Description
These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a delicious and healthy appetizer made from ground chicken and grated zucchini, blended with fresh herbs and spices. Perfectly pan-fried to a golden crisp or alternatively baked for a lighter option, they offer a flavorful bite that’s low in carbs and high in protein, ideal for gluten-free diets when made with almond flour. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup zucchini (grated and squeezed dry)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup green onions (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup almond flour or breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated and squeezed zucchini, minced garlic, finely chopped green onions, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, egg, almond flour or breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Poppers: Using damp hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into small patties or balls approximately 2 inches wide. Ensuring even size helps them cook uniformly.
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, making sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when a popper is added but not smoking.
- Cook Poppers: Add the poppers in batches to the skillet, cooking each side for 3–4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove cooked poppers and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil if needed. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce such as tzatziki, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly dust the poppers with flour before pan-frying.
- These poppers can also be baked at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking for even browning.
- They pair well with dipping sauces like tzatziki, ranch, or spicy mayonnaise for added flavor.
