If you are looking for a dish that’s both hearty and fresh with a vibrant burst of flavor, you have to try this Chicken Zucchini Fritters with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Recipe. These fritters combine tender rotisserie chicken, tender zucchini, and melty cheeses into irresistible little patties. Paired with a tangy, cool lemon-chive sour cream, each bite delivers a delicious balance of savory, creamy, and zesty notes that make it perfect for any meal, whether a quick lunch or a weekend dinner with friends. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for cozy, flavorful comfort food that’s also surprisingly fresh and bright.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two layers of corn on the cob, yellow with white kernels, positioned near the top on a wooden board that rests on a white marbled surface. To the left on the board, a green zucchini is partially shredded next to a metal grater, with shredded pieces scattered below the grater. In the center, a halved lemon with bright yellow flesh lies on the white marbled surface. Around these, there are small clear glass bowls containing an egg with an orange yolk, shredded cheese, a creamy white sauce, minced ginger, grated Parmesan, and pulled cooked chicken. Long green chives add a pop of color beside the top right bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Zucchini Fritters with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a special role to enhance the fritters’ flavor, texture, and color, making the whole dish sing with freshness and satisfaction.

Zucchini (1 1/2 pounds, grated): This adds moisture, a mild sweetness, and tenderness to the fritters, making them wonderfully light and fresh.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken (1 1/2 cups): Packed with flavor and protein, this takes the fritters to the next level of satisfying heartiness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (3/4 cup): Adds melty, gooey texture and a mild creamy taste that complements the chicken.
Corn kernels (2/3 cup): Whether frozen, canned, or roasted, corn adds a sweet pop and wonderful bursts of color.
Freshly grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Brings a sharp, nutty depth that rounds out the cheese flavors beautifully.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps bind the fritters and gives them a slight crispness on the outside.
Large egg (1, beaten): The binder that holds all the ingredients together so you get perfect fritters.
Fresh chives (3 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a delicate oniony brightness without overpowering the other flavors.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): This tiny bit of citrus zest injects a fresh, vibrant aroma that lifts the entire dish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a subtle savory hint that rounds out the fritters’ flavor profile.
Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Perfect for frying to a golden crisp texture.
Sour cream (3/4 cup): The base of the cooling sauce that pairs perfectly with the warm fritters.
Additional chives (2 tablespoons, chopped): Mixed into the sour cream sauce for herby freshness.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a zesty tang to brighten the sour cream.
Garlic (1 clove, grated): Gives the sauce a gentle punch of savory goodness.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Fritters with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating your zucchini and placing it in a colander set over the sink. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt over the zucchini and toss gently to combine. Let this sit for 10 minutes so the salt can draw out excess moisture. This step is key because squeezing out the zucchini’s water later ensures your fritters hold together without being soggy.

Step 2: Drain the Zucchini

Once the zucchini has rested, wrap it tightly in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much water as possible. The drier it is, the better your fritters will crisp up when frying, so take your time here!

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, corn, Parmesan, flour, beaten egg, chopped chives, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until fully incorporated, creating a thick, textured batter that holds together nicely.

Step 4: Cook the Fritters

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, scoop about 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter for each fritter and flatten it gently with a spatula into a round patty. Cook the fritters until golden brown on the bottom, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip them carefully and continue cooking on the other side for another 2 minutes until they are cooked through and beautifully crisp on both sides. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.

Step 5: Make the Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Sauce

While the fritters cook, prepare the delicious lemon-chive sour cream sauce by combining sour cream, chopped chives, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and grated garlic in a medium bowl. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce is an absolute game-changer, adding a refreshing, creamy brightness to balance the rich fritters.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once cooked, serve the fritters hot from the skillet alongside a generous dollop of the lemon-chive sour cream sauce. Don’t skip this step since the contrast of textures and temperatures is what makes this Chicken Zucchini Fritters with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Recipe truly memorable.

How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Fritters with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Recipe

The image shows several golden brown corn fritters with visible corn kernels and green herbs mixed inside, arranged close together on a dark surface. Each fritter is topped with a small dollop of white sour cream sprinkled with black pepper and chopped green chives. Scattered around the fritters are more chopped chives and wedges of bright yellow lemon, adding color contrast to the scene. The overall texture of the fritters looks crispy and slightly crunchy on the outside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

You can elevate the look and flavor even more by garnishing with extra fresh chives or finely grated Parmesan dusted lightly over the fritters. A thin wedge of lemon on the side offers guests the option to add an extra touch of citrusy brightness if desired.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair beautifully with crisp green salads, such as a peppery arugula salad or a simple cucumber and tomato medley. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a light quinoa pilaf complement the flavors without overwhelming the delicate fritters.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at a brunch or party, serve these fritters as small appetizer bites with toothpicks, topped with a dollop of the lemon-chive sour cream. Alternatively, layer them in a sandwich or wrap with fresh greens and sliced avocado for a satisfying lunch with extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken zucchini fritters, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the fritters as crispy as possible, layer them between sheets of parchment paper.

Freezing

You can freeze the fritters for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way you can quickly thaw and reheat them whenever you crave this savory treat.

Reheating

To reheat, place the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy. Serve alongside freshly made lemon-chive sour cream or the sauce you reserved.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, then use them cold or at room temperature in the batter. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient, flavorful shortcut.

What if I don’t have fresh chives?

If fresh chives aren’t available, finely chopped green onions or mild scallions can be a good substitute in both the fritters and the sour cream sauce.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour, adjusting the quantity slightly as needed for batter consistency.

Is it possible to bake these fritters instead of frying?

While frying is best for achieving a crisp crust, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy but still delicious.

How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?

Draining the zucchini thoroughly and using the egg and flour as binders are key. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking so you can flip them gently and keep their shape.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Zucchini Fritters with Lemon-Chive Sour Cream Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. With its vibrant flavors, comforting textures, and that irresistible tangy sauce, these fritters are destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try soon, and enjoy every delicious bite of this fresh, cozy dish with your loved ones!