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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Refrigerate the cilantro sauce for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, cohesive taste.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently mix the ingredients until evenly distributed, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain a tender texture.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into compact, uniform patties approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) in diameter.
- 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.
- Carefully flip the poppers and cook an additional 4 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- 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