If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and exciting, the Broccoli Chicken Fritters with Pink Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite! These golden, crispy fritters pack tender chicken and vibrant broccoli into each bite, while the creamy, tangy pink sauce adds that perfect splash of flavor. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create fritters that are satisfying and full of texture. Each one plays a special role, from the fresh broccoli adding color and health benefits, to the parmesan giving a cheesy kick that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and tender, they bring vibrant green color and a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Chicken breast or thigh: Cut into small pieces, it provides juicy protein with a hearty texture.
- Flour: All-purpose or your choice, it binds the ingredients for perfect fritter consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory depth with a subtle nutty flavor.
- Eggs: Help hold everything together while adding moisture and richness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to highlight all natural flavors.
- Olive oil: For frying, it imparts a lovely golden crisp on the fritters.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base for the pink sauce with tangy freshness.
- Ketchup: Gives the sauce its pretty pink color and a subtle sweetness.
- Lemon: A squeeze in the sauce perks it up with bright citrus notes, optional but recommended.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Fritters with Pink Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 100°C (210°F) to keep the fritters warm while you cook the rest. This step ensures each fritter stays crispy without overcooking.
Step 2: Steam and Prepare the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets until they are just tender enough to chop easily, preserving their bright color and fresh flavor. Roughly chop them once cooled slightly to give the fritters a delightful bite.
Step 3: Mix All the Fritter Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, diced chicken, flour, parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive batter that’s easy to shape.
Step 4: Heat the Pan with Olive Oil
Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil into a skillet and heat to medium-high. This amount is perfect to cover the bottom, creating a crisp, golden crust as the fritters cook.
Step 5: Shape and Cook the Fritters
Dollop about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet and gently press down to form a patty. Cook for 2.5 minutes on one side until it develops a deep golden brown color that promises crunch and flavor.
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip each fritter and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This quick turnaround keeps the inside juicy and the outside perfectly crisp.
Step 7: Keep Warm in the Oven
Transfer the cooked fritters to a rack placed in the preheated oven. Keeping them warm this way preserves their texture while you finish cooking the rest of the batch.
Step 8: Serve with the Pink Sauce
Prepare the pink sauce by mixing sour cream or Greek yogurt with ketchup and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve this on the side or drizzled over the fritters for that creamy, tangy contrast that brings the dish to life.
How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Fritters with Pink Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten the look and flavor of your fritters beautifully. A small wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add an extra zesty touch if desired.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy and tangy pink sauce complements lighter sides perfectly while enhancing the fritters themselves.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, turn the Broccoli Chicken Fritters with Pink Sauce Recipe into bite-sized appetizers on skewers or mini sliders. You can also pile them onto a platter with vibrant dips to create a dazzling party spread everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover fritters keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their flavor and texture, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these for longer, freeze uncooked shaped fritters on a baking sheet and transfer them to a sealed bag after they’re firm. Cook directly from frozen when ready, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a hot skillet or oven to keep that signature crispy exterior. Microwaving can soften the fritters too much, so aim for dry heat methods whenever possible.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, zucchini, or even grated carrots can be great substitutes that keep the fritters just as tasty and colorful.
What if I don’t have sour cream for the pink sauce?
Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that offers similar creaminess with a bit less fat, making the sauce just as delicious and tangy.
Are the fritters gluten-free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping regular flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour without sacrificing texture.
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a lighter option. Arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
How can I make the pink sauce spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix for a gentle kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
The Broccoli Chicken Fritters with Pink Sauce Recipe is a joyful celebration of simple ingredients that come together in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a beloved go-to for family meals and entertaining alike!
Print
Broccoli Chicken Fritters with Pink Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and savory Broccoli Chicken Fritters made with tender steamed broccoli, juicy chicken pieces, parmesan cheese, and a blend of seasonings, pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy pink sauce made from sour cream and ketchup. A perfect appetizer or snack that’s crispy on the outside and moist inside.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 500g / 1lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into 0.8cm / 1/3″ pieces
- 1/2 cup (75g) flour (any type)
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
- 2 eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 – 4 tbsp olive oil
Pink Sauce
- 2/3 cup (165g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- Squeeze of lemon juice, plus more for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 100C/210F. This low temperature will be used later to keep the cooked fritters warm.
- Steam broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once steamed, roughly chop the broccoli and set aside.
- Prepare fritter mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed broccoli, chicken pieces, flour, grated parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Heat skillet with oil: Add enough olive oil to fully cover the base of a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Form and cook fritters: Using a 1/4 cup measure, dollop the fritter mixture into the hot skillet. Gently pat down each dollop to form a compact fritter. Cook each fritter for approximately 2.5 minutes on one side until it turns a deep golden brown.
- Flip and finish cooking: Flip the fritters carefully and cook the other side for about 2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Keep warm: Transfer the cooked fritters to a rack and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining fritters.
- Prepare pink sauce and serve: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with ketchup and a squeeze of lemon juice to make the pink sauce. Serve the warm broccoli chicken fritters with the pink sauce alongside. Optionally, add extra lemon juice on the side for added brightness.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is steamed just until tender to maintain a pleasant texture and retain color.
- If the fritter mixture feels too wet or loose, add a little extra flour to help bind it.
- Use chicken thigh for juicier fritters; chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat.
- Keep cooked fritters warm in the low oven to serve all at once without them going soggy.
- Pink sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more ketchup for sweetness or lemon for acidity.
