Delicious Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe You Need to Try Tonight
I just made a batch of these Chicken Zucchini Poppers, and they vanished in minutes! They’re unbelievably juicy on the inside with a perfect golden-brown crust. It’s my new favorite way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing.
These little bites are so versatile and simple to whip up. If you enjoy this, you should explore our guide to the Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Pretzel Rolls Recipe for another creative meal idea.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making these countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make them even better:
- Don’t skip the chill time. Letting the mixture rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes really helps the flavors come together and makes the poppers easier to shape.
- Use a cookie scoop. For uniform size and even cooking, I use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture. It’s faster and less messy.
- Test one first. Before cooking the whole batch, I like to fry up one test popper. This allows me to check the seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Get a good sear. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the poppers. This helps create that irresistible crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles to make it your own. It’s one of my go-to dinner recipes when I want to be creative.
- Spicy Southwest Style: Add a finely chopped jalapeño, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro to the mixture. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or avocado crema.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Mix in 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, and the zest of one lemon. These are amazing with a tzatziki dipping sauce.
- Asian-Inspired Twist: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Serve with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Equipment You Need
- Box Grater: To finely grate the zucchini.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth: Essential for squeezing excess water from the zucchini.
- Large Skillet: For pan-frying the poppers to a golden crisp.
- Spatula: For flipping the poppers easily.
How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Presentation can make these simple bites feel extra special.
- Serve them on a platter with an array of dipping sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, or a creamy ranch dressing.
- For a complete meal, pair them with a fresh green salad and some roasted sweet potato wedges.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
- They make a great appetizer course before serving a dessert like our Pink Lemonade Pie.
Calories Count
Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary. This is based on a serving of 4-5 poppers.
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
How to Store Chicken Zucchini Poppers
These poppers are great for making ahead.
- Refrigerating: Store cooled poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooked poppers on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to add these poppers to your regular meal rotation.
- Perfectly Healthy-ish: They are packed with lean protein and hidden vegetables, making them a nutritious choice.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or pack them for lunch.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: They are a certified crowd-pleaser, loved by both kids and adults.
More Important Details
The key to a great popper is achieving the right texture. The zucchini adds moisture, but too much will make them fall apart. That’s why squeezing out the water is the most vital step. Don’t rush it! Also, when mixing, be gentle.
Overmixing ground chicken can make it tough, and you want these to be tender. Whether you’re making them for a party or just a simple weeknight dinner, these poppers are a reliable and delicious option that proves healthy food can be truly satisfying.
Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, grate the zucchini using the medium holes on a box grater. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze it firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for preventing soggy poppers.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained zucchini, ground chicken, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and the egg. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If the mixture seems overly wet, add a tablespoon of almond flour or breadcrumbs.
- Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can lead to tough poppers. For best results, cover the bowl and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
- Once chilled, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into patties or balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. I like to slightly flatten them into discs, as this helps them cook more evenly. You should be able to make around 20 to 24 poppers.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the poppers in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook them in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked poppers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the delicious results of your work.