Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe
These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a healthy, flavorful appetizer or snack made with ground chicken and shredded zucchini. They’re pan-fried to a golden brown and served with a creamy cilantro garlic dipping sauce. Perfect for a quick, low-carb bite that combines fresh herbs and lean protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Poppers
- 1 pound ground chicken (at least 7% fat recommended)
- 1–2 medium zucchini squash (about 1½ cups shredded)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons oil for cooking
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove (or more depending on preference)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and distilled white vinegar in a food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all sauce ingredients by hand, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Using a cheese grater, shred the zucchini into small pieces. Transfer to a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible to prevent soggy patties.
- Mix the Popper Ingredients: Place the shredded zucchini in a large bowl with the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of fresh black pepper. Combine gently but thoroughly.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into six 3-inch wide patties, handling gently so they hold together well.
- Cook the Poppers: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. If patties brown too quickly but are not fully cooked, finish cooking by placing them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the poppers warm with the creamy cilantro garlic dipping sauce on the side or spoon a bit of the sauce on top of each popper for added flavor.
Notes
- Removing excess moisture from zucchini is key to preventing soggy poppers.
- If you prefer, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor in both the poppers and the sauce.
- Ensure patties are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Keywords: Chicken zucchini poppers, low-carb snacks, healthy appetizers, ground chicken recipe, zucchini recipes, easy party appetizers, homemade dipping sauce
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/chicken-zucchini-poppers-recipe/
