Introduction

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional chicken patties. Packed with fresh zucchini and herbs, they cook quickly and pair perfectly with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce. They make a great appetizer or light meal for any occasion.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Cilantro Garlic Mayo 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
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
1-2 tablespoons oil for cooking
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

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and distilled white vinegar. Blend until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to thicken and let the flavors meld. Alternatively, chop the cilantro finely and mix all sauce ingredients by hand, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Grate the zucchini squash using a cheese grater and place the shredded zucchini on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl and add ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form the mixture into six 3-inch patties.
Step 3: Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 4 minutes on each side, until they are browned and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly but are not fully cooked inside, finish cooking them in a 350°F oven for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve the zucchini poppers warm with the prepared cilantro dipping sauce. Optionally, spoon a little sauce on top of each patty before serving.

Tips & Variations

Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini to ensure the patties hold together well and don’t become soggy.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the chicken mixture.
If you don’t have a food processor, finely chopping the cilantro and garlic for the sauce works just as well.
Try swapping mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dipping sauce.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Keep the dipping sauce refrigerated separately and consume within 2 days for best freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these chicken zucchini poppers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked poppers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

What can I substitute for ground chicken?

Ground turkey or ground pork can be used as a substitute if you prefer. Just keep the fat content similar to ensure the poppers stay moist and flavorful.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Cilantro Garlic Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe

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These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a flavorful and healthy appetizer or snack made with ground chicken, fresh zucchini, and herbs. They are pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a creamy cilantro garlic dipping sauce, making for a deliciously light yet satisfying treat perfect for gatherings or a quick meal.

Author: Ella
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

Main 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

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

Instructions

Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth and combined. Place the sauce in the fridge to thicken and allow the flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes. 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 zucchini into small pieces. Transfer the shredded zucchini to a paper towel-lined bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt, and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the patties.
Mix the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into six 3-inch patties.
Cook the Poppers: Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the chicken patties for about 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. If the patties are browning quickly but not fully cooked inside, transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F oven for 2 minutes to finish cooking.
Serve: Serve the poppers warm with the creamy cilantro garlic dipping sauce on the side or spoon a little sauce over each popper for extra flavor.

Notes

Make sure to squeeze the moisture out of the shredded zucchini to avoid soggy poppers.
Use ground chicken with at least 7% fat content for juicier, more flavorful patties.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dipping sauce.
These poppers can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
For a dairy-free version of the sauce, substitute mayonnaise for a vegan mayo and omit the cottage cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

Keywords: chicken poppers, zucchini poppers, appetizer, healthy snack, ground chicken recipe, pan-fried chicken, cilantro dipping sauce