If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s equal parts nourishing, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat, look no further than Broccoli Chicken Fritters. This recipe brings together lean chicken breast, vibrant broccoli, and two irresistible cheeses, all pan-fried to crispy golden perfection. With every bite, you get tender chicken, bits of fresh veggie, and gooey, savory cheese—a combo that even picky eaters can’t resist. Whether you’re looking for something new for family dinner, a clever way to sneak in more veggies, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Broccoli Chicken Fritters are about to become your trusty kitchen sidekick!

Broccoli Chicken Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about this dish is how it transforms such simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels totally special. Each ingredient brings a unique touch, whether it’s for texture, flavor, or that extra pop of color—don’t skip any, they’re each a little piece of the magic!

Chicken breast: Go for lean, boneless, skinless chicken; chopping it finely helps the fritters cook evenly and stay juicy.
Broccoli florets: Fresh and finely chopped broccoli adds color, nutrients, and a subtle crunch.
Eggs: These act as the binder, holding everything together so the fritters don’t fall apart when flipping.
Cheddar cheese: Shreds of cheddar melt into gooey, rich pockets throughout every fritter.
Parmesan cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese boosts flavor and gives crisp edges once fried.
Almond flour (or all-purpose flour): Keeps things gluten-free if you wish, and helps with binding and texture.
Green onions: Thin slices add fresh, gentle onion flavor to balance the meat and cheese.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, create an aromatic base.
Onion powder: A little goes a long way to bring depth and round out the savory flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and vibrant color.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little background heat.
Olive oil: For frying to golden-brown perfection; non-stick makes things easy.
Lemon wedges & fresh parsley: Squeeze and sprinkle over the fritters right before serving for a fresh, zesty finish.

How to Make Broccoli Chicken Fritters

Step 1: Mix Up the Fritter Base

Grab your largest mixing bowl and pile in the finely chopped chicken, broccoli, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan, flour, green onions, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture looks evenly combined and slightly sticky—this tells you it’ll hold together in the pan. If you’re using almond flour, it’ll help keep things gluten-free and extra tender.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Set a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add that luscious olive oil. Once it’s shimmering (but not smoking), you’re ready for fritter action. This ensures your Broccoli Chicken Fritters will develop that gorgeous golden crust right from the get-go.

Step 3: Form and Cook the Fritters

Scoop out about 1/4 cup of the mixture per fritter and gently flatten them in the skillet—they’ll look rustic and hearty. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the fritters are deeply golden and the chicken is cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan; work in batches and add more oil as needed so every fritter gets its moment to shine.

Step 4: Drain and Finish

Transfer your cooked Broccoli Chicken Fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate. This keeps them crispy and not at all greasy. Repeat until all the mixture is used, taking a moment to appreciate that sizzle—so satisfying!

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Fritters

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges can make your Broccoli Chicken Fritters pop with color and flavor. A spritz of lemon brightens everything up, while parsley adds a burst of freshness. If you’re after extra decadence, a dollop of Greek yogurt or simple garlic aioli is the best sidekick for dipping.

Side Dishes

These fritters work beautifully with all sorts of sides. Try pairing them with a crisp mixed greens salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or a light slaw for contrast. Their savory flavor is lovely alongside simple steamed rice or even tucked into pita with a bit of lettuce for an easy lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For appetizers, go mini and make bite-sized Broccoli Chicken Fritters—perfect for snacking or sharing at parties. Stack a few fritters and secure with a toothpick, top with a cherry tomato and a tiny smear of aioli for an impressive platter. Or serve them as the hero of a veggie-packed sandwich with a smear of herby spread and some sliced cucumbers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Broccoli Chicken Fritters will stay fresh for up to three days, making them a fantastic option for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

Let the fritters cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container—this way, they won’t stick together. They’ll last beautifully for up to three months, so you always have a homemade protein-packed snack ready to go.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Broccoli Chicken Fritters in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 8–10 minutes—this brings back their crispy edges and warm centers. The microwave will work in a pinch, but for their signature crunch, the oven is worth it. No matter how you reheat, they’ll still be so tasty!

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead?

Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken, chop it finely and gently fold it in with the other ingredients. The texture will be a bit different—slightly chunkier—but the flavor will still shine through.

Are Broccoli Chicken Fritters gluten-free?

Yes, they can be completely gluten-free if you choose almond flour as your binder. This swap also makes the fritters a little nuttier and tender inside. If you’re not avoiding gluten, all-purpose flour works great, too.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You sure can! Arrange the formed fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll still be golden and delicious, just a bit lighter with less oil.

What dipping sauces go well with these fritters?

Greek yogurt laced with a squeeze of lemon or a quick garlic aioli are simple, satisfying pairings. You can also try ranch, tzatziki, or even a bit of spicy sriracha mayo for a bolder kick.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

If fresh broccoli isn’t on hand, frozen works in a pinch. Just thaw and pat it really well with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the fritters soggy. Chop it finely before mixing in.

Final Thoughts

These Broccoli Chicken Fritters are weeknight dinner heroes, lunchbox saviors, and appetizer all-stars bundled into one easy recipe. Give them a try the next time you want something wholesome, colorful, and sure to win rave reviews. Can’t wait for you to taste just how good broccoli and chicken can be together!

Broccoli Chicken Fritters Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 fritters 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These broccoli chicken fritters are a delicious and healthy option for a meal or snack. Packed with protein and veggies, they are easy to make and perfect for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fritters:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, finely chopped
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped
2 large eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup almond flour or all-purpose flour
2 green onions, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

For Serving:

lemon wedges
fresh parsley

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped chicken, chopped broccoli, eggs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, green onions, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture for each fritter and flatten slightly in the pan.
Cook the fritters for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil as needed.
Serve warm with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Delicious served with Greek yogurt or a simple garlic aioli for dipping.
You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American