Welcome to a recipe that will change the way you think about chicken breast! Often considered a bit dry, this lean protein transforms into something incredibly tender and flavorful in our Chicken Patties with Zucchini. Known as "bitochki" in many Eastern European kitchens, these patties are a beloved comfort food. Our version adds a fresh, modern twist with grated zucchini for extra moisture and nutrients. Smothered in a creamy, tangy sweet and sour sauce, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Tender chicken patties with zucchini in a sweet and sour sauce
For the patties:
- 700 g chicken breast
- 200 g zucchini
- 130 g white bread, crusts removed
- 130 ml heavy cream
- 35 g dill
- 30 g semolina (a type of coarse wheat flour)
- salt, red pepper, cutlet seasoning, oil for frying
For the sauce:
- 150 g tomato sauce
- 150 g smetana (a type of sour cream)
- 25 g all-purpose flour
- 15 ml olive oil
- salt, granulated sugar
How to cook tender chicken patties with zucchini in a sweet and sour sauce
Remove the crust from the white bread and soak the crumb in cold heavy cream or milk. Cut the meat from the chicken breast. For the ground meat, you will only need the fillet; save the skin and bones for making chicken broth.
Pass the chopped chicken fillet and soaked bread through a meat grinder, add finely chopped dill, ground red pepper, and cutlet seasoning or chicken curry powder. For this quantity of ingredients, you will need about 1 teaspoon of seasoning.
The ingredients for the ground meat can also be processed in a food processor.
Pass the chicken fillet and soaked bread through a meat grinder. Add spices
If you are using a young zucchini, grate it on a coarse grater with the seeds and skin.
The skin and seeds of mature zucchinis are tough, so you will need to peel and deseed them.
Grate the zucchini
Add salt to taste, mix the ground meat thoroughly, and place it in the refrigerator for a while to cool.
Add salt and mix
To get a golden crust on the patties while keeping them juicy inside, they need to be coated in semolina (a type of coarse wheat flour). So, wet your hands with cold water, form the patties, and coat them in semolina on all sides.
Coat the chicken patties in semolina
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of refined oil for frying in a pan. Fry on both sides until semi-cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Fry the chicken patties on both sides
Now, let’s make the sauce. Add all-purpose flour to the heated olive oil, then add tomato sauce or ketchup. You can also blend a few tomatoes with their skins and add the tomato puree to the sauce.
In a frying pan, sauté the tomato paste and flour
Next, add smetana (a type of sour cream), salt, and granulated sugar to balance the flavors. Whisk the ingredients directly in the pan and bring to a boil over low heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add smetana, mix, and bring the sauce to a boil
Transfer the chicken and zucchini patties to the thickened sweet and sour sauce, cover the pan with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
Place the chicken patties with zucchini into the sauce
Serve the tender chicken patties with zucchini alongside mashed potatoes, pour the thick sweet and sour sauce over everything, and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Tender chicken patties with zucchini in a sweet and sour sauce
And there you have it—perfectly tender chicken patties ready to be enjoyed! This dish is wonderfully versatile. While classic mashed potatoes are a perfect companion, feel free to serve them with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad. The rich, creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. We hope this recipe brings a touch of comfort and a lot of flavor to your table. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
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