Introduction

Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a delicious and healthy snack that’s quick to prepare. These bite-sized patties combine ground chicken with fresh zucchini and herbs, delivering a flavorful punch perfect for any occasion.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Cilantro Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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
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

Instructions

Step 1: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor. Blend until smooth and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to thicken and let flavors meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all ingredients by hand. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Grate the zucchini using a cheese grater and place the shreds on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 3: Add ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh black pepper to the zucchini. Mix well and form into six 3-inch patties.
Step 4: Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly but are not fully cooked, finish them in a 350°F oven for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve the chicken zucchini poppers warm with the prepared cilantro dipping sauce or spoon a bit of the sauce on top.

Tips & Variations

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible to prevent soggy patties.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dipping sauce.
These poppers reheat well in a skillet or oven to keep their crispness.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain their texture. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken thighs can be used as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

How do I prevent the poppers from falling apart?

Removing excess moisture from the zucchini and handling the mixture gently when forming patties helps maintain their shape. If needed, you can add a small amount of breadcrumbs or an egg as a binder.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Cilantro Garlic Dipping Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a flavorful and healthy appetizer or snack, featuring ground chicken mixed with shredded zucchini and fresh herbs, pan-seared to golden perfection. Served with a creamy cilantro-garlic dipping sauce, they combine vibrant flavors and textures in a quick 23-minute recipe ideal for casual gatherings or weeknight meals.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken 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

Cilantro Garlic 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

Prepare 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 allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all ingredients by hand. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the zucchini: Using a cheese grater, shred the fresh zucchini into small pieces and place them on a paper towel. Sprinkle with a small pinch of kosher salt and squeeze the zucchini to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step prevents sogginess in the patties.
Mix the patty ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained shredded zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form patties: Shape the mixture into six 3-inch diameter patties. Handle the mixture lightly to maintain a tender texture.
Cook the patties: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 4 minutes per side until they are browned on both sides and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly but are not fully cooked, transfer them to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes to finish cooking.
Serve: Serve the chicken zucchini poppers warm, either with the cilantro garlic dipping sauce on the side or topped lightly with some of the sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

Squeezing excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial to prevent the patties from becoming watery and falling apart during cooking.
You can adjust the garlic quantity in the dipping sauce to suit your taste preference.
Using a cast iron skillet will help achieve a nice sear on the patties, but a good-quality nonstick skillet works well too.
For a lower-fat version, reduce the amount of oil used for cooking or opt for a spray oil.
Leftover dipping sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Chicken Zucchini Poppers, healthy appetizers, zucchini patties, ground chicken recipe, quick snacks, cilantro garlic sauce