Tasty Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Chicken zucchini poppers pack a seriously delightful punch for anyone craving a lighter appetizer with bold flavors.

Crispy edges and tender interiors make these bite-sized morsels irresistibly tempting for health-conscious food lovers.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, these poppers refine simple ingredients into an exciting culinary experience.

zucchini brings moisture and subtle sweetness while chicken provides robust, satisfying nutrition that keeps hunger at bay.

Crafting these poppers requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum taste satisfaction for busy home cooks.

The accompanying creamy cilantro sauce elevates the entire dish with its smooth, tangy complexity that complements the savory poppers perfectly.

Each bite promises a delectable balance of textures and fresh, vibrant ingredients that will impress both family and guests.

Why Chicken Zucchini Poppers Are a Fresh Favorite

• Boost Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty cilantro sauce and aromatic garlic, these chicken zucchini poppers deliver a mouthwatering taste experience that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: These poppers come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sneaky Veggie Delight: Grated zucchini blends seamlessly into the chicken mixture, creating a moist and tender popper that helps you sneak extra vegetables into your family's diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Simple stovetop cooking with an optional oven finish ensures perfectly cooked, golden-brown poppers that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base with recommended fat content for juicy poppers, best when freshly ground.
• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and light texture to the poppers, provides subtle green color and nutrition.

• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the chicken mixture, provides sharp and intense flavor.
• Chives: Fresh herb that brings mild onion-like taste and bright green color to the poppers.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances overall flavor and helps bind ingredients together.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the popper's taste profile.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Fresh Cilantro, Garlic Clove: Vibrant herb and aromatic that create the base of the tangy sauce, providing fresh and zesty flavor.
• Mayonnaise, Cottage Cheese: Creamy ingredients that provide smooth texture and rich base for the sauce, adding richness and tang.
• Distilled White Vinegar: Acidic component that balances the sauce's creaminess and adds bright, sharp note.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for pan-frying poppers, ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

How to Prepare Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Cilantro Sauce

• Fresh cilantro
• Garlic clove
• Mayonnaise
• Cottage cheese
• Vinegar

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Grate zucchini using a cheese grater. Spread on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Gently press to remove excess moisture, ensuring your poppers stay crisp and delicious.

Step 3: Mix the Popper Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Minced garlic
• Chopped chives
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly and shape into 6 evenly sized patties, about 3 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet with a touch of oil over medium heat. Cook patties for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. If needed, finish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 2 minutes to ensure complete cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot poppers and drizzle with the chilled cilantro sauce. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or light meal that bursts with fresh flavors.

Pro Tip: These poppers are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispy texture.

Cooking Tips for Chicken Zucchini Poppers Success

• Squeeze Zucchini Thoroughly: Remove as much moisture as possible from grated zucchini to prevent soggy poppers and ensure a crispy exterior.
• Avoid Overmixing Meat: Gently combine ingredients to keep the chicken mixture tender and prevent tough, dense poppers.
• Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Customize Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or dill to create unique flavor profiles in the poppers.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce and popper mixture in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick and easy meal preparation.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken zucchini poppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Skillet: Warm poppers in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and restore crispy exterior. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Microwave Option: Reheat poppers on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Check temperature and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Dipping and Side Pairings for Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Pair with Zesty Lime Margarita: Complement the herbal notes of cilantro and the light chicken zucchini poppers with a refreshing margarita made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salt rim. The citrusy kick will enhance the dish's bright flavors.
• Match with Crisp Arugula Salad: Create a fresh side salad with peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The salad's crispness will balance the richness of the chicken poppers and creamy cilantro sauce.
• Serve with Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Select a crisp, herbaceous white wine that mirrors the cilantro's fresh profile. The wine's acidity will cut through the sauce's creaminess and complement the light, delicate texture of the poppers.
• Accompany with Roasted Garlic Quinoa: Prepare a simple quinoa side dish with roasted garlic to echo the garlic notes in the poppers. The quinoa's nutty flavor and protein will round out the meal beautifully.

Different Takes on Chicken Zucchini Poppers

• Herb Fusion Poppers: Swap cilantro with fresh basil or parsley for a different aromatic profile, creating a Mediterranean-inspired chicken zucchini bite.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños and ground cumin to the chicken mixture, then serve with a smoky chipotle sauce instead of cilantro cream.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip forming patties and use the chicken-zucchini mix as a filling for crisp lettuce wraps, topped with a light drizzle of sauce.
• Mediterranean Feta Boost: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the chicken mixture and garnish with chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-style transformation.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy chicken zucchini poppers deliver a flavor explosion with Mediterranean-inspired zest. Drizzled with cool cilantro sauce, these crispy bites offer a perfect balance of lean protein and fresh garden vegetables that keep your palate dancing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground chicken

Vegetables:

• 1–2 medium zucchini squash
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 small garlic clove
• 0.33 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Craft the creamy cilantro sauce by blending cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.
2. Grate zucchini using a box grater, then spread the shredded vegetable on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and gently press to extract excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture for the poppers.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, then shape the mixture into 6 evenly sized patties.
4. Heat a skillet over medium flame and lightly coat with cooking oil. Carefully place the chicken-zucchini patties into the pan, cooking for approximately 4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and the interior reaches a safe cooking temperature. If needed, transfer to a preheated 350°F oven for an additional 2 minutes to ensure complete cooking.
5. Plate the sizzling poppers and accompany with the prepared cilantro sauce. Serve immediately while the poppers are warm and crisp, allowing diners to drizzle or dip as desired.

Notes

• Creamy cilantro sauce packs a zesty punch, transforming ordinary chicken zucchini poppers into a flavor explosion.
• Squeezing moisture from zucchini ensures crispy, perfectly textured patties that won’t fall apart during cooking.
• Cooking these poppers requires careful attention to heat and timing, creating golden-brown exteriors with juicy interiors.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 80mg