Garlic Chicken Zucchini Poppers

This hearty Chicken Zucchini Poppers recipe has become my weeknight secret weapon for getting a nutritious dinner on the table with minimal effort. The combination of juicy ground chicken and fresh zucchini creates perfectly moist patties that even vegetable-skeptical family members devour.

I first created these poppers when trying to sneak more vegetables into my family's diet. What started as a simple experiment has turned into our most requested dinner each week, especially with the addictive cilantro sauce.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: With at least 7% fat provides the perfect juicy base. Look for ground thighs rather than breast for maximum flavor
• Fresh zucchini: Adds moisture and nutrients while blending seamlessly. Choose firm medium sized squash for best results
• Minced garlic cloves: Bring essential aromatic quality. Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference here
• Chopped fresh chives: Add a delicate onion flavor. Select bright green bunches without wilting
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors. The coarser texture of kosher salt distributes better
• Oil for cooking: Prevents sticking and creates a beautiful crust. Avocado oil works wonderfully for its high smoke point
• Fresh cilantro: For the sauce brings bright herbaceous notes. Look for bunches without yellowing
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the sauce. Choose a good quality version for best results
• Cottage cheese: Adds protein and tanginess to the sauce. Small curd works best for smooth blending

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the sauce:

First blend cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor until smooth and vibrant green. The sauce needs at least 30 minutes of refrigeration to develop its flavors and thicken properly. For a chunkier texture, simply hand chop the cilantro finely and mix everything together with a spoon.

Prepare the zucchini:

Grate zucchini using the medium holes of a cheese grater, working over a paper towel. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. This critical step prevents soggy poppers and concentrates the zucchini flavor.

Mix the patty ingredients:

Combine the squeezed zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make the patties tough.

Form the patties:

Shape the mixture into six equal patties about three inches across and half an inch thick. If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of almond flour. If too dry, a teaspoon of olive oil helps bind it.

Cook the patties:

Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook patties for exactly 4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through. For thicker patties that brown quickly, finish in a 350°F oven for 2 minutes to ensure they're safely cooked through.

Serve immediately:

Plate the hot poppers with a generous dollop of the chilled cilantro sauce either on top or on the side for dipping. The temperature contrast between hot poppers and cool sauce creates a wonderful eating experience.

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The zucchini is truly the secret star of this recipe. Not only does it add nutritional value, but it creates the most tender texture in the patties. My family actually requests these over regular chicken patties now, which I consider a major victory in getting everyone to eat more vegetables without complaints.

Storage and Meal Prep

These poppers excel as meal prep champions. After cooking, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through, which preserves their texture better than microwaving.

For longer storage, freeze cooked and cooled poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen by adding an extra 5 minutes to the oven time.

Store the cilantro sauce separately in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. The sauce will stay fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator, though the vibrant green color may darken slightly over time.

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Serving Suggestions

Transform these versatile poppers into multiple meal options throughout the week. Serve them atop a crisp green salad with the cilantro sauce as dressing for a light lunch. Stuff them into warm pita pockets with cucumber and tomato for a Mediterranean twist.

For a complete dinner, pair with roasted sweet potatoes and a simple slaw. The sweetness of the potatoes beautifully complements the savory poppers. For entertaining, make mini versions as appetizers with toothpicks and a bowl of sauce for dipping.

Children especially love these formed into smaller portions, served alongside carrot sticks and apple slices for a balanced lunchbox addition that will still be appetizing at room temperature.

Dietary Modifications

This recipe easily adapts to various dietary needs. For dairy free or paleo versions, simply omit the cottage cheese from the sauce and replace with additional mayonnaise, reducing the vinegar to maintain balance.

Those following Whole30 can use compliant mayonnaise or make homemade using the suggested aquafaba mayo recipe. For egg allergies, that same aquafaba mayo provides a perfect solution.

If you prefer different herbs, basil or parsley work beautifully in place of cilantro in the sauce. The recipe also welcomes additional vegetables such as finely grated carrot or diced bell pepper folded into the chicken mixture.

Common Queries

→ How do I ensure the zucchini doesn’t make the patties soggy?

Grate the zucchini, sprinkle it with a pinch of salt, and then squeeze out the excess moisture using a paper towel before mixing it into the patty mixture.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute. Opt for a mix with a bit of fat to maintain moist and tender patties.

→ Can the sauce be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the creamy cilantro sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.

→ What can I use instead of fresh chives?

If fresh chives are unavailable, green onions are a great substitute that still offers a mild and fresh flavor.

→ How should I store leftover patties?

Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat as needed.