Description
These Chicken Zucchini Poppers offer a delicious and healthy twist on traditional chicken patties, combining ground chicken with fresh shredded zucchini and aromatic herbs. Served with a creamy cilantro-garlic dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or light meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 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)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Garlic Dipping Sauce: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and distilled white vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth and well combined. Place the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all ingredients by hand, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Using a cheese grater, shred the zucchini into small pieces. Place the shredded zucchini on a paper towel, lightly sprinkle with kosher salt, and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the patties.
- Mix the Chicken Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded and drained zucchini, minced garlic, chopped fresh chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed. Form the mixture into six 3-inch patties.
- Cook the Patties: 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 become browned but are not fully cooked, transfer them to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 2 minutes to finish cooking.
- Serve: Serve the warm chicken zucchini poppers with the cilantro garlic dipping sauce on the side, or spoon a bit of the sauce on top of each popper before serving for extra flavor.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze excess moisture from the zucchini to ensure the patties hold together and cook evenly.
- Using ground chicken with at least 7% fat adds juiciness and flavor to the patties.
- The dipping sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to deepen its flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
