Tasty Chicken Zucchini Poppers

These delightful chicken zucchini poppers transform simple ingredients into irresistible bites that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Tender ground chicken combines with fresh zucchini and savory spices to create juicy patties that serve as the perfect vehicle for the legendary creamy cilantro sauce. Whether you're seeking a protein-packed snack, a kid-friendly dinner, or a versatile meal prep option, these poppers deliver on all fronts.

I made these for a family gathering last weekend, and my nephew who "hates vegetables" devoured seven of them without realizing they contained zucchini! My fitness-focused sister-in-law immediately asked for the recipe, noting how perfect they'd be for her post-workout protein needs.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken - Creates a tender, juicy base for the poppers. Using chicken with at least 7% fat ensures the best flavor and prevents dryness. Ground thighs provide even more richness if you prefer.
• Zucchini - Adds moisture, nutrients, and a subtle sweetness while reducing the overall calorie density. The fine shred practically disappears into the chicken, making these perfect for vegetable-averse eaters.
• Garlic - Infuses the poppers with aromatic depth that complements both the chicken and zucchini. Fresh minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor.
• Chives - Contribute a mild onion flavor and bright color that elevate these simple patties. Their delicate nature works perfectly in these light bites.
• Salt and pepper - Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overwhelming them. Don't skimp here!
• Olive oil - Used for cooking the poppers to a perfect golden brown. The light flavor works beautifully with the chicken and doesn't mask the other ingredients.
• Cilantro - The star of the accompanying sauce, providing fresh, vibrant notes that transform these poppers into something extraordinary. Its brightness cuts through the richness of the other sauce ingredients.
• Mayonnaise - Creates a creamy, rich base for the sauce that clings perfectly to each popper. Using high-quality mayo makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Cottage cheese - Adds protein and incredible creaminess to the sauce without heaviness. Once blended, even cottage cheese haters won't detect it.
• White vinegar - Provides the perfect acidic balance to cut through the richness of the mayo and cottage cheese. Its clean flavor doesn't compete with the herbs.

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini properly

by grating it on the large holes of a box grater. This creates the ideal texture that will incorporate seamlessly into the ground chicken. The key step here is moisture removal—place the grated zucchini in the center of a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels, gather the edges, and twist tightly over the sink to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. You'll be surprised by how much water comes out! This critical step prevents soggy poppers that fall apart during cooking. Continue squeezing until barely any moisture comes out when you apply pressure.

Create the perfect popper mixture

by combining 1 pound of ground chicken, 1½ cups of squeezed-dry grated zucchini, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl. Use clean hands to gently mix everything together until just combined—overmixing can make the poppers tough. The mixture should be cohesive but still somewhat soft. If it feels too wet to shape, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly.

Form consistent, well-shaped patties

by dividing the mixture into 12-15 equal portions. A cookie scoop works perfectly for this, ensuring even cooking. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten between your palms to form a patty about ½-inch thick. Place the formed patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce. This chilling step helps the patties hold their shape during cooking and allows the flavors to meld.

Prepare the legendary cilantro sauce

by combining 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves (stems removed), ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth and the cilantro is finely chopped and incorporated throughout. The sauce should be vibrant green, thick enough to cling to the poppers, but smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors continue to develop as it chills, so making this ahead of time is actually beneficial.

Cook the poppers to golden perfection

by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, carefully add the patties, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than browning, which affects both texture and flavor. Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the bottom is deeply golden brown, then carefully flip with a thin spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is beautifully browned. If cooking in batches, keep the cooked poppers warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the remaining patties.

Serve immediately

with ample sauce for the best texture and flavor experience. Arrange the golden poppers on a serving plate with the creamy cilantro sauce in a small bowl alongside, or drizzle the sauce over the top for a more elegant presentation. For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice. The poppers should be juicy inside with a satisfying golden exterior, and the sauce provides the perfect creamy contrast to each bite.

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I discovered that letting the formed patties chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cooking makes a dramatic difference in how well they hold together. My first attempt skipped this step, and while they tasted great, several fell apart during flipping. Now I use this brief chilling time to prepare the sauce, which actually tastes better after sitting for a few minutes anyway!

Perfect Sauce Technique

The creamy cilantro sauce—affectionately dubbed "THE SAUCE" by devoted fans—truly makes this recipe special. For the absolute best version, pick cilantro bunches with bright, perky leaves rather than wilted ones. Remove the larger stems but include the tender upper stems for added flavor. If your food processor is struggling with the small volume, double the recipe—you'll be grateful for the extra sauce later. The sauce actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours as the flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep. For those who dislike cilantro due to the genetic variation that makes it taste soapy, an equal amount of fresh basil makes an excellent substitute. Some readers have reported success with a 50/50 combination of parsley and basil as well.

Meal Prep Mastery

These poppers excel as a meal prep option, maintaining their texture and flavor beautifully for several days. To maximize efficiency, consider making a double or triple batch—the effort remains nearly the same while providing multiple meals. For refrigerator storage, cool the cooked poppers completely before transferring to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll maintain optimal quality for 3-4 days. For freezing, arrange cooked and cooled poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to freezer bags. This flash-freezing prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to take out just what you need. Store the sauce separately in small containers—it freezes surprisingly well despite being mayo-based, though you might need to whisk it briefly after thawing to restore its creamy consistency.

Creative Serving Suggestions

While these poppers are delicious on their own with the cilantro sauce, they're incredibly versatile as part of larger meals. For a Greek-inspired twist, serve them in warm pita pockets with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes. For a low-carb option, use them as the protein in lettuce wraps with avocado slices and the cilantro sauce. They make excellent protein additions to grain bowls—try them with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of both the cilantro sauce and balsamic glaze. For a fun appetizer presentation, make the poppers smaller (about 1 tablespoon each) and serve them on a platter with toothpicks and small bowls of various dipping sauces. Children especially enjoy these as "chicken nuggets" with the sauce served as "special dip" on the side.

I developed this recipe during a summer when my garden was overflowing with zucchini, and I was looking for creative ways to use it beyond the standard zucchini bread. What started as a simple experiment has become one of my family's most requested meals. My husband, who typically reaches for seconds only on special occasions, consistently goes back for "just one more" of these poppers. There's something magical about the combination of juicy chicken, subtle zucchini, and that creamy herb sauce that makes them irresistible to even the most vegetable-averse eaters. I've served them at casual backyard gatherings and elegant dinner parties with equal success—proof that sometimes the simplest recipes become the most beloved.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these chicken zucchini poppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties up to a day ahead and store them uncooked in the refrigerator. The sauce can be made 2-3 days in advance for even better flavor.

→ How do I know when the chicken patties are fully cooked?

The patties should be golden brown on both sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open - the meat should be white with no pink showing.

→ Can I freeze these chicken zucchini poppers?

Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

→ What can I serve with these poppers?

These poppers go great with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. They also work well as an appetizer on their own with the dipping sauce.

→ How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the zucchini, and don't flip the patties until they've developed a good crust on the first side. Using ground chicken with some fat (at least 7%) also helps them hold together.