Description
Chicken Zucchini Poppers are flavorful and juicy chicken patties combined with shredded zucchini and fresh chives, served with a creamy cilantro sauce. These easy-to-make poppers are perfect for a light meal or appetizer, cooked on the stovetop to a golden brown and finished in the oven if needed.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Creamy Cilantro Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Sauce: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth and combined. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all ingredients together by hand, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini squash using a cheese grater and place the shreds on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and squeeze to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into six evenly sized 3-inch patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat the oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly but are not fully cooked, finish cooking them in a 350 degree oven for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken zucchini poppers warm with the creamy cilantro sauce either as a dipping sauce or spoon some on top of each patty.
Notes
- If fresh chives are unavailable, substitute with green onion for a similar flavor.
- Using ground chicken thighs provides more flavor and juiciness compared to ground chicken breast, but either works well. Choose chicken breast with about 7% fat for optimal taste.
- To make the sauce dairy-free, paleo, or Whole30 compliant, omit the cottage cheese and increase mayonnaise. Reduce vinegar to 1-2 teaspoons for desired consistency as the sauce will be thinner.
- For an egg-free mayonnaise alternative, try an Aquafaba Mayo recipe.
- Store cooked poppers in the refrigerator for short term or freeze for longer storage. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty with sauce
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
