Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Blog Post Title: Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Introduction:

Looking for a healthy, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress? These Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce are a perfect choice! Made with lean ground chicken and fresh zucchini, these poppers are light, juicy, and packed with flavor. The creamy cilantro sauce adds a delicious tang that complements the poppers beautifully. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more.

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Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Ingredients:

For the 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 🥄

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Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
In a food processor, combine the cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. For a thicker sauce and to allow the flavors to meld, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer, you can finely chop the cilantro and mix the ingredients by hand. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 🌿🧄🥄

2️⃣ Grate the Zucchini:
Using a cheese grater, shred the zucchini into small pieces. Place the grated zucchini on a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is essential to ensure the poppers hold together well during cooking. 🥒🧂

3️⃣ Mix the Poppers Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chives, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a dash of fresh black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Shape the mixture into 3-inch patties, yielding about 6 patties. 🍗🧄🌿

4️⃣ Cook the Poppers:
Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, cook the chicken patties for about 4 minutes on each side, until they are browned and cooked through. If the patties brown too quickly and need more cooking time, you can transfer them to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 2 minutes. 🍳🔥

5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the poppers warm, either with the creamy cilantro sauce on the side or drizzled on top. These poppers are perfect as a main dish or an appetizer. Pair them with a light salad or your favorite side dish for a complete meal. 🌿🍽️

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Recipe Notes:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 250 Kcal per serving

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are not only healthy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as part of a light lunch, a filling dinner, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering. The creamy cilantro sauce adds a refreshing twist that perfectly balances the savory flavors of the poppers. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite in your household!

Happy Cooking!

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