Go Back
+ servings
Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Quick and Tasty Chicken Zucchini Poppers You’ll Love

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a quick, nutritious, and flavorful option for busy weeknight dinners, featuring a creamy cilantro sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Refrigeration Time 30 minutes
Total Time 56 minutes
Servings: 4 poppers
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Poppers
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken Higher fat ground chicken thighs offer more flavor.
  • 2 medium Zucchini About 1½ cups shredded, squeeze out excess juice.
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic Minced; can use 1½ tsp garlic powder.
  • 2 tablespoons Chives Fresh; can substitute with green onions.
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground for optimal taste.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Olive or Avocado Oil For frying.
For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce
  • 1 cup Cilantro Fresh; can substitute with basil.
  • cup Mayonnaise Consider dairy-free mayo.
  • 1 tablespoon Cottage Cheese Omit for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon Distilled White Vinegar Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Box grater
  • Spatula
  • food processor
  • nonstick skillet
  • paper towels

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the zucchini by grating 1-2 medium zucchinis into a bowl, sprinkle with ½ tsp salt, and let rest on paper towels for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine squeezed zucchini, 1 lb ground chicken, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped chives, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly, then form small patties.
  3. To make the sauce, blend 1 cup cilantro, 3-4 cloves garlic, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp cottage cheese, and 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  4. Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Remove poppers to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with the creamy cilantro sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1popperCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Squeeze zucchini well to prevent sogginess. Adjust cooking time if using different appliances. Make the sauce for optimal flavor. Prepare patties ahead and cook before serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!