Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a flavorful and healthy appetizer or snack packed with tender ground chicken and fresh zucchini. Paired with a creamy cilantro sauce, they offer a delightful, juicy bite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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

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

1. Step 1: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to thicken and let the flavors meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all ingredients by hand, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Grate zucchini using a cheese grater. Place the shredded zucchini on a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, and squeeze out excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into six patties about 3 inches in diameter.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly and are not fully cooked, transfer them to a 350°F oven for about 2 minutes to finish cooking.
5. Step 5: Serve the poppers warm with the creamy cilantro sauce on the side or spoon a little sauce on top of each popper before serving.

Tips & Variations

• If fresh chives are unavailable, substitute with chopped green onion for a similar flavor.
• For juicier poppers, use ground chicken thighs instead of lean breast meat.
• To make the sauce dairy-free, omit the cottage cheese and increase mayonnaise slightly; reduce vinegar to 1-2 teaspoons to taste.
• For an egg-free mayonnaise option, try an Aquafaba Mayo recipe.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness. The creamy cilantro sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the poppers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or lean pork can be used as substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure the meat is cooked through.

How do I prevent the zucchini from making the poppers watery?

Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with salt, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth. This step is crucial to avoid soggy poppers.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are deliciously juicy chicken patties mixed with fresh shredded zucchini and aromatic chives, served with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce. They’re quick to make on the stovetop and perfect as a healthy snack or light meal, offering a flavorful and moist bite thanks to the combination of ground chicken thighs and fresh veggies.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 poppers (serves 3) 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Creamy Cilantro 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

1. Prepare the Cilantro Sauce: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all sauce ingredients by hand, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Zucchini and Chicken Mixture: Grate the zucchini using a cheese grater and place the shreds on a paper towel. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Form Patties: Shape the chicken and zucchini mixture into 3-inch diameter patties, making about six patties in total.
4. Cook the Poppers: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly but are not fully cooked inside, transfer them to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for an additional 2 minutes to finish cooking.
5. Serve: Serve the chicken zucchini poppers warm, either with the creamy cilantro sauce on the side for dipping or spooned over the poppers as a topping for extra flavor.

Notes

• If fresh chives are unavailable, substitute with green onion.
• Ground chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor; if using chicken breast, choose one with some fat content like 93/7%.
• To make the sauce dairy-free, paleo, or Whole30 compliant, omit the cottage cheese and replace it with additional mayonnaise; reduce vinegar to 1-2 teaspoons to taste. The sauce consistency may be thinner.
• For an egg-free mayonnaise option, try making Aquafaba Mayo.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage. Defrost thoroughly before reheating.

Keywords: chicken zucchini poppers, chicken patties, zucchini recipes, healthy snacks, creamy cilantro sauce