Ingredients
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
- 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
- Prepare the Creamy Cilantro Sauce: Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth and well combined. Chill 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: Grate the fresh zucchini using a cheese grater into small pieces. Place the grated zucchini on a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, and squeeze to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent soggy patties.
- Mix the Patties: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into 3-inch patties, making a total of 6 patties.
- Cook the Patties: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for 4 minutes on each side until they are nicely 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 (175°C) for about 2 minutes to finish cooking evenly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken zucchini poppers warm, either with the creamy cilantro dipping sauce on the side or spooned on top of each patty for extra flavor.
Notes
- If fresh chives are unavailable, green onion can be used as a substitute.
- Ground chicken thighs are preferred for a juicier, more flavorful patty, but ground chicken breast with some fat (like 93/7%) also works well.
- For a dairy-free, paleo, or Whole30 version of the sauce, omit the cottage cheese and replace it with additional mayonnaise; reduce vinegar to 1-2 teaspoons to taste and expect a thinner consistency.
- For an egg-free mayonnaise alternative, aquafaba mayo is recommended.
- These poppers can be stored in the fridge for short term or frozen for longer storage; thaw and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
