Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA warm scent wafted through my kitchen, instantly coaxing my family into the heart of our home. As the golden-brown Chicken Zucchini Poppers sizzled away, I could hardly contain my excitement for this delicious, low-carb creation. These poppers balance a crispy exterior with a juicy, protein-packed center—all while being gluten-free and perfect for keto or Whole30 lifestyles. The best part? They come together in no time, making them the ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous get-togethers. Pair them with a zesty Creamy Cilantro Sauce, and you’ve got a flavorful dish that leaves everyone wanting more. Are you ready to elevate your snack game with these tasty poppers? Why Are These Poppers a Must-Try? Easy Preparation: The Chicken Zucchini Poppers are incredibly simple to whip up, making them perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Flavor Explosion: Bursting with herbs and spices, each bite offers a delicious blend that’s both savory and satisfying, especially when dipped in the creamy cilantro sauce. Low-Carb Delight: Ideal for keto, gluten-free, and Whole30 diets, these poppers offer a guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing flavor. Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, a healthy snack, or as a main dish paired with fresh vegetable sticks or a light salad. Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, these poppers will likely be the star of the show, leaving your guests craving seconds! Elevate your culinary repertoire and satisfy your taste buds with these delightful poppers! For more tasty ideas, check out my Poblano Chicken Tacos or Pesto Chicken Broccoli. Chicken Zucchini Poppers Ingredients Discover the perfect medley of flavors with these Chicken Zucchini Poppers. For the Poppers • Ground Chicken – Main protein source; choose at least 7% fat for better flavor. • Zucchini – Adds moisture; grate and squeeze out excess liquid for optimal texture. • Garlic – Offers robust flavor; adjust the quantity to your liking. • Chives – Provides a subtle onion taste; can be replaced with green onions. • Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; use according to taste preference. • Black Pepper – Adds mild heat and depth to the dish. • Oil for Cooking – Needed for frying; choose high smoke-point oil like avocado or canola. For the Creamy Sauce • Fresh Cilantro – Star of the sauce; substitute with parsley or basil if desired. • Mayonnaise – Creates creamy texture; consider avocado mayo for a healthier option. • Cottage Cheese – Adds texture; replace with more mayo for a dairy-free version. • White Vinegar – Balances the richness of the sauce; essential for flavor enhancement. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Zucchini Poppers Step 1: Grate the Zucchini Using a box grater, grate the zucchini into a bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let it sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After the time is up, tightly squeeze the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible, ensuring a perfect texture for your Chicken Zucchini Poppers. Step 2: Mix Ingredients In a medium bowl, combine the drained zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, black pepper, and additional salt to taste. Mix everything together using your hands until the mixture is sticky yet cohesive. This blend will create juicy Chicken Zucchini Poppers, packed with flavor and moisture. Step 3: Form Patties Shape the mixture into six small patties, about one inch thick, ensuring they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking. Place each patty gently on a sheet of parchment paper, helping to prevent sticking. This step is essential for achieving that delicious crispy exterior when you cook the poppers later. Step 4: Prepare Cilantro Sauce In a food processor, add fresh cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and white vinegar. Blend these ingredients on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This zesty cilantro sauce will perfectly complement your Chicken Zucchini Poppers, enhancing their flavors. Once blended, refrigerate the sauce until serving. Step 5: Cook Patties Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and coat it with oil, allowing it to shimmer. Carefully place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on one side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. This elevated temperature helps to achieve a crispy exterior while locking in moisture. Step 6: Flip and Finish Using a spatula, gently flip each Chicken Zucchini Popper and cook for another 4 minutes. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, confirming safe consumption and perfect juiciness. The luscious poppers should be golden on both sides, further enhancing the delectable experience you’re creating. Step 7: Serve Once cooked, carefully plate the warm Chicken Zucchini Poppers alongside the chilled cilantro sauce. This irresistible combination will present beautifully, inviting your family and friends to dive into this delightful dish. The crispy poppers paired with the creamy dip will surely make this a memorable meal! What to Serve with Low-Carb Chicken Zucchini Poppers? Bring out the best of your Chicken Zucchini Poppers with these delightful side dishes that complement their flavors and textures. Crispy Garden Salad: A light salad with a mix of greens adds freshness, providing a crunchy contrast to the warm, savory poppers. Creamy Cauliflower Mash: This low-carb alternative is smooth and buttery, offering a satisfying creaminess that pairs beautifully with the poppers. Roasted Asparagus: Tender and slightly charred, these green spears bring a delightful earthy flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce perfectly. Spicy Avocado Salsa: Bright, zesty, and a touch spicy, this salsa brings a refreshing burst that can enhance the overall dish while adding a pop of color. Zucchini Noodles: These spiralized noodles can serve as a delightful base, mirroring the poppers’ main ingredient while keeping the meal light and low-carb. Chilled Cucumber Salad: Crisp, refreshing, and lightly dressed, this salad adds a delightful crunch and enhances the dish’s overall freshness. Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink option that cuts through the richness of the poppers and cleanses the palate. Chocolate Avocado Mousse: For dessert, this rich, creamy treat is low in carbs, providing a sweet yet healthy end to your meal that doesn’t compromise your diet. With each of these pairings, you’ll enhance your dining experience and create a memorable meal everyone will love! Storage Tips for Chicken Zucchini Poppers Room Temperature: Chicken Zucchini Poppers can be left out for up to 2 hours after cooking; if needed beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate them. Fridge: Store cooked poppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunch, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze raw patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months; no thawing needed before cooking! Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat cooked poppers in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a homemade dish even on the busiest weeknights! You can prepare the chicken and zucchini mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the drained zucchini, ground chicken, and seasonings, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy cilantro sauce can also be made ahead and will stay fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the patties directly from the fridge to achieve the same crispy exterior and tender inside. Following these make-ahead options ensures that your Chicken Zucchini Poppers are just as delicious, all while saving you valuable time in the kitchen! Expert Tips for Chicken Zucchini Poppers Moisture Control: Always squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini. This prevents soggy Chicken Zucchini Poppers, ensuring they remain crispy and delicious. Flavor Boost: For added flavor, use ground chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, leading to juicier and more flavorful poppers! Check Oil Heat: Preheat the skillet until the oil shimmers before adding the patties. This helps achieve a crispy outer layer and prevents sticking. Cooking Time Awareness: Monitor the internal temperature of the patties. They should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption, ensuring a fully cooked yet moist interior. Herb Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, in the popper mixture to customize flavors while staying true to the essence of Chicken Zucchini Poppers. Chicken Zucchini Poppers Variations Feel free to get creative and tailor these poppers to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Turkey Swap: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Beef It Up: Try using ground beef for a heartier flavor that pairs beautifully with the cilantro sauce. Herb Infusion: Instead of chives, experiment with fresh dill or parsley for a refreshing twist that brightens up each bite! Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a delightful zesty heat that makes your taste buds dance. Creamy Change: Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese in the sauce for a tangy, protein-packed alternative. It also adds creaminess without the extra calories! Zesty Boost: Replace white vinegar in the sauce with lime juice for a citrusy pop that enhances the zesty cilantro flavors. Cheese Lover’s Dream: Stir in shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar into the popper mixture for an extra layer of gooey goodness. Veggie Delight: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or spinach into the popper mixture for a veggie boost that doesn’t compromise crunchiness, as seen in my Hot Honey Chicken. For more delicious variations or ideas, check out my recipe for Chicken Dumplings Cozy or try making some tasty Popcorn Chicken Snack. Customize to your heart’s content! Low-Carb Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right zucchini for the Chicken Zucchini Poppers? Absolutely! When selecting zucchini, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and a vibrant green color. Avoid any zucchinis with dark spots or soft spots, as these can indicate overripeness. For the best results, choose medium-sized zucchinis—too large can be watery. What’s the best way to store cooked Chicken Zucchini Poppers? Very important! Store the cooked poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat while maintaining their crispy exterior, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps restore that delightful crunch instead of using a microwave, which may make them soggy. Can I freeze the raw Chicken Zucchini Poppers? How do I do it? Absolutely, it’s super easy! Lay the formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a zip-top bag. Label it and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can cook them directly from frozen; just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time while ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. What should I do if the mixture feels too wet for shaping? No problem! If you find the mixture a bit too moist, you can add a tablespoon of almond flour or coconut flour to absorb the excess liquid. This will help bind everything together while ensuring the poppers don’t fall apart during cooking. Additionally, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible before mixing. Are there any dietary considerations for the Chicken Zucchini Poppers? Of course! These poppers are gluten-free, making them a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities. For dairy-free options, use avocado mayo instead of regular mayonnaise and omit the cottage cheese in the sauce. If you’re cooking for pets, make sure to keep the poppers away from them, as ingredients like garlic can be harmful to certain animals. How long can I store the creamy cilantro sauce? Absolutely! The creamy cilantro sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find the sauce gets too thick, just stir in a little water or extra vinegar to reach your desired consistency when serving. Delicious Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Dip Try these Chicken Zucchini Poppers, a low-carb snack that balances a crispy exterior with a juicy center, perfect for keto diets. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 8 minutes minsTotal Time 23 minutes mins Servings: 6 poppersCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Poppers1 pound Ground Chicken Choose at least 7% fat for better flavor.1 medium Zucchini Grate and squeeze out excess liquid.2 cloves Garlic Adjust according to taste.2 tablespoons Chives Can be replaced with green onions.1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Use according to taste preference.1 teaspoon Black Pepper2 tablespoons Oil for Cooking Choose high smoke-point oil like avocado or canola.For the Creamy Sauce1 cup Fresh Cilantro Substitute with parsley or basil if desired.1/2 cup Mayonnaise Consider avocado mayo for a healthier option.1/2 cup Cottage Cheese Replace with more mayo for a dairy-free version.1 tablespoon White Vinegar Essential for flavor enhancement. Equipment Box GraterMedium Bowlfood processornonstick skilletspatulaParchment paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Zucchini PoppersGrate the zucchini into a bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, and let sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture in a towel.Combine the drained zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, black pepper, and additional salt in a medium bowl. Mix until cohesive.Form the mixture into six small patties, about one inch thick. Place each patty on parchment paper.Blend fresh cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and white vinegar in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, coat with oil, and cook the patties for about 4 minutes on one side.Flip the poppers and cook for another 4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.Serve warm Chicken Zucchini Poppers alongside the chilled cilantro sauce. Nutrition Serving: 2poppersCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor added flavor, use ground chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier poppers. Always check the temperature for safe consumption. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
