As I rummaged through my fridge last week, the wilted zucchini caught my eye, signaling that it was time for a culinary transformation. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Chicken Zucchini Poppers—tender, savory bites that have quickly become my go-to for both lazy weeknights and cozy gatherings. Not only are these poppers gluten-free and low-carb, but they also pack a punch of protein, making them ideal for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while keeping mealtime exciting. Topped with a creamy cilantro sauce that adds freshness and tang, these poppers are simply irresistible. Curious about how to bring this delicious dish to life in your own kitchen? Let’s get started! Why Are These Poppers So Delicious? Delightful Crunch: Each bite reveals a crispy exterior with a tender, juicy center, giving you the perfect texture contrast. Flavor Packed: The combination of ground chicken and fresh zucchini bursts with flavor, enhanced by the zesty creamy cilantro sauce. Nutritious Snacking: Low-carb, gluten-free, and high in protein, they fit perfectly into any health-conscious meal plan. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these poppers make for an effortless weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. Versatile Twist: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like Honey Mustard Ranch, for added flavor variety! Chicken Zucchini Poppers Ingredients • Here’s everything you need for these delicious Chicken Zucchini Poppers! For the Poppers Ground Chicken – Your main protein source; aim for at least 7% fat for better juiciness. Zucchini – Adds moisture and nutrients; about 1½ cups shredded, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before cooking. Garlic Cloves – For a flavor boost; use two cloves minced, or adjust according to your taste preference. Fresh Chives – Enhances the flavor profile; 2 tablespoons chopped can be swapped with green onions if you don’t have chives. Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; ½ teaspoon will do wonders for your patties. Black Pepper – Provides a hint of mild heat; use ¼ teaspoon, adjusting to your desired spice level. Oil – For cooking; 1-2 tablespoons for pan-frying, ensuring a delightful crispiness. For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce Fresh Cilantro – Key to the sauce’s freshness; use 1 cup blended, but feel free to substitute with basil or parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan. Mayonnaise – Provides richness; ⅓ cup works beautifully as the base. Cottage Cheese – Enhances creaminess; use 1 tablespoon for a hearty texture or omit for a dairy-free option, reducing vinegar for balance. Distilled White Vinegar – Adds necessary acidity; 1 tablespoon keeps the sauce lively and tangy. Now that you have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these Chicken Zucchini Poppers that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Zucchini Poppers Step 1: Prep Zucchini Begin by grating about 1½ cups of zucchini and transferring it to a clean paper towel. Sprinkle with kosher salt and gently squeeze the zucchini to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for ensuring your Chicken Zucchini Poppers don’t turn out soggy. Set aside the prepared zucchini while you gather the remaining ingredients. Step 2: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, minced garlic cloves, chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. This should take a few minutes, and the mixture will be slightly sticky. Once mixed, shape the mixture into six small, even patties, ensuring they are compact for even cooking. Step 3: Make Sauce While the Chicken Zucchini Poppers are resting, prepare the creamy cilantro sauce. In a food processor, blend 1 cup of fresh cilantro, minced garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, distilled white vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be vibrant in color. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Step 4: Cook Patties Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the patties in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning. Step 5: Serve Once the Chicken Zucchini Poppers are cooked through and have developed a lovely golden crust, transfer them to a serving platter. Serve warm alongside the chilled cilantro sauce for dipping. These poppers are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying snack, and their flavorful combination will keep everyone coming back for more! How to Store and Freeze Chicken Zucchini Poppers Fridge: Store cooked Chicken Zucchini Poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Use within 3 months for optimal freshness. Reheating: To reheat frozen Chicken Zucchini Poppers, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until heated through and crispy. Packing: If freezing cooked poppers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a single layer between wax paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. Expert Tips for Chicken Zucchini Poppers Moisture Matters: Always squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent sogginess, ensuring your Chicken Zucchini Poppers have the perfect texture. Flavors Galore: Don’t skimp on the seasonings—kosher salt and black pepper elevate the taste and bring all the flavors together beautifully. Cooking Temperature: Keep an eye on your pan’s heat; medium-high is ideal for achieving a golden crust without burning the poppers. Patty Size: Form evenly-sized patties for consistent cooking; this ensures every bite is equally delicious. Dipping Delight: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different dipping sauces for variety—try ranch or a spicy aioli for a fun twist! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are perfect for meal prep, saving you time in the kitchen on busy weeknights! You can mix the ground chicken and shredded zucchini mixture up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. Additionally, the creamy cilantro sauce can be prepared a day ahead as well; just blend it and refrigerate. To finish cooking your Chicken Zucchini Poppers, simply form the patties right before you’re ready to pan-fry them for that just-cooked taste. Rest assured, they will still be just as delicious when prepared in advance! Chicken Zucchini Poppers Variations Feel free to explore fun twists and swaps to make these poppers your own! Ground Turkey: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey for a lighter protein option, maintaining that delicious texture. Dairy-Free Sauce: Use avocado or cashew cream instead of mayonnaise for a creamy, dairy-free cilantro sauce that’s equally flavorful. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Herb Infusion: Swap in fresh dill or basil for the cilantro in the sauce to create a completely different flavor profile for those who prefer a herby touch. Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the mixture for an extra dose of veggies and vibrant color. Crispy Coating: Dredge the patties in crushed almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs before frying for a crunchy outer layer. Zesty Twist: Mix a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice into the sauce for a refreshing brightness that balances out the flavors beautifully. Baked Variation: Instead of frying, bake the poppers in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier cooking method. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken recipes, I highly recommend my Smothered Chicken Rice or try some Mango Chicken Stir for a fruity twist! Enjoy customizing these yummy poppers! What to Serve with Healthy Chicken Zucchini Poppers? These delightful poppers deserve to shine in a well-rounded meal that tantalizes the senses and warms the heart. Fresh Garden Salad: A light and crunchy salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette enhances the flavors, adding a refreshing contrast. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: This silky side brings a comforting experience, offering a low-carb alternative to potatoes while holding onto the creamy goodness. Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted spears infused with garlic and olive oil provide a delicious, nutrient-packed side that elevates your meal. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Serve alongside for a delightful crunch and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory poppers. Zucchini Noodles: Light and fresh, these noodles offer a fun textural component while keeping your meal low-carb and vibrant. Garlic Aioli: A rich dipping sauce that pairs beautifully, enhancing the poppers with a depth of flavor that brings a gourmet experience home. Imagine serving each popper with a host of these tantalizing sides, creating a delightful spread that brings everyone to the table! Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe FAQs How do I select the best zucchini for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing zucchini, look for firm, smooth-skinned ones without any dark spots or blemishes. A nice medium-sized zucchini will yield approximately 1½ cups when shredded. Avoid oversized zucchinis, as they can be watery and have larger seeds, affecting the texture of your poppers. How long can I store the Chicken Zucchini Poppers in the fridge? You can store your cooked Chicken Zucchini Poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for best results; this will help regain some of their original crispiness! Can I freeze the Chicken Zucchini Poppers? Yes, absolutely! To freeze, place the uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced apart. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook them, bake straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes at 375°F. What should I do if my poppers turn out soggy? Very! If your Chicken Zucchini Poppers are soggy, it’s likely due to excess moisture in the zucchini. To ensure optimal texture, make sure to thoroughly squeeze out moisture after grating the zucchini. If needed, you can also increase the cooking time slightly to allow more moisture to evaporate during frying. Are these Chicken Zucchini Poppers suitable for a dairy-free diet? Yes! To make these poppers dairy-free, you can easily omit the cottage cheese from the creamy cilantro sauce. Just use extra mayonnaise to maintain creaminess, and reduce the vinegar to avoid too tangy a flavor. These adjustments ensure that you can enjoy a delicious, guilt-free treat without dairy! Can my dog eat Chicken Zucchini Poppers? While the ingredients in Chicken Zucchini Poppers are mostly safe for dogs, such as ground chicken and zucchini, it’s important to keep the seasoning minimal and avoid garlic, which can be harmful to pets. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet. Irresistible Chicken Zucchini Poppers for a Guilt-Free Snack These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a low-carb, gluten-free snack filled with flavor, perfect for anyone seeking a healthy yet delicious option. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 6 pattiesCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Poppers1 lb Ground Chicken Aim for at least 7% fat for better juiciness.1.5 cups Zucchini Shredded and squeezed of excess moisture.2 cloves Garlic Minced.2 tablespoons Fresh Chives Can be swapped with green onions.0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to desired spice level.1-2 tablespoons Oil For pan-frying.For the Creamy Cilantro Sauce1 cup Fresh Cilantro Can be substituted with basil or parsley.0.33 cups Mayonnaise1 tablespoon Cottage Cheese Omit for a dairy-free option.1 tablespoon Distilled White Vinegar Equipment mixing bowlnon-stick panFood Processor Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by grating about 1½ cups of zucchini and transferring it to a clean paper towel. Sprinkle with kosher salt and gently squeeze the zucchini to remove excess moisture. Set aside.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, minced garlic, chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Shape into six compact patties.While the poppers are resting, prepare the creamy cilantro sauce by blending cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.Transfer the cooked Chicken Zucchini Poppers to a serving platter. Serve warm with the chilled cilantro sauce for dipping. Nutrition Serving: 1pattieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure to squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini to prevent sogginess, and form evenly-sized patties for consistent cooking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
