Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Cilantro Garlic Mayo Dipping Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
