These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a delightful blend of flavors, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, these patties offer a unique spin on traditional chicken dishes. Topped with a creamy cilantro sauce, they’re not just delicious but also gluten-free and healthy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: These poppers can be ready in just 23 minutes, making them ideal for a fast meal.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with ground chicken and zucchini, they’re low in carbs and high in protein.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or a main course paired with your favorite sides.
Delicious Flavor: The garlic and fresh herbs create a flavorful punch that will please any palate.
Gluten-Free Delight: Perfect for those following a gluten-free diet without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Chicken Zucchini Poppers effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key tools you’ll need to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Cheese grater
Large mixing bowl
Nonstick or cast iron skillet
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Speeds up the preparation of the creamy cilantro sauce by blending ingredients quickly.
Cheese grater: Ensures the zucchini is finely shredded for even cooking and texture.
Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
Nonstick or cast iron skillet: Prevents sticking while achieving a perfect golden brown finish on each patty.

Ingredients

These garlic and zucchini chicken patties are easy to make, healthy, and delicious. Topped with a little creamy cilantro sauce, they’re the perfect gluten-free weeknight meal.

For the Chicken Zucchini 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
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
1-2 tablespoons oil for cooking

For the Cilantro Sauce

1 cup fresh cilantro
1 small garlic clove (or more depending on preference)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cottage cheese
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Sauce

Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor. Blend until combined. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to thicken and let flavors meld. Alternatively, chop cilantro finely and mix everything by hand. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Grate the zucchini squash into small pieces using a cheese grater. Place grated zucchini on paper towels and sprinkle with a tiny bit of kosher salt. Squeeze to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine this zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Form this mixture into six 3-inch patties.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook each chicken patty for about 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. If they aren’t fully cooked but are browning too quickly, place them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with your prepared dipping sauce or drizzle some of the sauce over each popper before enjoying!

How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Poppers

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you want a light snack or a complete meal, here are some great serving suggestions.

With Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens: Serve your poppers on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing crunch.
Caesar Salad: Pair with Caesar salad for a classic combination that adds richness.

Dipping Sauces

Cilantro Cream Sauce: The perfect creamy dip that complements the flavors of the poppers.
Spicy Salsa: For those who enjoy a kick, spicy salsa adds zest to each bite.

As Tacos

Zucchini Taco Shells: Use large zucchini slices as shells and fill them with chicken poppers and toppings for a fun twist.
Corn Tortillas: Wrap the poppers in warm corn tortillas along with your favorite toppings for a tasty handheld meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Zucchini Poppers

To ensure your Chicken Zucchini Poppers turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Chicken: Use ground chicken with at least 7% fat for juicy and flavorful patties.
Remove Excess Moisture from Zucchini: Grate the zucchini and squeeze out moisture to prevent soggy poppers.
Form Uniform Patties: Make sure all patties are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Preheat Your Pan: Ensure your skillet is at medium heat before adding the patties for a nice sear.
Adjust Cooking Time if Needed: If they brown too quickly but aren’t cooked through, finish in the oven at 350°F for a couple of minutes.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Zucchini Poppers

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers pair well with various sides, making them an excellent choice for any meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Bread: A crunchy complement that offers a burst of flavor alongside the moist chicken poppers.
Steamed Broccoli: Healthy and light, steamed broccoli adds a nutritious element to your plate.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-rich side that can be customized with vegetables and herbs for added freshness.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of the poppers well.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a hearty side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Zucchini Poppers can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

Ignoring moisture removal: Failing to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini can result in soggy patties. Always drain the shredded zucchini well to achieve a firmer texture.
Not seasoning properly: Skipping on salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season your mixture adequately and taste as you go.
Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking the patties for too long or not long enough can ruin their texture. Aim for a golden brown on both sides, and check if they’re fully cooked through.
Using lean ground chicken: Opting for very lean ground chicken may yield dry poppers. Look for ground chicken with at least 7% fat for better moisture and flavor.
Neglecting the dipping sauce: Serving them without a dipping sauce can diminish the overall experience. Consider making the creamy cilantro sauce for an added burst of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Chicken Zucchini Poppers in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Freeze uncooked or cooked poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken Zucchini Poppers that might help you as you prepare this dish.

How do I make Chicken Zucchini Poppers gluten-free?

You can easily ensure your Chicken Zucchini Poppers are gluten-free by using certified gluten-free mayonnaise and checking any other ingredients you use.

Can I substitute other meats for chicken?

Yes! You can use ground turkey or even lean beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the meat used.

What is the best way to serve Chicken Zucchini Poppers?

These poppers are best served warm alongside the creamy cilantro sauce or any favorite dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki.

How do I customize my Chicken Zucchini Poppers?

Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for heat, or mix in different herbs such as parsley or basil for varied flavors.

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture, form it into patties, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking them when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Zucchini Poppers stand out as a deliciously healthy option that’s both easy to make and versatile. Their delightful flavors combined with the creamy cilantro sauce make them perfect as either dinner or a snack. Feel free to customize your poppers by experimenting with herbs and spices; there’s plenty of room for creativity! Give them a try today!