1smallzucchinigrated and excess moisture squeezed out
½ cupgrated cheddar cheese
¼ cupbreadcrumbs
1largeegg
2clovesgarlicminced
2Tablespoonsparsley, fresh1 teaspoon if using dried parsley
½ teaspoonsalt
ground black pepperto taste
2Tablespoonsolive oil
Metric - US Customary
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables: Grate the carrot and zucchini. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated carrot, squeezed zucchini, grated cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the Patties: With clean damp hands, shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick. This should yield approximately 12 patties.
Cook the Patties: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches, adding more oil as necessary.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce or as a main dish alongside vegetables or a salad.
Video
Notes
Zucchini out of season? No problem—grated broccoli stalk is a great substitute and still adds that sneaky veggie boost. Just make sure to squeeze out any extra moisture before mixing it in.
Feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables such as capsicum (bell peppers) or spinach to the mixture to mix it up
Gluten-free option: Swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or try using ground almonds for a grain-free alternative. Both work beautifully to bind the patties.
Meat alternatives: These patties also work well with ground turkey or pork if you don’t have chicken mince on hand. Just keep in mind that pork tends to be a little fattier, which can make the patties extra juicy.
Squeeze out the veggies well: Removing excess moisture from the zucchini helps the patties hold together better and avoids a soggy mixture.
Use damp hands to shape: Lightly wetting your hands makes it much easier to shape the patties without everything sticking to your fingers.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the patties space in the skillet so they cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust. Cook in batches if needed!
Make them mini or full-size: These patties are great for little hands, but you can also shape them a bit bigger and turn them into burger patties for the whole family.
Add flavour boosters: If your kids are adventurous, try adding a little onion powder, paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard for extra flavour.
Storage: These patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Batch and freeze: Double the recipe and freeze extras—either raw or cooked. Perfect for busy nights when you need a healthy meal in minutes. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled patties on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Skillet (best for crispiness): Reheat the patties in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side, until heated through.
Oven or Air Fryer: Place patties on a baking tray or in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) and heat for 8–10 minutes, or until piping hot.
Microwave (for speed): Pop a patty on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30–60 seconds, depending on your microwave. They won’t be crispy, but still tasty!
Tip: If reheating from frozen, allow to defrost overnight in the fridge first for best results.