Chicken & Zucchini Patties: A Simple, Anti-Inflammatory Protein Powerhouse
If there’s one AIP recipe you’ll want on repeat, it’s this one. These Chicken & Zucchini Patties are quick to prep, easy to batch cook, freezer-friendly, and packed with clean protein and anti-inflammatory goodness. Whether you need a nourishing breakfast, protein-rich lunch, or quick weeknight dinner, these patties have your back.
They’re flavorful without spices, filling without grains, and tender without eggs. And best of all—they’re 100% AIP-compliant and full of ingredients that help fight inflammation and fuel your healing journey.
Why High-Quality Protein Is Key in an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
When your body is inflamed, it’s working overtime to protect and repair itself. That process demands amino acids—the building blocks of protein. Clean, digestible protein helps rebuild tissues, stabilize blood sugar, and support immune balance. But not all protein sources are created equal.
Chicken is one of the best proteins for anti-inflammatory living. It’s lean, versatile, and easy to digest. Opting for organic, pasture-raised chicken ensures you’re avoiding added hormones, antibiotics, and potential inflammatory triggers that come from industrial meat production.
These patties use ground chicken, which is easy to work with and takes on the flavor of fresh veggies and herbs, making them a great base for multiple meals.
Zucchini: The Hydrating, Gut-Friendly Secret Ingredient
Zucchini doesn’t get enough love—but it should. It’s low in calories, high in water content, and gentle on digestion. Zucchini adds moisture and texture to these patties without the need for eggs or dairy, and its mild flavor blends perfectly with the chicken.
More importantly, zucchini is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. The fiber in zucchini also supports digestion, gut health, and elimination—all essential components of healing an inflamed body.
Grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture, zucchini keeps these patties juicy without falling apart.
The Magic of AIP Binding Without Eggs or Grains
One of the biggest challenges in AIP cooking is structure. Without eggs, breadcrumbs, or flour, how do you get something to hold together? The answer lies in coconut flour and arrowroot starch—two AIP staples that do the job perfectly.
Coconut flour is rich in fiber and absorbs excess moisture, giving the patties a tender but stable texture. Arrowroot is a natural starch that acts as a binder and helps the patties crisp up when cooked in a little oil.
Together, these two ingredients replace the role of eggs and breadcrumbs in traditional patties—and they do it without triggering inflammation.
Fresh Herbs and Simple Seasoning for Anti-Inflammatory Flavor
Flavor doesn’t have to come from nightshades, processed spice blends, or heavy salt. These patties get their flavor from fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil, along with sea salt and a splash of lemon. It’s clean, light, and refreshing.
These herbs also come with healing benefits. Parsley, for example, is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants that support detox pathways. Cilantro has chelating properties that may help bind and remove heavy metals. Every ingredient in this recipe is working with your body—not against it.
Chicken & Zucchini Patties
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken organic or pasture-raised
- 1 medium zucchini grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or cilantro
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 1 clove grated garlic or 1/4 tsp grated ginger if tolerated
- 1 –2 tablespoons coconut oil or avocado oil for cooking
Instructions
- Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess liquid using a clean towel or cheesecloth
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, zucchini, herbs, coconut flour, arrowroot, sea salt, and optional garlic or ginger
- Form into small patties (about 2–3 inches wide)
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
- Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through
- Let rest a minute before serving—enjoy hot or store for later use
Batch Cook Friendly and Freezer Ready
These patties are perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch, freeze extras, and you’ve got ready-to-go protein for the week. They reheat well in a skillet, oven, or even air fryer—making them a time-saving lifesaver when you’re short on energy but still want to eat well.
They’re also great cold, so you can pack them in lunches or eat them straight from the fridge when you need a quick bite.
How These Patties Support Inflammation Reduction
Every ingredient in these patties has a purpose:
- Chicken fuels immune repair and lean muscle
- Zucchini hydrates and nourishes the gut
- Coconut flour adds fiber and healthy fat
- Arrowroot supports digestion and blood sugar balance
- Herbs offer anti-inflammatory, detoxifying compounds
- Sea salt provides essential minerals without additives
This is a complete, anti-inflammatory meal in one bite-sized form—especially when paired with a side of greens or starchy vegetables like sweet potato or cauliflower mash.
Ways to Serve Chicken & Zucchini Patties
These patties are incredibly versatile. Here are a few AIP-compliant ways to serve them:
- With roasted root vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil
- Over a bed of arugula or mixed greens with cucumber and lemon
- Inside a collard wrap with avocado mash and shredded carrots
- Alongside cauliflower rice and sautéed spinach
- With a bowl of bone broth for a deeply nourishing meal
You can also break them up and use them in lettuce wraps or as a topper for zucchini noodles and veggie bowls.
Gentle on Digestion and Perfect for Every Phase of AIP
Whether you’re in the elimination phase or starting reintroductions, these patties are a safe and supportive option. They’re free from all common allergens and known irritants—no eggs, no nuts, no nightshades, and no dairy.
And because they’re so simple and clean, they’re a great reset meal when your body feels inflamed or out of balance.
Final Thoughts: A Nourishing Staple You’ll Make Again and Again
These Chicken & Zucchini Patties are the kind of recipe that becomes a regular part of your healing kitchen. They’re easy to make, full of anti-inflammatory ingredients, and delicious enough for the whole family—even those not on AIP.
They prove that you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy cooking skills to eat in a way that supports your body. Just a few whole foods, some fresh herbs, and a little time in the skillet—and you’ve got healing in every bite.