Craving something irresistibly savory, healthy, and packed with flavor? These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are about to become your new favorite bite-sized meal! Bursting with juicy chicken, vibrant zucchini, and a punch of garlic, these patties achieve crispy golden edges while staying super moist inside. Served with a lusciously creamy cilantro sauce, they’re not only a perfect weeknight dinner but also a gluten-free, protein-packed snack that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together these Chicken Zucchini Poppers couldn’t be simpler! Each ingredient is chosen to bring out the best taste, moist texture, and beautifully fresh color without any fuss. The magic is in the mix—simple, whole ingredients that combine for something far greater than the sum of their parts.

Ground chicken: Choose fresh chicken with a bit of fat (about 7%) for patties that stay tender and juicy during cooking.
Zucchini squash: Grated zucchini sneaks in veggies, keeps the poppers ultra-moist, and adds a lovely green fleck throughout.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives a fantastic aromatic kick; feel free to adjust more or less to taste.
Fresh chives: Chopped chives bring a subtle oniony flavor and lovely color.
Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor in the popper while helping balance the moisture from the zucchini.
Fresh black pepper: Adds that essential peppery background warmth.
Oil for cooking: Just a splash ensures a crispy, golden sear; both avocado or olive oil work well.
Fresh cilantro: An herby, aromatic base for the creamy sauce—essential for that bright finish.
Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the sauce without being heavy.
Mayonnaise: The base for the sauce that brings everything together, making it luscious and dippable.
Distilled white vinegar: Wakes up all the flavors in the sauce with a gentle zing.

How to Make Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Step 1: Make the Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Start by preparing the dreamy sauce—trust me, this is what makes Chicken Zucchini Poppers truly unforgettable! Blitz fresh cilantro, a garlic clove, mayo, cottage cheese, and vinegar in your food processor until silky smooth. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. If you don’t have a blender, a fine chop and a good stir works too! Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 2: Prep and Squeeze the Zucchini

Grate your zucchini on the large holes of a cheese grater and lay it on a paper towel. Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt and give it a gentle squeeze—removing excess liquid is crucial for poppers that hold their shape and don’t end up soggy. Measure out about 1½ cups for the perfect ratio.

Step 3: Mix the Popper Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together—using your hands works best, though a sturdy spoon does the trick too! This blend is what sets Chicken Zucchini Poppers apart from ordinary chicken patties, giving each bite a burst of juicy, herby flavor.

Step 4: Form and Shape Patties

Time to shape your mixture into little patties, about 3 inches across—aim for six even poppers. They’re soft, so handle them gently. Don’t worry if they seem a bit loose; the zucchini keeps them moist and will help them set once cooked. If you like, you can chill them in the fridge for a few minutes to help them firm up before cooking.

Step 5: Sear and Cook

Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the poppers and cook for four minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through. If they’re getting too brown before the centers are done, simply pop the skillet into a 350-degree oven for a couple of extra minutes to finish. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing—guaranteed!

Step 6: Serve with Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Slide your hot Chicken Zucchini Poppers onto a plate, spoon a little sauce on top, or serve it on the side for dipping. The creamy, herbaceous cilantro sauce is the ultimate finishing flourish—cool, tangy, and packed with freshness.

How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Garnishes

Add extra color and fresh flavor to your Chicken Zucchini Poppers with a scatter of diced chives, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a light dusting of smoked paprika. A wedge of lime on the side gives a splash of brightness for those who love a citrusy zing. For a little visual flair, drizzle extra sauce decoratively right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Zucchini Poppers with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or fluffy quinoa to round out a wholesome meal. For casual gatherings, they’re also fantastic with crunchy crudités, warm pita or tortillas, and extra veggies or slaw on the side. Their versatility is half the fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your poppers into appetizers by serving on a platter with picks for easy grabbing. Stack two into a mini sandwich with lettuce and tomato for a slider-style treat, or lay them atop a salad bowl for a vibrant lunch. Sometimes, I even tuck them inside lettuce wraps with a dollop of sauce for a gluten-free “taco” twist! Chicken Zucchini Poppers are endlessly adaptable for any meal or occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, transfer cooled Chicken Zucchini Poppers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They reheat beautifully, making them ideal for easy lunches or quick snacks. Keep the sauce separate in a small jar or container for best results.

Freezing

Chicken Zucchini Poppers freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting if you’re in a pinch. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze any leftover poppers for later meals without worry.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed poppers in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side, to preserve their lovely crisp edges. For quick lunches, the microwave works too—about 45 seconds on high per popper—just know they won’t be quite as crisp. Add a fresh dab of creamy cilantro sauce to bring everything back to life!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly in place of chicken for these poppers, though they may be just a touch leaner. You might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mixture to keep them moist. Either way, you’ll get the same wonderful flavors and texture.

What’s the best way to remove moisture from the zucchini?

After grating your zucchini, spread it out on a clean towel or sturdy paper towel, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. Then, gather up the towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step keeps your Chicken Zucchini Poppers from turning soggy and ensures a fantastic texture!

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap out the cottage cheese for a spoonful of unsweetened plant-based yogurt or leave it out entirely and use only mayonnaise. The sauce is flexible and the cilantro, garlic, and vinegar will still shine for dipping your Chicken Zucchini Poppers.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can! Place shaped patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is slightly less crisp than pan-searing, but still utterly delicious—and clean-up is a breeze.

How do I make these poppers spicier?

If you love heat, add a finely minced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture before shaping. Alternatively, stir a few drops of hot sauce into the creamy cilantro sauce for a spicy, tangy finish on every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a downright delicious way to sneak more veggies into your meals—or just need a new go-to dinner—these Chicken Zucchini Poppers are bound to win you over. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp-tender zucchini, and zesty cilantro sauce is sheer comfort with a healthy twist. Give them a try and see just how fun and flavorful healthy eating can be!