Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Looking for a healthy, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with protein and veggies? These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are the perfect solution. They’re tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making them an excellent option for a light dinner, an appetizer, or a protein-packed snack. Paired with a tangy and creamy cilantro sauce, these poppers are sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Zucchini 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
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)

For the Creamy Cilantro 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

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce

1. In a food processor, combine the fresh cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar. Blend until well combined and smooth.
2. Place the sauce in the fridge to thicken and allow the flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can finely chop the cilantro and mix everything by hand if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
3. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Zucchini Poppers

1. Grate the zucchini using a cheese grater into small pieces. Place the grated zucchini on a paper towel, sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt, and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent the poppers from becoming too watery.
2. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Mix until well combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the mixture into 3-inch patties; you should get about 6 patties from the mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Poppers

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the chicken patties for about 4 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. If the patties are browning too quickly but aren’t fully cooked, transfer them to a 350°F oven for an additional 2 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the poppers warm with the creamy cilantro sauce on the side for dipping, or top each popper with a spoonful of the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Enjoy these poppers as a main course, appetizer, or snack.

Quick Tips

• Storage: Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or in the oven before serving.
• Make It Your Own: Add a bit of spice to the poppers by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also swap the chives for green onions or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestion: These poppers are perfect on their own but also pair well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even in a pita or wrap for a satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Calories: 210 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce are not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or serving at a party, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!

Print