The Ultimate Zucchini Poppers Recipe: Fun & Crispy Bites

Chicken zucchini poppers represent a clever fusion of protein and garden-fresh ingredients that revamps ordinary appetizers into something extraordinary.

Crafted with precision, these bite-sized delights offer a perfect balance between health-conscious nutrition and irresistible taste.

Lean proteins mingle seamlessly with vibrant vegetable notes, creating a harmonious culinary experience that surprises and delights the palate.

Each morsel promises a crisp exterior giving way to a succulent, well-seasoned interior that keeps you reaching for more.

Light yet substantial, these poppers transcend typical snack expectations with their dynamic texture and nuanced flavor profile.

Compact and versatile, they slide effortlessly between meal categories—functioning brilliantly as an appetizer, light lunch, or energizing afternoon bite.

The magic lies in their ingenious composition, blending wholesome elements into a single, crave-worthy package.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers: Crispy, Savory Bites

• Whip Up Quick Protein Powerhouse: These chicken zucchini poppers deliver a massive protein punch of 28g per serving, making them perfect for fitness enthusiasts and muscle builders.
• Craft Sneaky Vegetable Delight: By grating zucchini into the chicken mixture, you're cleverly incorporating nutritious vegetables without compromising on taste, ideal for picky eaters or those wanting to boost veggie intake.
• Savor Versatile Meal Solution: These poppers work brilliantly as a protein-packed appetizer, satisfying lunch, or light dinner option that can be prepared in just 15 minutes, catering to busy individuals seeking convenient yet nutritious meals.
• Enjoy Guilt-Free Indulgence: With a balanced nutritional profile featuring low sugar, moderate carbohydrates, and healthy unsaturated fats, these poppers offer a wholesome alternative to traditional fried finger foods while maintaining incredible flavor and texture.

What You Need to Make Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that provides structure and flavor to the poppers.
• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture, texture, and nutrition to the chicken mixture.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that creates a vibrant, zesty flavor profile for the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to both poppers and sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind the sauce and provides richness.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and creates a smooth, tangy sauce texture.
• Vinegar: Provides acidity and helps balance the sauces flavor.

• Chives: Mild onion-like herb that adds a subtle, fresh flavor to the poppers.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture from zucchini.
• Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the chicken mixture.

How to Cook Chicken Zucchini Poppers with a Crunch

Step 1: Whip Up the Cilantro Sauce

• Fresh cilantro
• Garlic
• Mayonnaise
• Cottage cheese
• Vinegar

Refrigerate the sauce for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and chill.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent soggy poppers.

Step 3: Create the Popper Mixture

• Ground chicken
• Minced garlic
• Chopped chives
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Poppers

Form the mixture into 6 uniform patties, ensuring they’re compact and will hold together during cooking.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the poppers for 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Place the warm poppers on a serving plate and drizzle with the chilled cilantro sauce. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Perfectly Crisp Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Squeeze Zucchini Dry: Remove excess moisture by salting grated zucchini and pressing with a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy poppers.
• Uniform Patty Size: Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup to create evenly sized poppers for consistent cooking.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the skillet or use a non-stick pan to ensure easy flipping and perfect golden-brown crust.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the cilantro sauce chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe and juicy poppers.

Storing Leftover Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken zucchini poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the poppers and cilantro sauce into different containers to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
• Reheating: Warm poppers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to restore their crispy exterior. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, which helps prevent sogginess and revives the original golden-brown crunch.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked patties between parchment paper layers in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking, ensuring they maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Enjoy Chicken Zucchini Poppers with These Dips

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the zesty cilantro sauce and light chicken zucchini poppers, cutting through the richness with their bright, refreshing acidity.
• Match with Fresh Summer Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the herbal notes of the cilantro and add a crisp texture alongside the tender poppers.
• Serve with Chilled Cucumber Drink: Blend cucumber, mint, and sparkling water for a cool, hydrating beverage that mirrors the fresh green flavors of the zucchini and provides a palate-cleansing effect.
• Add Tangy Dipping Options: Include additional zesty dips like Greek tzatziki or spicy sriracha mayo to give guests more flavor exploration and complement the poppers' delicate chicken and zucchini profile.

Play with Flavors by Twisting Up Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Mediterranean Herb Poppers: Replace chives with fresh oregano and add crumbled feta cheese to the chicken mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Poppers: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture and mix cayenne pepper into the cilantro sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Curry Coconut Poppers: Blend shredded coconut and mild curry powder into the chicken mixture, then serve with a yogurt-based dipping sauce instead of cilantro sauce.
• Smoky Bacon Poppers: Crumble cooked bacon into the chicken mixture and add smoked paprika for a rich, savory variation that enhances the overall depth of flavor.

Zucchini Poppers Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory chicken zucchini poppers bring Mediterranean flair to your appetizer spread with lean protein and garden-fresh zucchini. Quick-baked and perfectly seasoned, these poppers offer a delightful blend of herbs and lean chicken that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken (at least 7% fat recommended)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1–2 medium zucchini squash (about 1½ cups shredded)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 1–2 tablespoons oil for cooking
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant cilantro sauce by combining fresh cilantro leaves, minced garlic, creamy mayonnaise, smooth cottage cheese, and tangy white vinegar in a food processor. Pulse until ingredients form a uniform, bright green sauce.
2. Refrigerate the cilantro sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, cohesive taste.
3. Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then use a box grater to shred it into fine, uniform strands. Sprinkle kosher salt over the grated zucchini and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Using clean hands or a clean kitchen towel, firmly press and squeeze the zucchini to remove as much liquid as possible, ensuring a crisp texture for the poppers.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with ground chicken, finely chopped garlic, delicate chopped chives, kosher salt (or 2.5 grams), and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Gently mix the ingredients until evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain a tender texture.
7. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into compact, uniform patties approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) in diameter.
8. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) and cook the poppers for 4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
9. Carefully flip the poppers and cook an additional 4 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
10. Transfer the cooked poppers to a serving plate and accompany with the chilled cilantro sauce, garnishing with additional fresh chives if desired.

Notes

• Cilantro sauce bursts with tangy freshness, blending creamy and zesty flavors to complement the savory chicken zucchini poppers.
• Removing excess moisture from zucchini ensures crisp, golden-brown patties that won’t become soggy during cooking.
• Mixing ground chicken with fresh herbs creates a lighter, more delicate texture compared to traditional dense meatballs.
• Chilling the cilantro sauce allows ingredients to meld together, intensifying the vibrant green sauce’s complex flavor profile.
• Using a skillet creates a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
• Serving these poppers immediately guarantees maximum flavor and optimal texture for a delightful appetizer or light meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg