Zucchini Soup with Chicken
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Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mix of zucchini, chicken, cheeses, and spices, then bake for a hearty and satisfying meal.
